Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Lombard residents have discovered something that might surprise you: the best LASIK surgery in Chicago requires a trip downtown, but it's absolutely worth it. Dr. Colman Kraff wasn't just another ophthalmologist when he started performing laser vision correction—he was the first in all of Chicagoland to use the VISX Excimer Laser. That pioneering approach has continued for over 35 years, and it shows in the results.
You've probably heard horror stories about LASIK gone wrong. Here's what makes Kraff Eye Institute different: they're one of only ten practices in the entire United States working directly with the FDA on clinical trials for new laser technology. When you drive in from Lombard, you're not getting yesterday's techniques. You're getting tomorrow's innovations, today.
The commute from your neighborhood into downtown Chicago takes about 40 minutes on a good day. Longer during rush hour, obviously. But patients keep making that drive because Dr. Kraff has performed over 70,000 laser procedures since 1991. Those numbers don't lie.
To schedule a consultation, please call (312) 444-1111. To inquire about other services, please fill out our Vision Correction Consultation form.
Schedule ConsultationLASIK remains the gold standard, but not all LASIK is created equal. The VISX laser technology at Kraff Eye Institute has been refined through decades of use. Each procedure gets customized to your specific eye measurements—not some generic template that works for most people.
PRK serves patients whose corneas are too thin for traditional LASIK. Many practices will simply turn these patients away. Dr. Kraff has the experience to handle complex cases that other surgeons won't touch. Higher prescriptions, previous eye surgeries, unusual corneal shapes—these challenging situations are where his expertise really shines.
The diagnostic equipment here maps every microscopic detail of your corneal surface. Standard eye exams miss subtleties that can make or break your surgical outcome. This level of precision explains why patients travel from suburbs across Chicagoland specifically for treatment here.
Advanced doesn't always mean better, but in this case, it does. The technology has evolved dramatically since the early days of laser surgery, and Dr. Kraff has stayed at the forefront of every major advancement.
Dr. Kraff's credentials speak for themselves: American Board of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American College of Ophthalmic Surgeons. These aren't just fancy titles. They represent ongoing education and peer recognition at the highest levels.
Being located in Chicago's medical district creates advantages you won't find elsewhere. Access to cutting-edge research, collaboration with other specialists, participation in FDA trials—these opportunities simply don't exist in strip mall locations.
The downtown location also means you're getting a surgeon who handles volume. Dr. Kraff performs hundreds of procedures annually, which keeps his skills sharp and his complication rates low. Suburban practices often lack this level of consistent experience.
Chicago's central location serves the entire metropolitan area efficiently. Public transportation, parking options, nearby amenities—everything flows together to make your treatment more convenient than you'd expect.
Washington Street between State and Wabash buzzes with activity, but 25 East Washington stands out among the classic Loop architecture. The Chicago Theatre's iconic marquee sits just blocks away, making it an easy landmark for orientation.
Parking can be tricky downtown. The building offers validated parking, which solves the problem cleanly. The Standard Parking garage on Wabash runs about two blocks east and charges reasonable rates. Street parking exists but gets competitive fast, especially during business hours.
Walgreens has multiple locations within walking distance for prescription fills. Coffee shops and casual restaurants cluster throughout the area, though you probably won't feel like eating much immediately after surgery. The concentration of businesses means whatever you need, you can likely find it nearby.
The Loop's grid system makes navigation straightforward once you get oriented. Streets run east-west, avenues run north-south, and the numbers increase as you move away from the center. Simple enough.
Total: 19.8 miles, 35-45 minutes depending on traffic
Driving back to Lombard immediately after LASIK isn't recommended. Your eyes need rest, and you have a follow-up appointment the next day anyway. The Palmer House Hilton sits three blocks away on State Street, close enough to walk to your next-day visit.
Lou Mitchell's on Jackson Boulevard has served straightforward comfort food since 1923. Nothing fancy, just solid meals that won't upset a post-surgery stomach. The Gage on State Street offers more upscale dining if you want to treat your downtown stay as something special.
Staying overnight eliminates the stress of navigating traffic twice and ensures you get proper rest before your crucial next-day checkup. Sometimes the practical choice is also the smart choice.
Call Kraff Eye Institute at 312-757-7335 to book your comprehensive evaluation. The office at 25 E Washington St Ste 606, Chicago, IL 60602 welcomes patients from throughout Chicagoland.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Stop putting off clear vision. The consultation will answer your questions and determine if you're a good candidate.
Pain during LASIK surgery is essentially non-existent thanks to numbing drops. You might feel pressure as the laser works, but actual pain doesn't occur. Dr. Kraff's three decades of experience have taught him techniques that minimize even minor discomfort. (1)
Post-surgery feels like having something in your eye for 24-48 hours. Not pleasant, but manageable with the medications provided. Most Lombard patients return to normal activities within a day or two. Chicago's medical standards ensure proper pain management protocols, and experienced surgeons like Dr. Kraff have refined their approach to keep discomfort minimal.
The brief discomfort is temporary. The improved vision lasts for decades.
Dry eyes can persist for several months after surgery, though this usually resolves completely. Night vision changes affect some patients—halos or glare around lights, particularly during early healing. These effects typically diminish over time.
Perfect 20/20 vision isn't guaranteed for everyone. Most of Dr. Kraff's patients achieve excellent results, but some still need reading glasses eventually or might require touch-up procedures. Cost represents a significant upfront investment, though many patients find the long-term savings on glasses and contacts make it worthwhile.
Chicago winters can feel harsh on healing eyes initially. The dry indoor air and cold outdoor temperatures might cause temporary discomfort during recovery.
PRK costs less than LASIK and works better for patients with thin corneas. Dr. Kraff can determine during consultation whether PRK suits your situation better than traditional LASIK.
Contact lenses seem cheaper initially but add up quickly over time. Most Lombard residents are shocked when they calculate annual costs for contacts, solutions, and replacement pairs.
The cheapest option isn't always the best value. Dr. Kraff's extensive experience and low complication rates often make his care the better long-term investment, even at higher upfront costs. Financing options help make quality surgery more accessible.
You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below
312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
