Lasik Vision files for bankruptcy; parent company says it will assist patients

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Lasik Vision, which abruptly closed its discount laser-eye-surgery offices in Bellevue and 27 other North American cities four weeks ago, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Its parent company said it is attempting to help stranded former patients.

Icon Laser Eye Centers, which acquired Lasik in February, said it has sent out information packages to patients outlining how they can get refunds, surgery they've already paid for, or postoperative care.

Icon, which is based in Toronto, also has set up a toll-free phone line, 877-733-4266, and a Web site, www.iconlasik.com, for people wanting more information or a copy of the package.

Icon said former Lasik patients can go to an Icon office for treatment or information. The nearest Icon office in this area is in Beaverton, Ore.

Icon shut down financially troubled Lasik Vision last month. Lasik had been offering laser-eye surgery for $1,000 for both eyes, about $1,400 to $3,000 less than the average cost of laser-eye surgery depending on the amount of correction needed.

But Lasik Vision required patients to pay the full cost of the procedure before being examined. Refunds were promised within 21 days if the surgery couldn't be performed for medical or other reasons.

At the time of the shutdown, Lasik Vision reportedly had taken surgery deposits from about 2,000 patients nationwide who hadn't had the operations.

"Icon is committed to the fulfillment of Lasik Vision patients' medical needs and to assist Lasik Vision patients who require postoperative care or are awaiting surgery," Icon Chairman Ernest Remo said. "The bankruptcy of Lasik Vision has been a very unfortunate experience for all parties involved."

Bill Kossen can be reached at 206-464-2331 or at bkossen@seattletimes.com.