WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a significant refund process, distributing over $1.1 million to consumers who were misled by LCA-Vision’s deceptive advertising strategies concerning LASIK surgery costs. As the nation’s largest provider of LASIK services, LCA-Vision, operating under LasikPlus and Joffe MediCenter, was charged with employing misleading bait-and-switch tactics in its promotional campaigns.
The FTC’s complaint, filed in January 2023, accused LCA-Vision of enticing consumers with promises of vision correction surgery for under $300. However, this low promotional price was accessible to a mere 6.5% of the patients who came in for consultations. The stringent criteria required consumers to have near-normal vision, adequate for driving without corrective lenses, to qualify for the advertised rate.
Moreover, the FTC highlighted that some advertisements by LasikPlus failed to clearly inform consumers that the promotional price applied per eye, not for both eyes combined. As a result, many consumers, after enduring lengthy eye exams and consultations, faced quotes ranging between $1,800 to $2,295 per eye.
To address these deceptive practices, the FTC has undertaken a refund initiative. Checks and PayPal payments are being sent to 12,077 consumers who submitted valid claims before the established deadline. Recipients are advised to cash their checks within 90 days or redeem PayPal payments within 30 days.
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