FAQs

• Punctal Plugs
• YAG Laser procedure
• SLT Laser procedure
• Blephex
• Chalazion removal
• Dry Eye procedures

Yes, we have a Lasik/Cross-Linking suite at our Lombard location.
We perform the evaluations at the Chicago and Lombard locations.

• Cataract
• Corneal Transplants
• Pterygium
• Glaucoma surgery – minimally invasive

Yes, when you sign up for the patient portal you will have access to your visit summary, appointment history, and have the ability to send questions to your care team, administration, and billing department.

VSP

No, our optical shop is temporarily closed. Once it is reopened, we will have a full-service optical center.

Our Chicago office is inside Ascension Resurrection Hospital Campus. To find us, enter through Entrance 3, then proceed to Suite 406.

Yes, at all three locations.

Please see our list of insurances on our website. If you have any questions, call the number on the back of your insurance card.

Yes. We offer consultations for corneal cross-linking at the Chicago or Lombard office. The procedure itself would be done at our Lombard location.

We perform various surgeries, including LASIK, cataract surgery, corneal cross-linking, and more. See our comprehensive list of treatments offered at Chicago Eye Surgeons.

Dr. Dhaliwal operates out of 2 different hospitals and three surgical centers. Your surgical coordinator will review that information once the doctor clears you for surgery.

Dr. Dhaliwal is an ophthalmologist. We have an optometrist at our Elgin location as well.

Yes, Dr. Dhaliwal performs LASIK at our Lombard office, but it is considered an out-of-pocket procedure that we would collect before the procedure.

On our website (www.chicago-eye.com), on your patient portal or you can call into the office.

Yes, you may pay your bill over the phone by calling 773-775-9755, or you may pay your bill online at www.Chicago-Eye.com.

Please use the account number as the invoice number.

If you had a refraction—a routine test to determine if you are farsighted or nearsighted—it was not covered by your carrier. Please refer to your explanation of the benefits provided to you by your carrier.

You may use the account number or the encounter number listed on your statement.

You signed the financial agreement that described this fee and that you may be responsible for it.

It is for routine eye care not covered under your medical plan.

You were seen for a medical condition/problem with your eye(s), or you may not have provided your VSP information at registration.

Yes, especially if you are a new patient. You can obtain a referral through your PCP (primary care provider). You can also call your insurance to see if one is required.

Yes, you need a valid referral. It depends on the length of the original referral and how many visits were initially approved. If your referral is expired or you are out of visits, you need a new referral. Either your PCP (primary care provider) can make one for you, or our referral department can request one for you.

We can schedule your appointment, but it must be at least two weeks due to processing time. If the referral is not received before your scheduled appointment, we will likely have to reschedule. It is up to you whether you would like to wait until the referral is received or if you are okay with the possibility of rescheduling if the referral is not received.

The procedure generally is under 10 minutes. However, expect to be at the surgical center for up to 2 hours from check-in to being released to return home.

There is minimal downtime with cataract surgery. Most patients may even drive 24 hours later. We ask you to refrain from lifting anything over 40 pounds for the first week after your procedure. Ensure you are using your post-operative medications as directed.

As with any surgery, cataract surgery involves some risk. Complications, however, are extremely rare. It is one of the most commonly and successfully performed surgeries in the U.S.
In approximately 1 in 2000 to 1 in 5000 cases, the following vision-threatening complications may occur:

• Severe inflammation
• Infection
• Retinal detachment

Modern cataract surgery is performed one eye at a time with a 1 to 3-week interval between eyes. Bilateral, simultaneous surgery is only performed in rare situations and is not the current standard of care in the United States. Sequential surgery allows time to evaluate the first procedure's outcome and monitor for complications before operating on the second eye. This evaluation may affect the choices made for the second surgery, especially in cases using premium IOLs or eyes that have had prior refractive surgery.

Cataract surgery involves a few basic steps:

• Your eye gets numbed with ophthalmic eye drops and a lidocaine block. The anesthetist places an IV with medication to relax you.
• The surgeon makes a tiny, 2.4 mm incision in your cornea.
• The surgeon uses painless, low-intensity ultrasound energy and other tools to break up the natural cloudy lens.
• The surgeon removes the lens from your eye.
• The surgeon places a new intraocular (or artificial) lens in your eye.

As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel a scratchy sensation or slight soreness in your eye on the first day. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate discomfort. Also, using all your prescribed medications and lubricating drops will help with any discomfort.

No, you may not drive yourself home. You must have a responsible friend or family member to drive you home and ensure that you make it home comfortably. This is due to the mild anesthesia that you will receive.

The results of your surgery and the lens implant you choose are designed to last a lifetime.

Cataract surgery has one of the highest success rates of all surgeries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that this procedure improves eyesight for 95% of patients.

After cataract surgery, most people will need glasses. A new eyeglass prescription is usually prescribed 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
You may consider premium lenses that can reduce refractive error and presbyopia. You may still need to wear glasses for small print and seeing road signs.

We do not restrict any patients from watching television. However, the operative eye may be blurry on the day of your procedure due to the medications administered during surgery. As long as you are comfortable, you may watch television.

Please wear the protective shield provided by the surgery center for three nights at bedtime only.

Most patients can travel within one day following surgery. However, completing ALL post-surgical follow-up appointments with the surgeon before leaving the area for more than one week is a MANDATORY.

The cost of your cataract surgery depends on insurance, location, the type of artificial lens you select, and other factors. Please contact your insurance company for possible costs associated with your cataract surgery.

Yes, but check with your insurance company to understand any additional costs that your plan may not cover. Surgery costs include fees for the surgical suite, doctor, anesthesiologist, pre-surgery tests, post-surgery drugs, and any upgraded lens implant you may choose.
You should be able to receive cost estimates to submit to your insurance company to find out how much they’ll pay and your portion of the expense. Premium lenses are often not covered by insurance.

If you are Medicare-eligible, it will pay for most cataract surgery costs with standard lenses. Supplemental insurance usually covers 80% of the portion that Medicare does not, meaning you will have to cover the unpaid charges if you do not have a supplemental plan.

1. Non-expired identification (driver’s license, passport, state ID, Military ID)
   • All health insurance cards
   • Commercial
   • Medicare
   • Medicare Supplemental
   • Vision Insurance (VSP)
   • Co-Pa
2. Current Medication list and allergies
3. New Patient Forms filled out - if you printed them off online
4. Current glasses or contact lens prescription box
5. Bring Sunglasses in case of dilation
6. Primary Care Provider Information
7. If you have an HMO insurance – must bring a paper referral from your
8. Primary Care Provider

The first appointment is the longest – this can take up to 2 hours (time includes filling out initial paperwork, insurance eligibility (unless insurance info is given at time of schedule), testing, dilation, and provider visit).

If you have not been seen by the provider in less than 3 years – you are considered a new patient.

If you have never been seen by the practice – you are considered a new patient.

No, please come in at your scheduled time.

We require 24 hours’ notice to reschedule your appointment.

No, we do not.