For Kelowna residents considering vision correction, age requirements typically include a minimum age of 18, ensuring your prescription has stabilized. However, most Kelowna vision correction specialists, including our team, prefer patients to be at least 21 to confirm vision stability—particularly important in our region where many young adults experience vision changes during college years at UBCO or Okanagan College. 

There’s no strict upper age limit, though candidates over 40 may experience age-related vision changes (presbyopia) that vision correction alone doesn’t address. During your consultation at our Tutt Street location, we’ll evaluate your specific situation, including how Kelowna’s high UV environment may have affected your eye health, to determine if vision correction is right for you regardless of your age.

Laser vision correction is virtually painless for our Kelowna patients. Before your procedure, we apply numbing eye drops that effectively block discomfort during the surgery. Most patients report feeling only slight pressure rather than pain. 

After vision correction, some mild discomfort—often described as a gritty sensation or minor irritation—may occur as the numbing wears off, but this typically subsides within a few hours. Kelowna’s dry climate, especially during summer months, can occasionally extend this adjustment period, which is why we provide specialized post-operative eye drops formulated for our local environment. Our central Kelowna location ensures you can quickly return home to rest, minimizing exposure to bright Okanagan sunlight immediately following your procedure.

Yes, you remain awake during your vision correction procedure at our Kelowna clinic. This surprises many patients, but it’s actually advantageous. Being conscious allows you to focus on a target light that helps keep your eye properly positioned during the quick (typically less than 10 minutes per eye) procedure. 

We administer mild oral sedation to help you remain calm and comfortable throughout. Our surgical suite on Tutt Street is designed with a calming atmosphere to reduce anxiety, utilizing specialized lighting that minimizes glare common in Kelowna’s bright environment. Our surgical team provides clear communication throughout the procedure, guiding you through each step with the friendly, personalized approach that Kelowna residents have come to expect from local healthcare providers.

For Kelowna residents, laser vision correction is generally considered an elective procedure not covered by provincial health insurance (MSP). However, many extended health insurance plans available through Kelowna employers offer partial coverage, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 toward laser vision correction. Local tech companies, healthcare organizations, and larger hospitality employers often provide the most comprehensive vision benefits. 

Without insurance, the investment for vision correction at our Kelowna clinic starts at approximately $2,400 per eye, reflecting the premium technology and expertise offered. We provide flexible financing options specifically designed for Okanagan residents, including interest-free payment plans that make vision correction more accessible. During your consultation at our Tutt Street location, our team will verify your insurance benefits and explore all available financing options to help you achieve clear vision within your budget.