Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) are tax free accounts set up by employers for their employees to cover qualified medical expenses. Generally, the employee selects the amount that they would like to pay in to the account and then can use the funds to pay for doctor's visits and medicines. LASIK surgery usually qualifies as a legitimate medical expense.



Dr. Chris Cabler, board certified ophthalmologist of The Laser Vision Center in Houston, TX, says that he sees an increase in LASIK patients at both the beginning and the end of the calendar year. "These are the most popular times for people to use their FLEX Spending Plans to have LASIK surgery... because of the 'use it or lose it rule." Any monies not spent during the plan coverage year (calendar year) is forfeited back to the company.

Don't wait until the last minute to make your FSA elections. If you are even thinking about having LASIK surgery, contact a doctor now to find out the cost and get cracking on making your appointment. You don't want to risk losing not only the money, but a chance to see better without your glasses or contacts. The "FLEX season" has arrived once again. Don't be late!

Dr. Chris J. Cabler M.D. is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, The International Society of Refractive Surgery and the Texas Ophthalmological Association as well as Harris County Medical Society. He is currently Medical Director of The Laser Eye Institute of Houston, the largest LASIK center in Texas.

The Laser Vision Center of Houston features some of the newest technologies, iLASIK, IntraLASIK, the Allegretto Wave, VISX, and IntraLase Blade-Free LASIK.