LASEK Protocol Question: Advice urgently needed

In Korea at the moment-

A friend's scheduled a LASEK procedure for tomorrow. She seems excited about it. I remain highly skeptical. For starters, she's a semi-frequent contact wearer (has been off contacts for a few weeks now though) and the examination was performed today. When asked when she'd like the surgery performed, she said ASAP. They penciled her in for tomorrow.

Am I simply being paranoid, or is my paranoia valid? Specifically, what's the standard timeline from first visit to surgery? Can it be bypassed safely?

Additionally, the sales tactic they used left a foul taste in my mouth; When she asked about prices, they quoted her a figure roughly $800-1000 above most/all competitors, but offered her a "special summer sale" lowering it to normal prices if she made the payment immediately.

Again, paranoid for no reason or should I suggest that she A) reschedule the surgery or B) find a better facility?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

The time between exam and LASEK does not matter as long as the contacts were out an appropriate length of time.  If the contact lenses were gas-perms, then they should be out at least three weeks and the refraction remeasured until stable.  I would go to a few centers unless she was referred by someone who had good results and service.

Dr. O.