TESTIMONIALS

Dr. Birchansky has successfully performed thousands of vision correction procedures. Here is what some of his patients had to say.

I've worn contacts since 1983 and I was at the point that my eyes couldn't tolerate them any longer. Your doctors and staff made my experience very positive! Everyone was so nice, took time to explain the procedure and what to expect. Everything turned out exactly as I was told it would. I would (and already have) recommended you to everyone whom I know is a candidate for this procedure! I am thrilled with the results I have had with my Epi-LASIK procedure!! It was worth every penny.

Holly Bailey, Cedar Rapids, IA

Dr. Jason Skinner
(Epi-LASIK patient)

To everyone at Fox Eye,

I can't even begin to describe how the work you all do there has changed my life. Here's how my morning routine used to go: Wake up, feel around for my glasses that were on when I fell asleep but have somehow gotten away, find them and put them on, realize those were my sunglasses, feel some more, get out of bed to see if they ended up under my bed, oops... step on them, spend the next five minutes trying to bend them back to their original shape, make my way to the bathroom to shower, take off my glasses, shower and dry off, forget where I put my glasses before my shower, open my drawer and look blindly for my contact case, find my old case but the contacts are dried up eventually this wakes my wife up and so she comes to the rescue and brings me my contact case that was on my nightstand next to the bed, then take the first contact out of the case and clean it, rinse it and put it in, then the same thing for the second one, then dress, go to work and take out my contacts because by that time they'd be bothering me.

That's what I would have to go through almost every morning before meeting you guys. Now here's what I have to do: Wake up, open my eyes!! That's it!! Life is good, very good. You just don't realize the freedom you have lived without for so long until all you have to do is open your eyes.

I am forever grateful to everyone there for the care you showed before, during, and after my epi-lasik procedure. I originally chose Fox Eye for the simple fact that you offered epi-lasik. I had done tons of internet research at such sites as the Journal of Refractive Surgery, the Journal of Ophthalmology, and countless others. What I learned was that this procedure seemed to be the future of refractive surgery, especially with the advent of Wavefront technology. I learned that the risks generally associated with lasik surgery are greatly reduced with epi-lasik. I learned that with Wavefront technology, and CustomCornea treatments, results could be superior with epi-lasik. I learned that although the results weren't "immediate" I would likely be back to work in less than a week. I was already completely sold on the procedure way before I walked into your office. However, I was completely amazed and delighted with my experiences at your office right from the start.

Melynda was completely upfront and honest with me at the screening. I had done my research and she certainly didn't try to raise my expectations beyond what was realistic. I had been to another office four years earlier to get a screening for lasik and the whole time I got the feeling they were trying to sell me something. I never for a second felt like that at Fox Eye. Dr. Riggs was great that first day as well, but I'll get to him more later. Meeting Dr. Birchansky was impressive to say the least. I practice dentistry in Iowa and have been trying to emulate Dr. Birchansky's professionalism in my own practice ever since meeting him that first day.

I remember going into the surgery day feeling completely ready. Dr. Riggs, Dr. Birchansky and Melynda had done an incredible job making sure all of my questions were answered. I remember meeting Bob who took me through all of the post-op care. Again, I was very impressed. Just so you know, Dr. Birchansky, your staff really couldn't get any better. Bob got me ready to go and then you guys had me so relaxed it's a wonder that I stayed awake for the surgery. Dr. Birchansky was very reassuring throughout the surgery. It really was over before I knew it. I woke up from my four hour nap the day of the surgery

and I could see really, really great. Bob had prepared me for some pain and showed me what to use to alleviate it, but honestly I never used anything for pain. I had mild discomfort Saturday morning and bothered Dr. Riggs with my concerns. What a great guy!! If anyone has ever asked a stupid question it was me that Saturday. I met with Dr. Riggs and afterwards felt totally reassured that everything was on track and healing well. There was a dip in my vision for a few days, as expected, but as it came back into focus it went very quickly and just kept getting better. In fact, even at this point two months later my vision is still improving. I was totally happy one week after the surgery, and I was seeing better than 20/20 at my one month follow-up appointment, but I know for a fact I've even improved since then. I really can't wait until my next follow-up for you guys to see how well I can see now.

Dr. Birchansky, I am so grateful to you for your surgical skill, but even more for your willingness to bring this procedure to our area, for seeking out and learning new, safer, and more effective ways to bring clear, crisp vision to your patients. I don't know when I'll stop telling my wife and my parents how amazed with my vision I am. I am so, so glad that I had this done. I am also very, very glad that I didn't rush into it four years ago, but instead waited for the right procedure, because in waiting it brought me to your office and I really couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you so much for everything.

Jason Skinner

P.S. I wish my job was so rewarding!!

Cheryl Lamaak
E-Lasik for both eyes

Dear Dr. Birchansky, Dr. Riggs, Ms. Wolter and Staff,

My summer slogan has been "I once was blind, but now I see." This surgery has truly been a miracle for me, and I thank God for the blessings of medicine and technology and those like you who assist others in regaining vision and improving the quality of lives.

I would like to thank each of you and your staff for their assistance and wonderful support prior to, during, and after the surgery.

Once again, thank you for helping me to "lose the glasses!"

Sincerely,
Cheryl Lamaak

Robin Anderson
Mason City, Iowa
(LASIK patient)

Wow!! What a change LASIK surgery has made in my life!! No more grabbing for my glasses when my kids wake up during the night...and I can sleep on either side of the bed and still see the clock!! I can even fall asleep watching TV instead of trodding to the bathroom to take out my contacts!

I'm seeing 20/20 and I feel like a new person! The people at Fox Eye provide excellent care and have a wonderful professional reputation. The ophthalmologist in my hometown who has provided my follow-up care says my eyes are in excellent condition following the surgery due to the skill of Dr. Birchansky.

I highly recommend LASIK surgery for anyone who is active in sports or who is tired of messing with eyeglasses and contact lenses. My only regret is that I didn't have this surgery sooner!! Sincerely, Robin Anderson Mason City, Iowa

Karen Thuerauf
had LASIK both eyes

Miraculous! Awesome!! I highly recommend LASIK to anyone who is thinking about it. Go for it!

I have worn glasses and contacts for 30 years. My eyes were always red from contacts, but I did not want to wear glasses. Now my eyes are clear and white. They feel better than I could have even imagined.

Dr. Birchansky and his staff clearly and willingly answered all my questions. They made the whole procedure so smooth and easy. I was not the least bit worried or scared and there was no pain at all. It was all so easy. I feel great and I'm still excited 6 months later! Thanks Dr. Birchansky.

Thank you too staff. I really am loving this and I love telling everyone about it! It's funny cause I still reach for my glasses and go to take my contacts out at night. But I don't have too!
Thank you,
Karen Thuerauf

Amanda Johnson
LASIK for both eyes

Having LASIK surgery was one of the best choices I have ever made. My eyesight has changed for the better in so many ways. I can now see perfectly while swimming, biking, reading and driving and I don't have to worry about contacts or glasses.

I wore glasses for 20 years and am so thankful I am free of them now. The surgery was so quick and pain-free, I would totally recommend it to anyone. It even cured my astigmatism! Thanks Dr. Birchansky and thanks Fox Eye for my new-found freedom!

Sincerely,

Amanda Johnson

Tim Weitzel

"I had been thinking about Laser eye surgery for about a year or so, but was a bit nervous and reluctant to take the next step. When my brother-in-law, a Cedar Rapids orthopedic surgeon, suggested I talk to Dr. Birchansky, I decided to follow through.

From the minute I entered the Fox Eye Institute, I was at ease. From the reception desk, to the prep work, to Dr. Birchansky himself, I was well informed and felt very comfortable at all times.

I live and work in Dubuque and have travelled to Cedar Rapids for my follow up visits. I can honestly say, for me, the Fox Eye Institute has been worth every mile of the trip. I would highly recommend Dr. Birchansky and the nice people at the Fox Eye Institute."

Tim Weitzel
Dubuque, IA

James Clark

"I didn't realize how bad my sight was until after the cataract surgery and then I began seeing so much better. It was a very pleasant experience; it was a 'piece of cake'! I would highly recommend Dr. Birchansky."
James Clark, Cedar Rapids

Billie Hoyt

"My experience at Fox Eye was great. Everything went fine and all the people at Fox Eye and the Surgery Center were so nice. Dr. Birchansky was so thorough and willing to answer my questions. He really put me at ease. I even got my drivers license without restrictions!"
Billie Hoyt, Cedar Rapids

Murray Birchansky
Dr. Birchansky's Father
(Cataract patient)

I had read somewhere that 80% of all learning is visual. This only confirmed my longtime understanding about our five senses (which we too often take for granted.) The ability to see is not only convenient, but so very important as well.

As a child, I grew up with a need to wear eyeglasses -- and all the time resenting it. It wasn't until I reached adulthood did I finally "accept reality" and I reluctantly became dependent upon them.

Three years ago, I was diagnosed as having developed cataracts in both eyes. Wearing eyeglasses no longer would correct my vision problems. It was decision time, and it was by no coincidence that I turned to Fox Eye's founding surgeon, Lee Birchansky, M.D. for a consultation regarding my options.

Although I know that most physicians would choose not to accept their parents as patients, my son convinced me to fly to Iowa because he only wanted the best for me -- and if you ask me, Dr. Birchansky is the best!

He scheduled me for surgery and assured me that I would receive the same quality treatment that he gives to all of his other patients. (That was good enough for me.)

I am so thankful for having had my cataracts surgery (both eyes) performed so successfully. Imagine finally seeing normally for the first time, without the need to wear eyeglasses... And to have it all done in an out patient center as opposed to a crowded hospital setting was a pleasure.

Thank you Fox Eye, and your wonderful staff. And thank you Dr. Birchansky, "My son the Doctor."

With Love,

Murray Birchansky
Miami,Florida