New Year, New Vision

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Many folks make new year’s resolutions hoping to change something about their lives. They resolve to accomplish big goals, build healthy habits, and take steps toward realizing a vision. But what if that vision of a better future starts with, literally, better vision?

“Most individuals need glasses or contact lenses to see and function in their everyday lives,” says Drew Dickson, MD, co-founder and surgeon with West Des Moines’ Modern Vision Centers (MVC). “MVC was created as the first dedicated, comprehensive vision-correction practice in the state of Iowa” that offers corneal-based procedures like LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, and lens-based approaches like EVO ICL implantation and refractive lens exchange (RLE). “We offer procedures no other clinic offers and have the most experienced vision-correction surgeons.”

Dickson’s partner and co-founder, Brandon Menke, MD, says that despite the cutting-edge nature of the clinic, patients need not be intimidated. In fact, MVC puts intentional focus on patient care and comfort. “The patient experience begins with a warm and welcoming presence, followed by obtaining comprehensive scans and images using cutting-edge technology. Then, using that technology along with a thorough discussion, we identify each patient’s individual visual needs and concerns to then choose the correct procedure for him or her. This allows us to deliver the highest quality visual outcomes.”

“Vision correction should not be scary! It is typically a 10- to 15-minute procedure that can change your life and the way you interact with the world.” —Brandon Menke, MD

Another patient-focused aspect for MVC is pricing. “Many practices operate on a tiered pricing system, where patients with higher prescriptions pay more for certain procedures,” Dickson says. MVC takes a different approach, instead determining the best procedure for each patient without markup based on their uncorrected vision. “We don’t think patients should be penalized for having a higher prescription as this is something out of their control. Rather, we think the various vision correction options should be accessible to everyone regardless of their prescription.” Menke adds, “We don’t think of vision correction as ‘good, better, best’ and the accompanying cost, but rather, ‘What procedure helps to meet your goals?’”

To create your correction goals, Dickson says, “prior to undergoing surgery, every patient should consider what type of vision they wish they had.” Menke adds that the benefits of achieving those clear-vision goals are numerous. “Patients typically have improved performance and longevity at work or in athletics. Aside from improved vision and a glasses- or contact lens-independent lifestyle, the financial benefit to ‘buying your vision’ as opposed to ‘renting it’ allows for cost savings for decades!” Menke says.

For the surgeons at MVC, achieving each individual patient’s goals, no matter their current prescription, is possible. “Certainly, there are limitations, but in my experience,” Dickson says, “most patients can achieve incredible vision.”

One particular patient stands out in Dickson’s memory. “She was so nearsighted that she could barely even count fingers in front of her face without glasses or contacts. She underwent the EVO ICL surgery, and by the next day was already seeing better than 20/20! She was crying tears of joy and hugging our team. Her life was changed dramatically for the better with a 10-minute procedure, and she was incredibly happy.”

Joy is indeed the goal, for both patients and doctors. “Dr. Dickson and I opened Modern Vision because we love what we do, and what we do is help people see better,” Menke says. “We wanted to be able to improve our patients’ vision no matter what age they are or what visual ailment they may possess.” And they joyfully help each patient start a new life in sharp focus —all year long.

> CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MODERN VISION CENTERS