We have incredible confidence in the stability of the results achieved by patients who have LASIK at a TLC Vision Center, and we stand behind those vision results. The TLC Lifetime Commitment® program helps patients who choose TLC maintain the best possible vision throughout their lives. The TLC Lifetime Commitment guidelines are provided to eligible patients on the day of their procedure. Patients must sign a TLC Lifetime Commitment Acknowledgment form, stating they understand the conditions of this program.
Step 1: Submit a comprehensive dilated eye exam performed by an independent optometrist or a TLC affiliate optometrist.
Step 2: Please bring this form: Laser Vision Retreatment Evaluation Form. Please ensure this form is filled out in its entirety. You should have this exam performed within the past six months.
Step 3: Please send the completed form via fax to 513-725-1033 or via email to LTC@tlcvision.com.
What happens next?
Your form will be processed within 14 business days. Our medical staff will review the exam, your medical records if available from a TLC affiliate, and see if there is a possibility your vision can be corrected again. This can take up to 8 weeks as there is time needed to acquire records.
Once a determination has been made, you will be contacted to schedule an in-person consultation. The fee for this exam is $100. If, upon completion of the in-person consultation, you are approved for additional correction, you will be scheduled.
FAQ’s
Why do I need to see an optometrist prior to returning to a TLC Center?
Most of our patients have maintained a relationship with an affiliate optometrist. If you have not, overall eye health needs to be reviewed to determine candidacy and eligibility.
Why must my eyes be dilated?
Dilation has proven to be very effective in determining refractive error. Exams submitted without dilation will not be reviewed. Email/ text confirmation will be sent once your exam is uploaded for review.
How long will it take for my exam to be reviewed by the medical staff once it has been received?
It will take up to 8 weeks. This includes time to acquire your records. This time frame is subject to change.
Why is there a $100 fee for the in-person consultation?
The fee is necessary to cover this additional testing. The in-person consultation includes additional testing that is not performed during a standard comprehensive eye exam.
Why isn’t the $100 fee covered under my Plan?
Your Lifetime Commitment Plan covers the procedure. The Lifetime Commitment Plan does not cover the diagnostic testing that is required to confirm if you are a viable candidate for a re-treatment. If you are a viable candidate, the postoperative exams will be covered as a courtesy.
Does insurance cover the $100 fee?
You can use your HSA or FSA to pay the $100 fee. We do not bill insurance.
What does my Lifetime Commitment Plan cover?
The Lifetime Commitment Plan will cover medically necessary re-treatments. The plan does not cover other eye conditions such as cataracts, infections or dry eye. Exclusions are listed below.
What are the criteria for being approved for a re-treatment?
The decision of any re-treatment will be made between the Surgeon and the Patient. The surgeon will only perform enhancements that are medically appropriate.
I was treated for nearsightedness, now I want monovision. Is this possible?
No.
How long will I have to take off work for my re-treatment?
Most patients can return to work within a day or two. If it is important to return to work as quickly, we recommend having one eye retreated at a time. Treating both eyes would require several days to a week of healing prior to returning to work. Generally, you will not qualify for short term disability and we do not fill out any paper work associated with these requests.
How long with the bandage contact lens stay on after my re-treatment?
Typically, the bandage contact lens will stay in between 5 and 7 days or as directed by your doctor. You should not remove the contact on your own. You can work with the bandage contact lens on. It’s best to use the medicated drops and artificial tears as directed by the doctor.
What type of restrictions will I have after my re-treatment?
Do not rub your eyes, no swimming or direct contact with eyes and water until the bandage contact lens is removed. There may be other restrictions that your doctor will review with you at the time of your re-treatment.
I work on the computer a lot. How will the procedure affect this?
Vision will be blurry and dry for the first several weeks. If you desire to have both eyes retreated, we recommend that one procedure is competed at a time so that you can return to work more quickly. Please be aware that you may experience light sensitivity and that you will not be able to swim while you wear the bandage contact lenses. Also, you will need to return for a post-operative visit within 5 to 7 days of the re-treatment.
Exclusions for re-treatment with TLC Centers:
- Patients whose loss of vision is a result of an accident involving trauma to the eye.
- Patients with diseases such as diabetes, active autoimmune, and collagen vascular disorders.
- Patients whose cornea is too thin.
- Patients whose vision is reduced due to irregular astigmatism.
- Patients who had RK, ALK, or other refractive procedures, prior to having laser vision correction.
- Patients whose initial laser vision correction was not performed at a TLC or 20/20 Center.
- Patients diagnosed with an ocular disease such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tear or detachment, ectasia, or macular degeneration.
- Patients seeking an enhancement as a result of developing or progression of presbyopia, even though presbyopia is a result of natural changes in vision.
- Travel costs, and any other costs, are the patient’s responsibility.
- Patients of surgeons who do not participate in the TLC Lifetime Commitment program.
- Patients who fail to comply with the TLC Lifetime Commitment rules and regulations.
- Patients who had Corneal Inlay or ICLs at a TLC Laser Eye Center location.
Have additional questions?
You can call 888-211-5509