Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
You know that feeling when you wake up and reach for your glasses? If you're from Maywood and considering LASIK eye surgery, you've probably wondered whether it's worth driving all the way to downtown Chicago for the procedure. Here's what we can tell you: when Dr. Colman Kraff performed the very first VISX Excimer Laser procedure in all of Chicagoland, patients from Maywood were among those early pioneers who trusted their vision to his expertise. Today, over 70,000 procedures later, that trust continues to bring your neighbors to our doors.
The journey from Maywood to our Washington Street office takes about 25 minutes on a good day. Sure, there are closer options. But when we're talking about your eyes—the only pair you'll ever have—proximity shouldn't be the deciding factor. Kraff Eye Institute has spent more than 30 years perfecting the art and science of vision correction. We're located right in Chicago's medical district for a reason. This isn't just about convenience; it's about being surrounded by the finest medical resources in the Midwest.
To schedule a consultation, please call (312) 444-1111. To inquire about other services, please fill out our Vision Correction Consultation form.
Schedule ConsultationLASIK eye surgery remains our most popular procedure, and for good reason. Using the state-of-the-art VISX Excimer Laser, we reshape your cornea with incredible precision. The actual laser time? About 30 seconds per eye. The entire procedure takes roughly 20 minutes for both eyes. That's less time than your commute from Maywood, and the results last a lifetime.
But here's something important: LASIK isn't right for everyone. That's why we also offer PRK, which achieves similar results using a slightly different technique. Some patients have thinner corneas, or other factors that make PRK the better choice. The point is, we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our diagnostic equipment—some of which you won't find anywhere else in Illinois—helps us determine exactly which procedure will give you the best results. We're one of only ten centers in the entire United States trusted by the FDA to test new laser vision technology. Think about that for a moment. Out of thousands of eye centers, we're one of ten.
Let's be honest here. You could probably find LASIK surgery closer to home. So why do so many Maywood residents make the trip to see us? Experience matters. Dr. Kraff has been performing laser vision correction for 35 years. Not dabbling in it, not adding it to his practice recently—specializing in it for three and a half decades. He's recognized nationally for his expertise, performing hundreds of these procedures every year.
Being part of FDA clinical trials means we often have access to technology that won't be widely available for years. Our location in Chicago's medical district puts us at the heart of medical innovation. We're members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Board of Ophthalmology, and other prestigious organizations that keep us at the forefront of vision science. More importantly, we're surrounded by world-class medical facilities. While serious complications are extremely rare in modern LASIK, having that level of backup provides peace of mind you simply can't get in a strip mall setting.
Finding us is easier than you might think. We're at 25 E Washington Street, sixth floor, suite 606. Look for the building with the Walgreens on the ground level—you really can't miss it. If you spot the bright lights of the Chicago Theatre marquee, you've gone about half a block too far west, but that's actually a great landmark to navigate by.
Parking downtown doesn't have to be a hassle. The garage at 20 E Randolph is right around the corner and usually has plenty of spaces. Some of our regulars from Maywood swear by the LAZ Parking at 40 E Madison, especially for those early morning appointments—they have an early bird special that makes it pretty affordable. If you prefer valet service, the Palmer House Hilton is just a block south and they'll take care of your car while you take care of your eyes.
The neighborhood around our office has everything you might need. There's coffee at the Starbucks in Macy's, or if you want something more local, try Dollop Coffee at 55 E Washington. Your driver might want to walk over to Millennium Park while they wait—it's only two blocks east. Just remember, after your procedure, you'll want someone else doing the driving.
Total trip: 13 miles, usually takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic
Here's something we always tell our Maywood patients: you need to come back the next day for a follow-up exam. Plus, right after LASIK, you should rest immediately. Fighting traffic back to Maywood isn't ideal when your eyes are still adjusting. Many patients book a room downtown for the night.
The Palmer House Hilton is practically next door—just one block south. It's a beautiful, historic hotel and they're used to medical visitors. The Chicago Athletic Association gives you a more boutique experience with great views of Millennium Park. For budget-friendly options, Club Quarters on Adams offers clean, comfortable rooms without breaking the bank.
For food, we recommend eating light before your procedure. The Gage on Michigan Avenue serves excellent gastropub fare that won't leave you feeling too full. Xoco, Rick Bayless's quick-service spot, makes fantastic Mexican food that's perfect for a pre-appointment meal. After your follow-up visit, when you can actually see your food clearly? Treat yourself to The Purple Pig. Their Mediterranean menu is worth celebrating your new vision over.
Making that first appointment might feel like a big decision. We get it. But thousands of your Maywood neighbors have already taken this step, and we've yet to meet someone who regretted it. Our number is 312-757-7335. When you call, let our staff know you're coming from Maywood—they understand the logistics and will help find an appointment time that works with your schedule.
We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and we do have some Saturday appointments for folks who can't get away during the week. Our full address is 25 E Washington Street, Suite 606, Chicago, IL 60602. One phone call starts your journey to freedom from glasses and contacts. Isn't it time you saw Chicago—from Maywood to the lakefront—with your own eyes?
This might be the biggest myth about LASIK that we hear from Maywood patients. You absolutely can cry after your surgery! Whether it's tears of joy when you see clearly for the first time, or just regular emotional tears, they won't hurt your healing eyes one bit. The confusion comes from two places: first, we give you artificial tears to use during recovery, and second, we're very strict about not rubbing your eyes.
See, when you cry, your natural instinct is to wipe or rub your eyes. That's what you can't do. The corneal flap we create during LASIK needs a few days to heal properly, and rubbing could disturb it. So if you tear up—and many patients do get emotional when they realize they can see—just dab gently with a tissue. Pat, don't wipe. Keep using those artificial tears we give you on schedule, because they're specially formulated to help healing. But your own tears? They're perfectly fine.
Yes, you're awake the whole time, but it's nothing like what you're probably imagining. We use numbing drops that completely eliminate any pain—you literally won't feel a thing. The entire procedure takes less than 20 minutes for both eyes. The laser itself is only working for about 30 seconds per eye. That's it.
You'll be lying on a comfortable bed, looking up at a green light. Dr. Kraff talks you through every step: "Keep looking at the green light... perfect... you might smell something unusual, that's normal... almost done." Before you know it, it's over. If you're nervous, we can give you something mild to help you relax, but honestly, most patients are surprised by how easy it is.
(1) The laser has incredible eye-tracking technology—it follows your eye movements 4,000 times per second. So even if you move a little or blink, the laser adjusts automatically. Many patients actually prefer being awake because they can follow instructions and participate in their own vision correction. It's pretty amazing to experience your vision changing in real-time.
This is where LASIK feels almost magical. Many patients can see the clock on our wall before they even leave the office—and that's with vision that's still a bit hazy from the procedure. By the next morning, when you come back from Maywood for your follow-up, you'll probably be reading street signs you couldn't see before even with glasses.
Most people—we're talking about 90%—achieve 20/20 vision or better within the first week. Your vision keeps improving and stabilizing over the next few weeks. Some folks reach their absolute best vision in a day or two, while others might take up to three months for everything to fully settle. It depends on things like how strong your prescription was, your age, and just how your individual eyes heal.
During your consultation, Dr. Kraff will look at your specific case and give you a realistic timeline. But here's the thing: even if you don't hit exactly 20/20, the improvement is usually so dramatic that you won't need glasses or contacts anymore. Imagine making that drive from Maywood without squinting at signs or searching for your glasses. That's what we're talking about—real, life-changing improvement in how you see the world.
You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below
312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
