Second Opinions

Your Consultation

Your eyes deserve more
than a quick answer.

Whether you're exploring vision correction for the first time or seeking a second opinion on surgery someone else recommended, every consultation at Southwest Eye Institute starts the same way: a thorough evaluation, an honest conversation with the surgeon, and a plan built around your eyes and your life.

How Can We Help?

Two reasons people come to us

Different starting points, same destination: a clear answer and a plan you feel confident in.

New patient

I want to explore my options

You're ready to do something about your vision — whether that's LASIK, cataracts, or something else. You want a thorough evaluation and an honest recommendation from a surgeon who offers the full range of procedures, not just one.

  • Considering LASIK, PRK, or ICL
  • Noticing cloudy or declining vision (cataracts)
  • Want to understand premium IOL options
  • Looking for a surgeon you can trust
  • Exploring vision correction for the first time
Second opinion

I want to double-check a recommendation

Another doctor recommended surgery, but something doesn't sit right — the diagnosis, the timing, the lens choice, or the outcome of a previous procedure. You want an independent evaluation from a surgeon with nothing to gain from agreeing with the first opinion.

  • Told you need cataract surgery — unsure if now is the right time
  • Confused by conflicting advice about lenses or procedures
  • Told you're "not a candidate" but want to hear another perspective
  • Previous surgery didn't deliver expected results
  • Symptoms persist despite treatment
What to Expect

Your consultation, step by step

Every visit starts with the surgeon — not a tech, not a coordinator, not a sales team. Here's what happens.

1
Diagnostic workup
State-of-the-art imaging: corneal mapping, retinal scans, pressure checks, visual field testing, and any other measurements your situation calls for.
2
Surgeon evaluation
Dr. Malitz personally examines your eyes and reviews all imaging. If you're here for a second opinion, he reviews your prior records and test results as well.
3
Honest conversation
You sit with Dr. Malitz. He explains what he sees, what your options are, and what he would do if it were his own eyes. You ask questions. He answers them — no rush.
4
Your plan
You leave with a clear recommendation, written estimate, and next steps — whether that's scheduling surgery, monitoring, or getting additional testing.

"We put patients first. We understand that our success depends on your success — and we are focused on your personal best vision."

— Dr. David Malitz
Second Opinions

You're not being difficult. You're being smart.

Most medical professionals support second opinions, especially before surgery. A fresh evaluation can confirm the right path — or reveal options you didn't know existed.

🔍 Confirm the diagnosis

Is cataract surgery truly necessary right now, or can you wait? Is LASIK the right procedure for your corneal anatomy? A second set of eyes on your imaging can confirm the recommendation — or suggest a better approach.

🔬 Explore options you weren't offered

Not every practice offers every procedure. If a LASIK center only does LASIK, that's what they'll recommend. Dr. Malitz offers LASIK, PRK, ICL, clear lens exchange, premium IOLs, and more — so the recommendation matches your anatomy, not a limited menu.

🩺 Evaluate a previous outcome

If you've had surgery and the results aren't what you expected — lingering symptoms, unexpected side effects, or vision that doesn't feel right — Dr. Malitz can examine your eyes, explain what he sees, and discuss whether an enhancement or different approach might help.

No referral required

You don't need a referral to request a second opinion. You don't need to tell your current doctor. And your current doctor won't be offended — seeking a second opinion before surgery is common, reasonable, and responsible. We welcome patients from across Nevada, the U.S., and internationally through our fly-in patient program.

Your Personal Best Vision

Every recommendation is built for your eyes and your life

We don't do one-size-fits-all. Your daily routine, your visual demands, and your eye anatomy determine the recommendation.

🧬 Lifestyle-driven recommendations

Do you drive at night? Read for hours? Play sports? Work on screens all day? Your daily visual demands determine which procedure and lens options make sense. A pilot, a graphic designer, and a retiree all have different needs — and get different recommendations.

🎯 The full range of solutions

We're not limited to one procedure. LASIK, PRK, ICL, clear lens exchange, cataract surgery with premium IOLs (PanOptix, Envy, Odyssey), glaucoma MIGS, pterygium removal — Dr. Malitz has the training and surgical volume in all of them, so the recommendation matches your need.

👤 A dedicated surgical coordinator

Once you decide to move forward, Brittany — our surgical coordinator and concierge — becomes your personal guide. She handles scheduling, insurance coordination, surgery prep, and aftercare logistics. For fly-in patients, she helps with travel planning and hotel suggestions too.

📋 Written estimate, no surprises

Before you commit to anything, you'll receive a clear, written estimate of what your procedure costs — what insurance covers, what's out of pocket, and what financing options are available. No surprise fees. See our full pricing guide →

Before Your Visit

What to bring to your consultation

📄 For all patients

Your insurance card and photo ID. Your current glasses or contact lenses. A list of medications you're taking (including eye drops). Any questions you want to ask — write them down so you don't forget.

🔁 For second opinions

Any prior records, test results, or imaging from your current doctor (if available — we can also request them for you). A copy of any surgical or treatment plan you've been given. Notes on what concerns you about the current recommendation.

If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses and are being evaluated for laser vision correction, please stop wearing them at least 4 weeks before your appointment. Soft contacts: 3 days before.

Cost & Insurance

How consultation billing works

🏥 Medical evaluations

If you're being evaluated for a medical condition — cataracts, glaucoma, pterygium, eyelid issues — your consultation is billed to insurance like a standard office visit. Most patients pay only their copay.

👁 LASIK / elective consultations

LASIK and PRK consultations are $200. If a medical diagnosis is present during the exam, the visit can be billed to insurance. If you proceed with surgery, the consultation fee is applied to your surgical cost.

Second opinions and insurance

Most second opinion visits are billed like a standard consultation and are covered by insurance, especially when evaluating a surgical recommendation. If you're paying cash or are out-of-network, we offer transparent pricing with no surprises. Call 702-362-3900 and we'll walk you through the details before you come in.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need cataract surgery right now?
Not always. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures in medicine, but timing matters. If your cataracts aren't significantly affecting your daily activities, monitoring may be appropriate. Dr. Malitz will examine your eyes, assess the cataract's impact on your vision, and give you a straight answer about whether now is the right time — or whether waiting makes more sense.
Will my current doctor be offended if I get a second opinion?
No — most medical professionals support second opinions, especially for surgery. It's common, reasonable, and responsible. We're here to help you feel informed, not pressured. If the original recommendation was correct, a second opinion confirms it and gives you more confidence moving forward.
I was told I'm not a LASIK candidate. Is that final?
Not necessarily. "Not a candidate" can mean different things depending on what was measured and what alternatives were considered. Some patients who aren't candidates for LASIK are excellent candidates for PRK, ICL, or clear lens exchange. Dr. Malitz offers the full range of vision correction procedures, so if one doesn't fit, there may be another that does.
Are premium lens implants really worth the extra cost?
For many patients, yes — but not for everyone. Premium IOLs like PanOptix, Envy, and Odyssey can significantly reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery, but they also involve visual tradeoffs (like halos) that not every patient tolerates well. Dr. Malitz will evaluate your eye anatomy, lifestyle, and expectations before recommending a premium upgrade. If a standard lens is the better fit, he'll tell you. Compare premium lens options →
What if the second opinion disagrees with my first doctor?
That's valuable information. Disagreements between doctors are normal — ophthalmology involves judgment calls, especially around timing, lens selection, and surgical approach. Dr. Malitz will explain his reasoning clearly so you can make an informed decision. You're always free to go back to your original doctor, proceed with us, or keep looking.
Can I send my records in advance?
Yes — you can fax records to 702-419-9577 or email them to info@sweyeinstitute.com. If you don't have your records, that's fine too. We perform a complete evaluation at every consultation regardless, so you'll never be missing information we need.
How is this different from a regular eye exam?
A consultation with Dr. Malitz is a surgical evaluation, not a routine eye exam. It includes specialized diagnostic imaging, a focused assessment of your specific concern, and a conversation about surgical or treatment options. It's deeper, longer, and more specific than what you'd get at a standard annual visit.
I'm visiting Las Vegas — can I schedule a consultation while I'm in town?
Absolutely. We regularly see patients from out of state and internationally. If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas and want to use that time for a consultation — or even a procedure — our surgical coordinator Brittany can help you plan the timeline. Learn more about our fly-in patient program →

The consultation is for you — not for us.

No obligation, no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a thorough evaluation, honest answers, and a clear plan. Whether you're a new patient or coming for a second opinion, you'll leave knowing exactly where you stand.

Or call us directly: 702-362-3900  ·  W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas

Consultation recommendations are based on individual diagnosis, eye anatomy, and visual needs. Second opinions are billed like standard consultations and are typically covered by insurance. Results and candidacy vary by patient. © 2026 Southwest Eye Institute. All rights reserved.