Dr. Ballard is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has performed thousands of laser eye surgery treatments and thousands of other eye procedures.
*Based on the analysis of Google Reviews as of February 2026. The provider has been determined to have the highest number of 5-star Google reviews among LASIK providers in the metropolitan Richmond, VA area.
Why choose us
Every year, an increasing number of individuals residing in Richmond, Virginia are embracing the possibility of correcting their vision with LASIK at The LASIK Vision Institute vision center in Richmond. When you are a patient at The LASIK Vision Institute, you have access to one of the nation’s most experienced teams of LASIK surgeons with decades of experience and 1.4 million treatments performed.
We understand LASIK surgery is an investment. That’s why we offer Guaranteed Financing. Regardless of your budget, we’ll find a payment plan that works for you. We offer easy application processes, custom programs with zero down payments in some cases, and convenient payment options. With guaranteed financing, there’s no barrier to achieving your best vision.
We stand behind the quality of our LASIK procedures with our Lifetime Assurance Plan. If your vision changes over time, you may be eligible for a same-technology procedure at no additional cost when medically appropriate. It’s added peace of mind that we’re committed to helping you maintain your best possible vision for life.
Our highly trained LASIK professionals work with you to offer a custom laser vision correction solution based on your individual needs (including Custom Wavefront Optimized LASIK and PRK).
Over 1.4 million procedures have been performed at The LASIK Vision Institute® by some of the leading LASIK doctors in the country.
We understand that your time is valuable. And we want to make vision correction as convenient as possible with LASIK eye surgery centers across the country so you don’t have to travel far to find a great doctor and an affordable price. Or you can start your LASIK Journey with a 15-20-minute virtual consultation.
Clinically proven, FDA approved LASIK technology may be used for your laser eye surgery procedure.
The cost of LASIK eye surgery in Richmond can range based on a number of influencing factors, but consider it an investment in freedom from glasses & contacts. Imagine the yearly savings and the priceless feeling of improved vision!
When considering LASIK, there are multiple factors contributing to the cost of LASIK including:
While the initial cost might seem high, consider the lifetime savings on eyewear and the immeasurable value of clear vision. Schedule your consultation today and see if LASIK is right for you.
We recognize that choosing the right provider for LASIK surgery and ensuring the right value for your investment is crucial. The LASIK Vision Institute offers a Price Match Promise*, so you can be confident in securing a competitive price without sacrificing quality and care. Learn more about the applicable restrictions.
Meet the surgeons who perform LASIK at our Richmond center.
Dr. Ballard is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has performed thousands of laser eye surgery treatments and thousands of other eye procedures.
Dr. Roberts is a refractive surgeon at Walter Reed National Military Medical Hospital and a member of the Military Refractive Surgery Taskforce.
We’re confident we are a top choice for LASIK in Richmond. We prioritize safety, affordability, and exceptional care. Compare for yourself.
| Feature | LASIK Vision Institute | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experienced LASIK SurgeonsOver 50,000 procedures performed | |||
| Specializes in LASIKLaser eye surgery specializing in LASIK only | |||
| AffordabilityGuaranteed financing available | |||
| Lifetime PlanMaintain your best vision throughout your life | |||
| Advanced TechnologyFDA approved modern and customized LASIK |
Hear from patients who chose The LASIK Vision Institute.
Answers to the questions we hear most in Richmond.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a revolutionary vision correction procedure that can free you from the hassles of glasses or contacts. During this bladeless laser eye surgery, an excimer laser gently reshapes the cornea with computer-precision to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Say goodbye to visual aids and hello to crystal-clear natural vision!
The first step in your LASIK journey is an in-depth screening and evaluation by our experienced eye surgeons. During this comprehensive exam, we’ll assess your specific vision needs and eye health criteria.
Generally, good LASIK candidates meet the following requirements:
However, exceptions can sometimes be made depending on individual circumstances. Our laser eye surgery experts will take the time to understand your unique vision goals and medical profile. We’ll then advise if you’re an ideal LASIK candidate or if another vision correction treatment may be better suited for outstanding results.
Don’t settle for blurred vision a day longer! Schedule your LASIK consultation now to discover if you’re a candidate for crystal-clear visual freedom.
The thought of laser eye surgery may seem daunting, but rest assured, LASIK is a painless and comfortable experience. Numbing eye drops are applied to completely anesthetize your eyes before the procedure begins. You may feel a mild pressure sensation around your eye during the laser corneal reshaping, but no pain. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth and painless their LASIK journey is.
To ensure maximum comfort, your surgeon may also prescribe a mild oral sedative to help you stay relaxed throughout the quick 10-15 minute LASIK procedure.
After your life-changing LASIK procedure, you can expect some minor irritation or a gritty sensation in your eyes for a few hours as the numbing drops wear off. This mild discomfort is temporary and can be easily managed with over-the-counter eye drops or oral medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Most patients find that a short nap after their laser vision correction allows their eyes to rest and reset. When you awake, you’ll be amazed at your newfound visual clarity! Your surgeon will also provide medicated eye drops to aid in healing and prevent infection during your swift recovery period.
While LASIK is typically considered elective, some insurance plans offer:
Reduced Rates: Many insurers negotiate special rates for members. Call your provider to see if they have discounts for LASIK surgery.
Coverage Exceptions: For specific professions like athletes or military personnel, perfect vision might be job-related, making LASIK a covered expense. Explore your plan details or contact your insurer directly for clarification.
Maximize Your Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are excellent options for covering LASIK costs.
Provider Discounts: Many LASIK clinics offer special pricing for AAA members, veterans, or by profession. Ask your chosen provider about available discounts.
Yes, you can have LASIK if you have astigmatism. In fact, our experienced LASIK surgeons routinely correct astigmatism, thanks to significant advancements in technology over the past decade. Many people with astigmatism are now excellent candidates for LASIK.
With the latest FDA-approved technology and our surgeons’ extensive expertise in vision correction surgery, we consistently achieve excellent results for patients with astigmatism. If you’ve been told by your regular eye doctor that LASIK isn’t an option for you, don’t be discouraged. Only a qualified LASIK surgeon can provide an accurate evaluation to determine if LASIK can correct your astigmatism, as well as any nearsightedness or farsightedness you may have.
Schedule your free consultation, in person or virtual, with no pressure and no obligation.