Excellence in Vision. Integrity in Care.
In the classic film Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood’s character famously asks, “Are you feeling lucky today?”
While the line captures the thrill of risk and boldness in cinematic fiction, it has no place in modern refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery. In this field, success is never a matter of luck—it is the product of meticulous technique, advanced technology, and an unwavering commitment to surgical excellence.
The question for every patient is simple yet profound: Am I feeling lucky today? Do I want discounted eye surgery, or do I want exceptional vision for life?
Although cost and quality should, in theory, coexist, in the real world they often diverge sharply—mixing about as well as oil and water.
1. Surgical Expertise Is Paramount
Dr. Jack Tian is a uniquely accomplished ophthalmic surgeon with unparalleled experience in Refractive Lens Exchange. He serves on the faculty of both Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Tian is also widely recognized as an educator and innovator, sharing advanced surgical techniques through his professional teaching videos on YouTube and other platforms.
2. Care Led Exclusively by Surgeons
At Will Vision and Laser Centers, surgical care is delivered by surgeons—not delegated to non-surgical providers. Dr. Brian Will and Dr. Jack Tian personally examine every patient before surgery and follow each one postoperatively. Their direct involvement ensures that patients benefit from a surgeon’s understanding of ocular anatomy, healing dynamics, and the subtle variables that define a perfect visual outcome.
3. Leadership and Innovation in Refractive Surgery
Dr. Brian Will is an internationally recognized authority in refractive surgery. He has authored textbook chapters, presented at leading scientific meetings, and trained hundreds of surgeons. Dr. Will has introduced more advanced refractive technologies and techniques to the Pacific Northwest than any other surgeon in the region.
4. Continuous Ophthalmic Coverage
Will Vision and Laser Centers ensure that an ophthalmic surgeon is available locally 24 hours a day, seven days a week for postoperative needs. In contrast, many “fly-in” centers rely on visiting surgeons who depart the same day, leaving follow-up and even emergency care to non-surgical personnel.
5. Highly Skilled, Continuity-Based Technical Team
Our surgical technicians are integral members of your care team throughout every stage—preoperative evaluation, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative management. Because they are involved in the entire continuum of care, they understand each patient’s unique surgical course and healing trajectory. This continuity fosters the best opportunity for technical precision, and at Will Vision and Laser Centers, it is all delivered in an atmosphere of genuine compassion and trust.
“Surgical excellence is never achieved by chance. It is the disciplined pursuit of perfection— moral commitment to place the patient’s vision above all else.”
— Ethical Statement, Will Vision and Laser Centers
6. The Hidden Cost of Discount Surgery
Discount centers often rely on operational shortcuts that compromise safety and outcomes, such as:
- Reusing disposable surgical instruments, dramatically increasing infection risk, or the chance for severe intraocular inflammation.
- Selecting intraocular lenses (IOLs) based on cost rather than optical performance, thereby excluding advanced options like the RxSight® Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) or Alcon’s PanOptix Pro™.
- Using lower-grade viscoelastic materials or omitting them altogether to cut costs, endangering the corneal endothelium—cells that, once damaged, do not regenerate.
A compromise on fees is frequently underpinned by ethical compromises. And this slippery slope is what inevitably leads to measured concessions on the quality of care. Such compromises may increase profitability but can exact a permanent toll on ocular health and long-term vision.
7. Discount or Deception
Many “discount” RLE or LASIK offers more closely resemble deceptive marketing than genuine value. These tactics echo the disreputable practices often seen in used-car sales. Two of the most common techniques are:
- Pseudo-Discount: In this approach, the clinic advertises a steep discount from an inflated “list price” that has never been legitimately charged. The original price is essentially fictional — it serves only as a benchmark to make the “discounted” price look more alluring.
- Bait-and-Switch: Under this scheme, the advertised low price is only available to a narrow class of patients (often those who would never actually qualify). Once the patient is engaged, they are upsold to a more expensive option. In January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered LasikPlus (LCA-Vision / Joffe MediCenter) to pay $1.25 million for employing such deceptive bait-and-switch tactics in their LASIK advertising. Federal Trade Commission+2Ophthalmology Times+2
In that case, promotional ads offered LASIK for as little as $250–$300 per eye, but in reality only 6.5% of those who presented for consultations qualified for that price—and many others were quoted rates from $1,800 to $2,295 per eye after eligibility was assessed. Ophthalmology Times+2Federal Trade Commission+2
Furthermore, many ads failed to disclose upfront that the discounted price was per eye, or that stringent eligibility rules applied, and patients only discovered these constraints after extensive exams and consultations. Federal Trade Commission+2Ophthalmology Times+2
Such practices distort patient expectations, erode trust, and ultimately place financial and ethical burdens on patients. We refuse to follow that path.
8. No Compromise on Technology
Our surgical microscopes, phacoemulsification systems, sterilizers, and instruments represent the most current generation of ophthalmic technology. In contrast, discount centers often rely on outdated or secondhand equipment, sometimes purchased from online auction platforms.
9. Comprehensive Preoperative Assessment
Precision begins with diagnosis. Every Will Vision RLE patient undergoes advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging to ensure that each ocular structure—from cornea to retina—is optimized for surgery. Discount centers may omit this step or employ vintage or obsolete equipment, compromising diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning.
“No trustworthy, successful business that is at the apex of industry quality deliberately discounts their status as the industry leader, or compromises their paradigm of excellence for short-term gain. Indeed, they dominate their space by delivering unparalleled experiences and services for their clients. A surgical center that delivers extraordinary outcomes has no need to reduce fees—it commands value based on its results. Discounting, therefore, is often an admission that their quality cannot compete on its own merits.”
10. Managing the Rare Need for Enhancement
Even with state-of-the-art techniques, approximately 1–2% of RLE patients may require an enhancement procedure, such as a lens exchange (IOLx) or LASIK refinement.
- Intraocular Lens Exchange (IOLx): This delicate procedure requires advanced expertise. Dr. Tian is among the most experienced IOLx surgeons globally, ensuring that patients achieve their intended outcomes even in complex cases.
- LASIK Enhancements: Some discount RLE centers in the region employ non–FDA-approved laser systems or self-modified “black-box” devices, often imported into the United States illegally. This reckless approach to eye surgery disregards the guardrails that the FDA provides our citizens against unproven, uncontrolled medical practice, and demonstrates a grossly negligent mind-set in which they consider themselves to be above the law. Such practices place patients at unnecessary risk while offering no legitimate clinical benefit.
The Economics of Quality
No trustworthy, successful business that is at the apex of industry quality deliberately discounts their status as the industry leader, or compromises their paradigm of excellence for short-term gain. Indeed, they dominate their space by delivering unparalleled experiences and services for their clients. A surgical center that delivers extraordinary outcomes has no need to reduce fees—it commands value based on its results. Discounting, therefore, is often an admission that their quality cannot compete on its own merits.
Our Ethical Commitment
At Will Vision and Laser Centers, we uphold a singular principle: Integrity in every detail of patient care.
We believe that the world’s greatest need—especially in medicine—is for professionals who cannot be bought or swayed by profit, who remain steadfastly true to their duty of care, and who place their patients’ well-being above all else.
Excellence in surgery is not achieved by chance. It is the product of discipline, dedication, and moral conviction—a daily choice to do what is right rather than what is merely profitable. This is the standard to which we hold ourselves and the culture we instill in every member of our team.
So—are you feeling lucky today?
If so, a discount RLE center may suffice.
But if you prefer precision over chance, integrity over expedience, and lifelong vision over temporary savings, then your choice is clear. That choice is Will Vision and Laser Centers.
In your service,
Brian R. Will, MD
Medical Director, Will Vision and Laser Centers