Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
You know that feeling when you're squinting at the Blue Line map, trying to figure out which stop is yours? Or when you're enjoying a summer concert at Madison Street but can't quite make out the band from the back? If you're tired of fumbling for glasses every morning in Forest Park, there's a solution waiting just 25 minutes east on the Eisenhower.
Kraff Eye Institute has been transforming vision for Chicagoland residents since 1991, and we've helped countless Forest Park neighbors see their community with crystal clarity. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, our state-of-the-art facility represents more than three decades of pioneering laser vision correction. Dr. Colman Kraff wasn't just the first ophthalmologist to perform VISX Excimer Laser procedures in the entire Chicagoland area – he's performed over 70,000 successful procedures, including for many of your Forest Park neighbors who made the easy trek downtown.
To schedule a consultation, please call (312) 444-1111. To inquire about other services, please fill out our Vision Correction Consultation form.
Schedule ConsultationHere's what sets our treatment options apart. LASIK eye surgery Chicago patients experience isn't just about zapping away nearsightedness. We offer comprehensive refractive solutions tailored to your specific vision challenges. Whether you're dealing with astigmatism that makes those Forest Park street signs blur together, or presbyopia that's making it harder to read the menu at Aunt Diana's, we've got advanced techniques that go beyond basic correction.
Our PRK procedures offer an excellent alternative for patients whose corneas might be too thin for traditional LASIK. And for those unique cases? Dr. Kraff's participation in FDA clinical trials means you're getting access to cutting-edge technology that most practices won't see for years. The personalized wavefront mapping we use creates a correction pattern as unique as your fingerprint – because your eyes deserve better than a one-size-fits-all approach
Let's be honest – you could probably find LASIK providers closer to Forest Park. But here's the thing: when it comes to your vision, proximity shouldn't trump expertise. Our patients regularly tell us the quick drive on 290 is worth it when they realize they're working with one of only ten centers nationwide selected for advanced FDA trials.
The difference shows in the details. While other practices might rush you through a consultation, we take the time to map every nuance of your cornea. Our VISX laser technology – the same system Dr. Kraff has mastered through tens of thousands of procedures – delivers precision that generic laser centers simply can't match. And unlike high-volume chains, you'll work directly with Dr. Kraff from consultation through recovery. That personal touch matters when you're trusting someone with your vision.
Picture this: you're heading east on Washington Street, and you've just passed the iconic Chicago Theatre sign on your right. Our building sits at the corner of Washington and LaSalle, a gleaming office tower that's hard to miss. The Walgreens on the ground floor makes it even easier to spot – we're right above it on the sixth floor.
Parking? You've got options. The garage at 20 E Randolph (just around the corner) offers convenient covered parking, and there's usually space even during busy weekday mornings. If you prefer street parking, the meters along LaSalle typically have openings after 10 AM. Pro tip: the small lot behind the Goodman Theatre on Dearborn sometimes has hidden spots that locals overlook. Once inside our building, the modern lobby with its marble floors and art deco touches sets the tone – this isn't your typical medical office. The security desk will direct you to the express elevators that zip straight to our floor.
Total distance: 16.4 miles (25-35 minutes depending on traffic)
Avoid rush hour if possible – that 7-9 AM window can double your commute
Since LASIK requires a next-day follow-up and you'll want to rest immediately after surgery, many Forest Park patients book a nearby hotel. The Club Quarters at 111 W Adams (a 5-minute walk) offers reasonable rates and blackout curtains perfect for post-procedure rest. The Hampton Inn on E Wacker provides river views if you're feeling fancy.
For that pre-surgery meal, Goddess and the Baker on Wacker serves comfort food that won't leave you jittery. After your follow-up appointment, celebrate your new vision at The Purple Pig – just don't blame us if the menu prices are clearer than you remembered! The Italian Village has been a patient favorite for decades, especially their quieter upstairs dining room.
Ready to see Forest Park – and everything else – with stunning clarity? Your journey to better vision starts with a simple phone call. Reach out to Kraff Eye Institute at 312-757-7335 to schedule your personalized consultation. We're open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with select Saturday appointments available for busy professionals.
Visit us at 25 E Washington St, Suite 606, Chicago, IL 60602. Your new vision awaits just 25 minutes east on the Eisenhower.
Actually, you can cry after LASIK – your tear ducts still work perfectly fine! The confusion comes from post-surgery instructions about avoiding rubbing your eyes. Those happy tears when you see the scoreboard at Proviso East basketball games clearly for the first time? Totally fine. What we don't want is the physical rubbing or pressing that often accompanys crying. For the first week, your corneal flap is healing, and aggressive eye rubbing could potentially disturb that healing process. So if you get emotional watching your kid's performance at the Forest Park middle school – and trust us, seeing their face clearly from the back row might make you misty – just dab gently with a tissue. The tears themselves actually help keep your eyes moist during recovery.
Yes, you're awake, but here's what that really means – you'll be completely comfortable and relaxed. We use numbing drops that work so well, most patients are surprised they don't feel anything beyond light pressure. Think of it like getting dental work done, except easier. You'll get a mild sedative if you want one (many Forest Park patients skip it for the quick drive home), and the whole procedure takes about 15 minutes total. Dr. Kraff talks you through each step, and our laser has advanced tracking technology that follows your eye movements automatically. Even if you sneeze or shift slightly, the laser adjusts instantly. The most challenging part? Keeping your eyes open – but we've got a gentle device that helps with that too.
Here's something that surprises Forest Park patients – many people can read the clock in our waiting room immediately after standing up from the procedure! Your vision continues improving over the first 24 hours, which is why we schedule that next-day follow-up. By the time you're back home watching TV or reading the Wednesday Journal, you'll notice dramatic improvement. Most patients hit their target vision within a week, though complete healing takes about three months. During that time, you might experience minor fluctuations, especially with night driving on Harlem Avenue. But typically? You'll be seeing 20/20 (or better!) by your one-week checkup. Dr. Kraff's precision means about 96% of our patients achieve their vision goals, often exceeding what they ever experienced with glasses or contacts.
You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below
312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
