LASIK Alternatives in Minneapolis

If you’ve been told LASIK isn’t right for you, you’re in the right place. Chu Vision offers more advanced vision correction options than anyone in Minnesota, so you’re matched with the procedure that fits your unique eyes and delivers the clearest vision possible.

older woman in eye machine to have her eyes looked at

See Like You’ve Always Wanted Customized Solutions for Everyone

LASIK alternatives are vision correction procedures designed for people who are not candidates for traditional LASIK or just want another option. Just like your iPhone, vision correction technology has changed dramatically over the years! LASIK is like the “Kleenex” household name, it’s the most recognized for sure, but not the only player in the game. At Chu Vision Institute, our expertise in refractive surgery allows us to find the right approach for each patient.

Our doctors will evaluate your eyes and guide you through factors like corneal thickness, prescription strength, dry eye, etc. We can help you find a match with a procedure that’s a perfect fit for your vision, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Our customized solutions can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia (when you start to need readers!).

What Are My Options?

Our full range of LASIK alternatives ensures everyone can access personalized solutions, including the following:

SMILE | The “Next-Generation LASIK” – (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) An innovative one-step laser procedure allows you to resume normal activities typically in about 24 hours! The laser reshapes the cornea through a tiny opening, making it an excellent option for people with nearsightedness and astigmatism.
PRK | The “Tried-And-True Old Faithful” – (Photorefractive Keratectomy) The first laser vision correction procedure! This method is great for people with thin corneas and dry eyes.
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) | The “Can’t-Feel-Them” Contacts – An advanced, implantable contact lens procedure that is biocompatible, reversible, and works in harmony with your eye’s natural lens! This procedure is life-changing for patients with extremely high prescriptions and corrects myopia and astigmatism without altering the cornea
CLR (Custom Lens Replacement) | The “Over-40 Fixer” – A procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens, perfect for people who struggle to read and don’t enjoy reading glasses or bifocals!
Monovision LASIK – A strategic approach to vision correction for patients over 40, allowing one eye to be corrected for near vision and the other for distance. The eyes and brain adjust to deliver clear vision, near and far.
Advanced Custom Cataract Correction | The “Best-Of-The-Best” in Cataracts - Similar to CLR, this procedure replaces the eye’s natural lens to remove cataracts AND reduce or eliminate dependency on readers, bifocals, contacts, or glasses with premium intraocular lens technology.

Each option is designed for the long-term results you want: clarity and freedom from glasses or contacts.

close up on eye looking at spiral design

Your Best Vision, Coming Soon

All bodies recover at their own pace, and each procedure’s technique affects the downtime differently. Most patients go back to normal life activities in 24 hours to several days, making these options easy to fit into even busy schedules. While we don’t have a crystal ball, our team goes over what to expect in detail, combining your unique prescription and health history with the procedure you choose so that you can plan with confidence!

Next Steps Schedule your life-changing experience now!

Feel Confident, Choose Wisely

Choosing where to go for vision correction is a big decision—these are your EYES! These are the factors that we encourage every patient to consider when they’re selecting a practice and surgeon:

Experience and Expertise – You want someone who has not only done this for a long time but who is constantly innovating as well. Dr. Ralph Chu and his team have performed over 150,000 procedures, pioneering advancements in refractive surgery, bringing more new procedures to Minnesota than anyone in the state
Technology – Most of us don’t have the same TV we did 10 years ago. Your surgeon shouldn’t have the same technology either. Our state-of-the-art facility features the latest cutting-edge laser vision correction and implantable lens technology.
Passion and Excellence – Cutting corners, the easy route, or people who are “going through the motions” have no place in vision correction. It takes a team of professionals who all care about your vision as much as you do! We’ve spent 25 years building a culture of excellence, constantly investing in our team and pushing ourselves to be the very best we can be, for every patient, for you.

"I now have 20/20 vision and I am thrilled with my results.

I was going to get LASIK and then I met Dr. Chu. He asked me about my lifestyle and sat down and really listened to me. Based on that conversation, he recommended PRK."

Matt, PRK Patient and Jiu-Jitsu Master

Patient Reviews

I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...

Brenda H.

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!

Barb H.

My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!

Darcie N.

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years. All annual appointments were done by caring professionals. This year, the need for cata...

Linda U.

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...

Rick M.

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to. They are so polite and caring. Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable. Gr...

JoEllen S.

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing! They truly cared for...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...

Bridget V.

View More Client Reviews

It’s Time to See Better Are You Ready?

You’ve made it this far, and seeing better with your own two eyes is important to you. It makes life better. Your next step is easy: which feels best?

Request Information - One of our patient counselors will reach out and answer any questions you have!
Find Out if You’re a Candidate: Schedule a FREE Consultation - You’ll leave knowing if vision correction—and which type—would give you the freedom and vision you’re looking for! You’ll see one of our doctors, who will guide you through your options and questions, and one of our counselors to walk you through all of the logistics.

Lasik Alternatives All Your Questions Answered

How do I know which LASIK alternative is right for me?

We perform a thorough consultation exam to assess your corneal thickness, prescription, and overall eye health before recommending the most suitable procedure, or none. We want what’s best for your eyes.We perform a thorough consultation exam to assess your corneal thickness, prescription, and overall eye health before recommending the most suitable procedure, or none. We want what’s best for your eyes.

Are LASIK alternatives as effective as LASIK?

Yes! Many of these procedures offer the same results you’re looking for with LASIK, plus advantages like reduced dry eye symptoms or better suitability for high prescriptions.

Are payment plans available?

Yes! We offer flexible payment plans to make vision correction accessible to all patients. See better now, pay later! Our counselors can help you apply during your consultation or share the information with you.