WILL I BE AWAKE DURING THE PROCEDURE?

The only medication required for the procedure is eye drops. Anaesthetic drops freeze only the surface of the eye for the procedure. You will be awake and alert during the entire procedure. Relaxation medication is available, used at the patient’s discretion.

There is no pain during either a LASIK or PRK procedure. The surface of the eye is frozen. After the procedure, there is some mild discomfort, which most patients describe as a gritty sensation in the eye or a mild burning sensation. This lasts only until the epithelium (the outer protective layer of the eye) has healed. This time ranges from 1 day for LASIK to 3-5 days for PRK.

WILL I NEED GLASSES OR CONTACTS AGAIN?

The vast majority of patients do not need glasses or contacts after surgery. If you use reading glasses today, you’ll likely still need them. Most people will need reading glasses at some point in the future. This is caused by a condition called presbyopia, which most often occurs between the ages of 40 and 50. Presbyopia is a condition in which the lens inside the eye becomes stiffer with age, so the muscles used to focus on near objects cannot do their job. There is the option of monovision, whereby your surgeon corrects each eye with a different prescription. One eye sees distance, and the other sees close up. Prior to surgery, monovision can be mimicked with a contact lens to determine the best combination of vision correction. Your surgeon or consultant will discuss this option with you during your consultation.

CAN I GO BLIND FROM THE LASER TREATMENT?

No one has ever been blinded by the Excimer laser. The laser works only on the surface of the eye, and its energy cannot penetrate into the interior. There are other risks to consider, but blindness isn’t one of them.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS?

The risk of complications with laser eye surgery is very low – less than 1%. However, there are some risks. Your surgeon and consultant will discuss these with you. Some side effects, which are nearly always temporary, are: halos or starbursts around lights and bright objects at night. haze (usually slight) during the healing process. discomfort during the first 2-3 days following the procedure – for example, mild irritation, light sensitivity, watery eyes. This is easily treated with medication. dry eye symptoms, which can be treated with eye drops.Other risks, again uncommon, are vision regression (most often treated with an enhancement procedure), loss of best corrected vision (most often temporary and usually treated with an enhancement procedure), infection (extremely rare and is easily treated with medication), and under/over-correction (treated with an enhancement procedure).

SHOULD BOTH EYES BE CORRECTED AT ONE TIME?

The choice is yours. Our experience, research, and patient tracking data indicate that there is little additional risk associated with surgery performed on both eyes at the same time. It is obviously more convenient to have both eyes done at once. In addition, some people find it difficult to function when only one eye is corrected.

HOW DO I KNOW LASER EYE SURGERY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

The answer to this falls into two categories: medical history and lifestyle implications. Medically, your eyes must be in good health, and your refractive prescription should be stable. Reduced dependence on corrective eyewear will enhance a very active lifestyle. For people in certain occupations, it can also help you to perform better on the job.

WHAT IF LASER EYE SURGERY ISN’T RIGHT FOR ME?

In the event that LASIK or PRK isn’t right for you, the Bochner Eye Institute can enhance your vision using several other procedures: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL), Topography-Guided PRK ( TG-PRK), or Cataract Surgery. As a full-service eye care facility, the Bochner Eye Institute also offers other procedures such as Corneal Crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus, Clear K for macular degeneration, Dry Eye Evaluation and Lipiflow, or Cosmetic Lid Surgery. Your surgeon will discuss and recommend the best procedure for your particular situation.

LASIK Surgery Toronto, ON - Laser Eye Surgery Scarborough

THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE

A BLEND OF INNOVATION AND TRADITION

In 1929, Dr. Maxwell K. Bochner opened his practice specializing in cataracts and diseases of the eye. As one of the first eye surgeons in Canada, he became well known for his thorough diagnosis and compassionate bedside manner. Today, the Bochner Eye Institute, located in Toronto’s Yorkville area, stands as a symbol of the care and Innovation for which Dr. Bochner became famous. The mission of the Bochner Eye Institute is to use the most advanced, effective technology and proven techniques to help people see clearly, naturally. We conduct our own research and develop our own techniques. We were pioneers in refractive surgery procedures to restore clear vision for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

More than thirty years ago, we were among the first practices in North America to invest in revolutionary Excimer laser technology, devices that have proven to be the future of vision correction.

Today, new advancements in eye care technology Include Incredibly accurate measurement and diagnostic equipment. These technologies, combined with advanced Exclmer lasers, provide the capability to treat a vast range of eye conditions with unsurpassed precision.

More than ever, as we look to the future, we see a world where glasses and contact lenses will exist primarily in museums and collectors’ cabinets.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

DR. MAXWELL BOCHNER

The founder of the Bochner Eye Institute, Dr. Maxwell Bochner was renowned among colleagues, near and far, as a formidable leader and compassionate surgeon. He toiled tirelessly to constantly advance the state-of-the-art in eye care, a role that was enthusiastically adopted by Dr. Harold Stein when he began practising with Dr. Bochner in 1960, after completing his residency at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Harold Stein

Dr. Harold Stein went on to change the landscape of ophthalmology with advances in implantable lenses for cataract patients and ultimately became one of the first surgeons in Canada to perform refractive surgery.

DR. ALBERT CHESKES

Dr. Albert Cheskes joined the Bochner Eye Institute in 1966. He and his family have long been patients of Dr. Bochner, so it seemed a natural fit for Dr. Cheskes – also a graduate of the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Cheskes was one of the first eye surgeons in Canada to work with the Excimer laser and to demonstrate its unparalleled capabilities.

Today, Dr. Raymond Stein continues to work to bring the best possible eye care to Canadians. He is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at The University of Toronto, regarded as a global leader in refractive surgery. Doctors from around the world have come to the Bochner Eye Institute not only to learn laser techniques but also to undergo their own laser eye surgery.

When you combine the experience and reputation of our surgeons, the latest technology, and the longevity of the Bochner Eye Institute, we think you’ll agree there’s no one better qualified to perform your laser eye surgery procedure.

HOW LASER EYE SURGERY WORKS

The goal of laser eye surgery is to restore normal vision to people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The various laser procedures each work by reshaping the cornea to an ideal curvature. Both PRK and LASIK are extremely effective and have been used extensively with outstanding results.

Both procedures use the Excimer laser to achieve the desired curvature. To prepare for each procedure, a series of tests and examinations are done by the surgical team to determine your prescription, the shape and thickness of your cornea, the level of astigmatism (if any), pupil size, ocular rigidity, and best corrected visual acuity. This information is used by your surgeon to guide the laser for your procedure.

During PRK, your surgeon uses a brush to remove the epithelium, the outer protective layer that covers the cornea. The cornea is then reshaped by a microscopic amount with the laser – usually less than the thickness of a hair is removed. After surgery, the epithelium regenerates to cover the newly shaped surface of the cornea.

With LASIK the surgeon lifts a thin flap of tissue before using the laser to reshape the cornea. The flap is then repositioned, naturally re- adhering to the newly shaped cornea.

Advancements in technology have led to the development of a sophisticated diagnostic unit referred to as a Wavefront Analyzer. This device provides a highly precise map of the eye’s external and internal shapes. This information allows the surgeon to create a unique, ideal correction for each eye. New lasers capable of extreme precision can reshape the eye into an ideal contour, enhancing overall vision quality.

Surgeon at Bochner Eye Institute performing laser eye surgery.

WHAT EYE CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH LASIK OR PRK?

Nearsightedness (myopia) results when the eye is too long. Objects seen at a distance come into focus at a point in front of the retina (the “camera” at the back of the eye). This results in blurry vision when trying to see distant objects. To correct nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened by a microscopic amount, causing the object to focus directly on the retina.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) results when the eye is too short. In this case, objects focus at a point behind the retina, again resulting in blurry vision. To correct farsightedness, the centre of the cornea must be steepened. The Excimer laser is used to make microscopic changes to the perimeter of the cornea, thereby steepening the centre of the cornea.

Astigmatism results when the shape of the eye contains different curvatures – often shaped more like a football than a basketball. This irregular shape distorts the images that we perceive, making things we see appear distorted or blurry.

THE LASIK PROCEDURE

Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a type of laser eye surgery for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

LASIK uses cool rays of light to reshape the inner tissue of the cornea to the proper curvature. The procedure is quick, painless and heals naturally.

Using a femtosecond laser, your surgeon will safely and precisely create a protective flap that is folded back. Next, the Excimer laser reshapes the inner tissue of the cornea with up to .25 microns of accuracy. This results in a change in the contour of the cornea resulting in vision correction.

The corneal flap is then repositioned into place and the eye begins to heal. After the procedure, most patients experience little or no discomfort. Following your procedure, you will have a series of follow-up appointments to monitor your vision improvement.

Smiling woman in a green jacket with a colorful background.

THE PRK PROCEDURE

PRK is the preferred procedure if a patient has a thin cornea, a high correction, a narrow opening between their upper and lower lids, or is at higher risk of ocular trauma secondary to certain occupations or sporting activities. Long-term outcomes of PRK and LASIK are similar, however the initial healing is slower with PRK. Unlike with the LASIK procedure, there is no flap created on the cornea.

PRK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. The procedure has been performed at the Bochner Eye Institute since 1991 with excellent outcomes and tremendous safety. Our results have been similar to those published in peer reviewed literature.We have treated thousands of patients with PRK, including several hundred eye doctors, as well as professional athletes.

The procedure is easy to undergo and is relatively quick, taking approximately 5 minutes per eye. Less than the thickness of a hair is removed to correct prescription and enhance vision without glasses or contact lenses.

Person sitting on a bench writing in a notebook, smiling upward.

CUSTOM LASIK

WE CUSTOMIZE YOUR TREATMENT. BECAUSE NO TWO EYES ARE THE SAME.

The more detailed information we have about your eyes, the better we can tailor the procedure to improve your vision.

Wavefront technology combined with advanced topographic analysis has greatly enhanced our ability to detect and accurately measure minor aberrations across the entire eye that can distort vision. This data, combined with advanced lasers and more precise guidance systems, like the Wavelight® EX500 Excimer laser (opens in new tab) give your surgeon even greater control over the resulting shape of the cornea.

WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser at Bochner Eye Institute

TECHNOLOGY AT THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE

Custom LASIK involves the use of both the lntralase® iFS® femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, and the Wavelight® EX500 Excimer laser to correct your refractive error.

The Wavelight® EX500 Excimer laser has set the standard for precision and accuracy using PerfectPulse TechnologyTM. Its advanced multi-dimensional eye-tracking capability responds to any eye movement within 2 milliseconds, ensuring the procedure is performed exactly as the surgeon intended. It is equipped with Wavefront-Optimized®, Wavefront-Guided, and Topography-Guided treatment capabilities for even greater accuracy and customization of the procedure.

Topography-guided treatments incorporate 22,000 topographic data points to guide the ablation. This method is ideal for treating corneal irregularities or astigmatism.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Prior to surgery, each patient undergoes a series of diagnostic exams that identify the unique characteristics of each eye. This information is incorporated into your treatment plan. The laser applies a gentle laser beam in a specific pattern unique to your eye. This can significantly improve your myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism and can also enhance the quality of your vision by improving contrast, sharpness and depth perception

Intralase iFS Laser at Bochner Eye Institute

ALL-LASER LASIK: INTRALASE™ iFS

LASER PRECISION AND PREDICTABILITY THROUGHOUT YOUR PROCEDURE

With the advent of the innovative lntralase® iFS laser, LASIK can now be an all-laser procedure. The IntralaseTM is a revolutionary bladeless device that works at the molecular level to provide the surgeon with a programmable, predictable, precise method of creating the flap, the first step in the LASIK process.

Traditionally, the corneal flap has been created using a thin metal blade. The lntralaseTM laser, using computer- guided, ultra-precise pulses of infrared laser light, gently creates a customized corneal flap that is lifted by the surgeon prior to your LASIK treatment.

The Intralase® laser is revolutionary technology that allows for a 100% blade-free LASIK treatment. It offers a new level of precision, improving safety and vision. The Bochner Eye Institute was the first clinic in Canada to offer the new lntralase® iFS laser, the 5th generation of lntralase® technology.

For more information on the Wavelight® EX500 Excimer laser, click here. (opens in new tab)

Close-up of a man's face, focusing on his eye.

THE OVERALL SURGERY PROCESS

YOUR CONSULTATION

Your doctor or one of our laser surgery consultants will provide details of the procedure during your consultation. A series of tests will be performed to ensure laser eye surgery is right for you. If you decide to book your procedure, your consultant will help you schedule it.

THE SURGICAL PROCESS

When you arrive on the day of your surgery, tests will be performed to confirm the data collected during your consultation. In addition, you will meet with your surgeon, who will perform a pre-op examination and review your diagnostic results to refine the laser parameters to be used for your procedure.

While the entire surgical procedure takes approximately twenty minutes, you should plan to be at the clinic for about two hours. A member of the laser surgery team will assist you throughout the procedure.

In the laser room, you will be positioned so that your eye is directly below the laser. Anaesthetic drops freeze your eye for the procedure. Once you are comfortable, the surgeon will begin the laser portion of the procedure, which usually takes less than five minutes. Throughout the surgery, the team will prepare you for each step, making you aware of what you will see and feel.

When the procedure is complete, the laser technician will put more drops into your eye (antiinflammatory and antibiotic), followed in some cases by a protective contact lens. After having your eyes examined again, you’re ready to go home.

The medical staff will provide a discharge kit containing all the drops and medication you’ll need during the post-operative phase. Remember to arrange for transportation home.

Laser technician at Bochner Eye Institute operating a laser machine.

After more than 400,000 procedures, we’ve probably heard every question out there. Here are some of the most common:

The total time spent with us on your surgery day is typically two hours. You will be in the laser room for 20 minutes, and the time spent under the laser is usually less than 5 minutes, depending upon your prescription. The rest of the time is spent on testing, medication, initial recovery, and speaking with your surgeon.

BOCHNERVISION™

IT’S NOT A PROCEDURE. IT’S A PROMISE.

At the Bochner Eye Institute, we’ve been helping people with vision problems since 1929, when the practice was first opened by Dr. Maxwell Bochner. We’ve been performing refractive surgery (surgery intended to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) for over 30 years.

During that time, we’ve noticed that the greatest hurdle for people considering laser eye surgery is their fear. Most are naturally apprehensive to take any risk (no matter how small) with their eyes.

That’s why we’ve created BochnerVisionTM. It’s something no one else can truly offer. It’s our promise to our patients that we will use our expertise, our years of surgical experience, and our substantial ongoing investment in the finest technology to help you obtain the best possible results. The Bochner Eye Institute offers a lifetime commitment for distance vision for all laser surgery patients. If an additional procedure is medically advisable and recommended by our surgeons, it will be performed at no charge.

It’s your reassurance that your surgery will be performed by a team that has over four hundred thousand procedures to their credit. It’s the peace of mind that the Bochner Eye Institute will be here to look after your eyes as long as you need us. After all, we’re the only laser eye surgery facility that’s been in business for over 95 years.

Bochner Eye Institute ophthalmic equipment close-up.

YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST …

THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE HAS RECEIVED TEN CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARDS™ AND THIRTEEN TOP CHOICE AWARDS™.

The Consumer’s Choice Award is considered by many to be a seal of excellence. The award is not selected by a panel of judges; it’s selected by you, the consumer, as representing true excellence in our community.

The Top Choice Award identifies businesses and professionals who have risen above their competitors and earned the people’s vote. While these awards constitute a crowning achievement of our efforts, it also represents something far greater to us – the knowledge that we’ve earned the trust and loyalty of our many thousands of patients.

Bochner Eye Institute Consumer's Choice and Top Choice Awards

COST & FINANCING

LASER VISION CORRECTION AT THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE COSTS:

CUSTOM PRK: $2700.00 per eye
CUSTOM ALL-LASER LASIK: $2700.00 per eye

This fee covers your initial consultation and testing, your procedure, medications, follow-up appointments and a lifetime commitment. There is no tax.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

PAYMENT IS DUE IN FULL ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE USING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Cash
Certfied Cheque*
Interac
VISA
MasterCard
American Express

* All cheques must be certified and made payable to “Toronto Eye Laser Associates”

FINANCING OPTIONS:

Financing is available through MEDICARD. They can be contacted by calling 1-888-689-9876 or visiting www.medicard.com (opens in new tab). (opens in new tab)

This funding group offers flexible plans to help you comfortably finance your laser surgery. 0% financing is available (some conditions apply). Most approvals are processed within 3-4 hours.

PLEASE NOTE: OHIP considers laser vision correction to be cosmetic in nature and, as a result, does not cover any of the cost. The cost of surgery is tax-deductible as a medical expense.

Team at Bochner Eye Institute standing on stairs.

NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE SURGEON YOU CHOOSE.

DR. RAYMOND STEIN

FRCSC

To review Dr. Stein’s experience, training and background, click here (opens in new tab).

DR. FATIMAH GILANI

FRCSC

To review Dr. Gilani’s experience, training and background, click here (opens in new tab).

Dr. Fatimah Gilani smiling in a professional portrait.

DR. REBECCA STEIN

FRCSC

To review Dr. Stein’s experience, training and background, click here.

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.

To hear from past patients who have provided a testimonial or a review, click here (opens in new tab).

THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE

A BLEND OF INNOVATION AND TRADITION

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

DR. MAXWELL BOCHNER

Dr. Harold Stein

DR. ALBERT CHESKES

HOW LASER EYE SURGERY WORKS

WHAT EYE CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH LASIK OR PRK?

THE LASIK PROCEDURE

THE PRK PROCEDURE

CUSTOM LASIK

WE CUSTOMIZE YOUR TREATMENT. BECAUSE NO TWO EYES ARE THE SAME.

TECHNOLOGY AT THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE

HOW DOES IT WORK?

ALL-LASER LASIK: INTRALASE™ iFS

LASER PRECISION AND PREDICTABILITY THROUGHOUT YOUR PROCEDURE

THE OVERALL SURGERY PROCESS

YOUR CONSULTATION

THE SURGICAL PROCESS

After more than 400,000 procedures, we’ve probably heard every question out there. Here are some of the most common:

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

WILL I BE AWAKE DURING THE PROCEDURE?

DOES IT HURT?

WILL I NEED GLASSES OR CONTACTS AGAIN?

CAN I GO BLIND FROM THE LASER TREATMENT?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS?

SHOULD BOTH EYES BE CORRECTED AT ONE TIME?

HOW DO I KNOW LASER EYE SURGERY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

WHAT IF LASER EYE SURGERY ISN’T RIGHT FOR ME?

BOCHNERVISION™

IT’S NOT A PROCEDURE. IT’S A PROMISE.

YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST …

THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE HAS RECEIVED TEN CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARDS™ AND THIRTEEN TOP CHOICE AWARDS™.

COST & FINANCING

LASER VISION CORRECTION AT THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE COSTS:

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

PAYMENT IS DUE IN FULL ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE USING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

FINANCING OPTIONS:

PLEASE NOTE: OHIP considers laser vision correction to be cosmetic in nature and, as a result, does not cover any of the cost. The cost of surgery is tax-deductible as a medical expense.

NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE SURGEON YOU CHOOSE.

DR. RAYMOND STEIN

DR. FATIMAH GILANI

DR. REBECCA STEIN

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.

Click here (opens in new tab) to download a PDF of our latest brochure.

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