Laser Eye Surgery Center

Expert LASIK Eye Surgery Chicago: Serving Northfield Residents

Your Journey to Clear Vision Begins Here

As a Northfield resident considering LASIK eye surgery, you deserve access to the highest quality care available in the Chicago area. At Kraff Eye Institute, we've been privileged to serve countless patients from Northfield who have chosen to make the short trip downtown for world-class vision correction.

Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Chicago offers advanced LASIK procedures that have transformed the lives of over 70,000 patients since 1991. The journey from Northfield to our downtown location is well worth the drive when you consider the life-changing results and expert care you'll receive from Dr. Colman Kraff and our dedicated team of eye care professionals.

Consultation Appointment

To schedule a consultation, please call (312) 444-1111. To inquire about other services, please fill out our Vision Correction Consultation form.

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Advanced Treatment Options for Your Unique Needs: Close to Northfield

At Kraff Eye Institute, we provide Northfield residents with access to a full spectrum of vision correction procedures. Our primary offering, LASIK eye surgery, uses cutting-edge laser technology to reshape your cornea and correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Beyond traditional LASIK, we also offer custom LASIK procedures that address unique vision imperfections that standard eyeglasses or contact lenses can't correct.

For patients who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK, we provide alternative vision correction options such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), which achieves similar results through a slightly different approach. We also offer treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, and other common eye conditions affecting Northfield residents.

Each treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation where we perform detailed measurements of your eyes using advanced diagnostic equipment. This personalized approach ensures that Northfield patients receive care tailored specifically to their visual needs and lifestyle requirements.

Chicago's Premier Vision Experts at Your Service

Why Northfield Residents Choose Kraff Eye Institute

What sets Kraff Eye Institute apart is our unparalleled expertise and pioneering approach to vision correction. Led by Dr. Colman Kraff, who was the first ophthalmologist in the Chicagoland area to perform the VISX Excimer Laser procedure, our team brings over 35 years of specialized experience to every procedure.


Northfield residents benefit from our participation in FDA clinical trials for new laser vision technology—we're one of only ten eye care centers nationwide with this distinction. This means you'll have access to the most advanced and proven techniques available in vision correction today.


The journey to better vision isn't just about the procedure itself—it's about the entire experience. Our patient care approach focuses on your comfort and results, which is why so many Northfield residents and others have referred their friends and family to our downtown Chicago location. The relatively short travel time from Northfield is a small investment for the lifetime of clear vision and expert care you'll receive at our institute.

Our Downtown Chicago Location

When you visit Kraff Eye Institute from Northfield, you'll find us in a sophisticated medical office building in the heart of downtown Chicago. Our facility is located at 25 E Washington Street, in a historic building that combines classic Chicago architecture with modern medical amenities. The surrounding area features the vibrant atmosphere of Chicago's Loop district with its iconic skyscrapers and bustling energy.


Directly across from our building, you'll find the famous Macy's State Street store (formerly Marshall Field's), an iconic Chicago landmark. Just steps away is Millennium Park with the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (known locally as "The Bean") and the magnificent Art Institute of Chicago.


For parking, our patients typically use the underground garage at Millennium Park or the Grant Park North Garage, both offering convenient access to our location. The area around our institute is well-served by various parking options, though prices tend to be typical of downtown Chicago rates.

Getting to Kraff Eye Institute from Northfield

Driving Directions

  • From Northfield center, head south on Happ Road for approximately 1 mile
  • Continue onto Winnetka Road heading east for 0.5 miles
  • Merge onto Edens Expressway (I-94) southbound toward Chicago (look for the large Northfield shopping center sign on your right)
  • Continue on I-94 for approximately 16 miles
  • During morning rush hour (7-9 AM), use the express lanes if available to avoid delays near the junction with I-90
  • Take the Ohio Street exit toward Michigan Avenue (watch for the distinctive Navy Pier signs)
  • Continue east on Ohio Street for about 0.7 miles, passing the Northwestern Memorial Hospital complex
  • Turn right onto Michigan Avenue and continue south for 0.5 miles (you'll see the historic Water Tower on your right)
  • Turn right onto Washington Street (look for the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza with its distinctive Picasso sculpture nearby)
  • Our building is at 25 E Washington Street, Suite 606, approximately 0.2 miles down on your right (recognized by its classic Chicago architecture)

Commuter Options

  • Metra: Take the Union Pacific North Line from nearby Glenview or Wilmette stations directly to Ogilvie Transportation Center, then walk east approximately 7 blocks to our office or take a short taxi/rideshare
  • CTA: Drive to the Linden Purple Line station in Wilmette, take the Purple Line to Howard, transfer to the Red Line southbound, exit at Lake, and walk 2 blocks east to our office
  • Pace Bus: Take Pace Bus 213 from Northfield to Davis Street in Evanston, transfer to the CTA Purple Line, and follow the train directions above
  • Rideshare: Uber or Lyft from Northfield to our downtown location typically costs $35-45 depending on time of day and takes approximately 30-40 minutes

Making Your Visit Comfortable

Downtown Chicago Accommodations for Northfield Patients

When planning your LASIK eye surgery in Chicago, you might consider staying overnight downtown, especially for your follow-up appointment the day after your procedure. This approach is particularly beneficial for Northfield residents who want to avoid two consecutive days of commuting and ensure optimal rest after their surgery.

Several excellent accommodations are within walking distance of our facility. The Palmer House Hilton, just two blocks from our office, offers historic luxury and comfortable rooms perfect for recovery. For a more boutique experience, the Virgin Hotels Chicago is a short five-minute walk away and provides a modern, comfortable environment.

After your procedure or consultation, you might enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants. The Gage on Michigan Avenue offers upscale comfort food in a sophisticated setting, while Petterino's provides classic Italian dishes in a traditional atmosphere—both within three blocks of our office. For a quick, casual option, try Goddess and the Baker, just steps from our building, offering fresh salads, sandwiches, and excellent coffee.

Take the First Step Toward Clear Vision Today

Ready to experience the difference that expert LASIK eye surgery can make in your life? Northfield residents can easily schedule a consultation by calling our office at 312-757-7335. Our friendly team is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to answer your questions and help you begin your journey to better vision.

Our downtown Chicago location at 25 E Washington St, Suite 606, is readily accessible from Northfield, and our team will make every effort to schedule your consultation and procedure at times that accommodate your commute from the North Shore. Don't let the short drive stand between you and the premium eye care you deserve—contact Kraff Eye Institute today.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

How much does LASIK cost in Chicago?

Expand F.A.Q.

For Northfield residents considering LASIK eye surgery in Chicago, cost is naturally a significant consideration. At Kraff Eye Institute, LASIK procedures typically range from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye, depending on your specific vision needs and the technology used. While this might seem higher than some advertised rates you may see around Chicago, our pricing reflects the use of advanced technology, our surgeon's expertise, and our comprehensive care approach.

We understand this represents a significant investment, which is why we offer various financing options that make LASIK more accessible for our Northfield patients. Many of our patients find that when they calculate what they spend annually on glasses, contact lenses, and solutions over several years, LASIK often proves to be more economical in the long run. Additionally, the convenience of waking up with clear vision and enjoying activities without visual aids is something many of our Northfield patients tell us is simply priceless.

Is LASIK worth it over 40?

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Many of our patients from Northfield who are over 40 find that LASIK is absolutely worth the investment, though the procedure's benefits should be weighed alongside age-related vision considerations. As you enter your 40s, you may begin experiencing presbyopia—the natural age-related loss of near focusing ability that typically leads to reading glasses. While standard LASIK primarily corrects distance vision, we offer options such as monovision LASIK that can address both distance and near vision needs for patients over 40. (1)

What makes LASIK particularly valuable for Northfield residents over 40 is the reduction in dependency on glasses for many daily activities. While you may still need reading glasses for small print, the freedom from distance correction can significantly enhance your quality of life. During your consultation at our downtown Chicago office, we perform comprehensive tests to determine if LASIK is appropriate for your specific vision profile, especially considering the age-related changes your eyes may be experiencing. Many of our patients who commute from Northfield in their 40s, 50s, and beyond have been thrilled with their decision to pursue LASIK, finding the short drive to our facility well worth the long-term visual benefits they've gained.

Does LASIK eye surgery last forever?

Expand F.A.Q.

For our Northfield patients considering the drive to our Chicago facility, the longevity of LASIK results is a common concern. The corneal reshaping performed during LASIK is permanent—your cornea will maintain its new shape indefinitely. However, this doesn't necessarily mean your vision will remain unchanged forever.

Most patients experience stable vision for many years after LASIK, with a high percentage maintaining their improved vision throughout their lifetime. However, your eyes naturally change as you age, just as they would if you hadn't had LASIK. Conditions like presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on near objects) typically develop in your 40s regardless of whether you've had LASIK. Additionally, cataracts may develop later in life, which can affect your vision quality.

For Northfield residents, the occasional follow-up visit to our downtown Chicago location may be necessary over the years, but these are typically infrequent. The initial investment in travel time for your procedure offers long-lasting value, as the fundamental correction to your cornea remains permanent. During your consultation, we'll discuss realistic expectations for long-term results based on your specific age, vision condition, and eye health, ensuring you have a complete understanding of what to expect before making the short journey from Northfield to our facility for your procedure.

Find us from Chicago Neighborhoods

Located in the heart of Chicago, IL, the Kraff Eye Institute is ideally situated to serve residents across the Chicagoland area. Our Chicago Neighborhoods institute is accessible from the following locations:

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You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below

312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
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