LASIK Eye Surgery in San Francisco by Harvard-Trained Eye Surgeon Dr. Scott Hyver

Unmatched Credentials & Experience

Dr. Hyver’s journey to becoming one of San Francisco’s most trusted LASIK surgeons began with his undergraduate education at the University of California, San Diego, where he graduated as class Valedictorian with a degree in Biochemistry. His academic excellence continued at Harvard Medical School, where he earned his MD from one of the world’s premier medical institutions.

Following medical school, Dr. Hyver completed his Ophthalmology Residency Program at the California Pacific Medical Center right here in San Francisco, giving him deep roots in the Bay Area medical community. He then pursued fellowship training in corneal refractive surgery at the prestigious Sinskey Eye Institute in Santa Monica, California, specializing in the advanced techniques that would define his career.

For over 20 years, Dr. Hyver has focused exclusively on laser vision correction, performing thousands of successful procedures. This singular focus has allowed him to develop an expertise that general ophthalmologists simply cannot match. Since 2006, he has served as the official eye doctor and laser eye surgeon for the San Francisco 49ers, with our Santa Clara office located just blocks from Levi’s Stadium and the team’s training facilities.

Trusted by San Francisco’s Elite

When professional athletes and executives need vision correction, they choose Dr. Hyver. His commitment to excellence has earned the trust of notable patients including 49ers CEO Jed York, Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, and NFL stars like wide receiver Terrell Owens, All-Pro left tackle Joe Staley, and All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis. These high-profile patients demand the best possible outcomes, and they consistently choose Dr. Hyver for their vision correction needs.

A Personal Approach to Your Care

Unlike high-volume LASIK centers, where you might never meet your actual surgeon until the day of your procedure, Dr. Hyver is extensively involved in all phases of your pre-operative care. From meeting with you at the consultation to analyzing your prescription and corneal imaging data to formulating your surgical plan, Dr. Hyver personally oversees every aspect of your journey to better vision.

Not all laser eye surgeons are so comprehensively invested in their patients’ pre-operative care, but we believe that investment can pay off in a superior visual outcome. This hands-on approach, combined with Dr. Hyver’s conservative medical nature, means that safety is always the highest priority. As a result of his careful screening, about a quarter of our patients do not qualify for any form of laser vision correction, and of those who do, about 25% only qualify for PRK. While this may seem restrictive, it ensures that every patient who undergoes treatment is an excellent candidate for their specific procedure.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Superior Results

Keeping up with the rapid pace of technical change in the laser vision correction market can be expensive, so some practices may continue to rely on older technology to save money. Dr. Hyver, however, believes that the cost of maintaining a state-of-the-art diagnostic and laser treatment infrastructure is more than justified in the safety and performance advantages it offers our San Francisco patients.

The Alcon EX500 Excimer Laser Platform

At the heart of our laser suite is the Alcon EX500, the fastest excimer laser treatment platform in its class. This remarkable system delivers treatment at 500Hz, meaning a typical treatment takes just seconds per diopter of correction. For our patients, this translates to shorter procedure times, improved comfort, and reduced risk of complications from patient movement.

The EX500’s advanced eye tracking system monitors your eye position 1,000 times per second, automatically adjusting for even the smallest movements. This ensures precise treatment delivery exactly where it’s needed. The system’s wavefront-optimized treatments are designed to preserve your natural corneal shape, reducing the risk of inducing spherical aberrations that can affect night vision.

ZEISS VisuMax for SMILE Procedures

Our ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser system enables us to offer SMILE procedures with unmatched precision. This sophisticated platform creates a thin lenticule within the cornea that is then removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea with minimal disruption to the surface. The VisuMax’s precise energy delivery and advanced patient interface ensure comfortable, predictable treatments.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Technology

Each of our offices is equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging capability that goes far beyond a standard eye exam. Our diagnostic suite includes corneal topography to map the surface of your eye in detail, pachymetry to measure corneal thickness, wavefront analysis to detect higher-order aberrations, and pupillometry to measure pupil size in various lighting conditions.

This comprehensive evaluation allows Dr. Hyver to identify subtle factors that might affect your surgical outcome. For example, we can detect early signs of conditions like keratoconus that would make laser vision correction unsafe, measure the exact dimensions needed for ICL sizing, or identify irregular astigmatism that might benefit from topography-guided treatment.

Environmentally-Controlled Surgery Suites

Our laser surgery suites maintain precise environmental controls that optimize laser performance and patient comfort. Temperature and humidity are carefully regulated, as even small variations can affect laser energy delivery. The suites feature HEPA filtration systems that maintain a sterile environment, reducing any risk of infection.

The LASIK Eye Surgery Process at ScottHyver Vision Care

Understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety about vision correction surgery. Here’s a detailed look at the journey our San Francisco patients experience from initial consultation through final recovery.

Step 1: Your Comprehensive Free Consultation

Your journey to clear vision begins with a comprehensive consultation that typically runs about 90 minutes. This isn’t a quick screening like you might find at high-volume LASIK centers – it’s a thorough evaluation to determine not just if you’re a candidate, but which procedure would give you the best possible outcome.

The consultation begins with a series of advanced diagnostic tests performed by our certified technicians. We’ll measure your current prescription with multiple technologies to ensure accuracy, create detailed maps of your corneal surface and thickness, analyze the quality of your tear film, evaluate your pupil size in different lighting conditions, and assess the overall health of your eyes.

Following these tests, you’ll meet with one of our experienced optometrists for a comprehensive eye examination. They’ll review your diagnostic results, discuss your lifestyle and vision goals, and evaluate factors like your occupation, hobbies, and any medications you take that might influence your treatment recommendation.

If you’re medically qualified for treatment based on these initial evaluations, you’ll then have a video consultation with Dr. Hyver himself. He’ll review your diagnostic information in detail, explain his treatment recommendation and the reasoning behind it, and answer any questions you have about the procedure, recovery, or expected outcomes. This is your opportunity to get to know the surgeon who will be performing your procedure and to understand exactly what to expect.

Step 2: Pre-Operative Preparation

Once you’ve decided to proceed with treatment, we’ll schedule your pre-operative appointment. This is where Dr. Hyver’s commitment to safety really shines. Unlike some practices that make dilated exams optional, Dr. Hyver requires a thorough pre-operative dilated examination for all patients. This exam allows us to examine your retina and optic nerve in detail, ensuring there are no underlying conditions that could affect your surgery or recovery.

During this visit, Dr. Hyver personally reviews all your diagnostic data again, analyzing patterns and measurements to formulate your precise surgical plan. He considers factors like your age and likelihood of future vision changes, the stability of your prescription over time, any asymmetry between your eyes, and your specific visual demands and lifestyle factors. This personalized approach ensures that your treatment plan is optimized for your unique situation, not just your prescription.

We’ll also handle practical matters during this visit, including reviewing and signing informed consent documents, verifying insurance benefits and discussing payment options, scheduling your surgery date and arranging transportation, and providing detailed pre-operative instructions.

Step 3: Your Surgery Day

On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at our office and be greeted by our surgical team. We understand that even confident patients may feel nervous, so we do everything possible to ensure your comfort. You’ll receive numbing eye drops that completely eliminate any pain during the procedure, and we can provide mild sedation if you’re feeling anxious.

The actual laser treatment is remarkably quick. For LASIK, the femtosecond laser creates your corneal flap in about 30 seconds per eye. The excimer laser reshape typically takes less than 30 seconds per eye, depending on your prescription. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Hyver talks you through each step, letting you know what to expect.

For SMILE procedures, the entire treatment is performed with the VisuMax laser and typically takes about 10 minutes total. PRK involves removing the surface epithelium before the laser treatment, while ICL involves a slightly longer procedure to implant the lens. Regardless of which procedure you’re having, most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the experience is.

After your procedure, you’ll rest in our recovery area while we check your eyes and ensure everything looks perfect. We’ll provide protective eyewear, post-operative eye drops with detailed instructions, and written recovery guidelines. Most patients are ready to go home within 30 minutes of their procedure.

Step 4: Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Your recovery experience will vary depending on which procedure you’ve had. LASIK patients often notice improved vision almost immediately, with many achieving functional vision within a few hours. By the next morning, most LASIK patients are seeing well enough to drive to their follow-up appointment. Vision continues to stabilize and improve over the following weeks.

SMILE patients typically experience a recovery similar to LASIK, though vision may be a bit hazy for the first day or two. Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours. PRK patients have a longer initial recovery, as the surface epithelium needs to regenerate. We’ll place a protective contact lens that stays in place for about 5 days. Vision is usually functional within 3-5 days but continues improving for several weeks. ICL patients often experience rapid vision improvement, sometimes within hours of surgery.

Your follow-up care is just as important as the surgery itself. We’ll see you the day after your procedure to ensure proper healing, at one week to monitor your progress and adjust medications if needed, at one month to assess your vision stability, at three months for a comprehensive evaluation, and at one year for a final assessment.

These appointments can be scheduled at any of our three Bay Area locations for your convenience. Many of our San Francisco patients appreciate being able to have their surgery in Daly City but attend follow-ups at our Santa Clara office if they work in the South Bay.

The San Francisco Advantage

While we don’t have an office in downtown San Francisco, our Daly City location offers distinct advantages for city residents. Located just 10 minutes south of downtown via I-280, our office provides easy access without the hassles of city parking, traffic, and congestion. We offer ample free parking, something you won’t find at any downtown medical office, and a calm, comfortable environment away from the urban hustle.

Many of our San Francisco patients tell us they actually prefer coming to Daly City. They can easily combine their appointment with errands at nearby Westlake Shopping Center, avoid the stress of navigating downtown traffic and searching for parking, and enjoy a more relaxed, suburban medical office environment. For those using public transportation, we’re accessible via BART (Daly City station) with a short ride-share trip to our office.

Serving Every San Francisco Neighborhood

Our patients come from every corner of San Francisco. Tech workers from SOMA and the Financial District appreciate our evening appointments that work with their busy schedules. Families from the Sunset and Richmond districts find our location especially convenient, often closer than downtown options. Young professionals from the Mission, Castro, and Hayes Valley love that they can schedule Saturday procedures and be back enjoying city life by Sunday.

We also serve the broader Bay Area community, including Peninsula cities like South San Francisco, Pacifica, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, and San Mateo. Our three office locations mean that whether you live in the city, work in the South Bay, or reside in the East Bay, convenient care is always nearby.

Investment in Your Vision

When considering LASIK in San Francisco, cost is naturally a consideration. We want to be transparent about the investment involved while helping you understand the value we provide.

Understanding the True Value

While we don’t publish specific prices (as costs vary based on your prescription, chosen procedure, and unique vision needs), we want to be upfront: we are not the cheapest option in the Bay Area. There are high-volume LASIK centers that advertise very low prices, often with significant restrictions and hidden fees.

Dr. Hyver believes that your vision deserves the best, not a bargain. When you choose ScottHyver Vision Care, you’re investing in Harvard-trained surgical expertise with over 20 years of specialization, personalized care with Dr. Hyver involved in every step, the latest technology and safest techniques, conservative medical screening that ensures you’re truly a good candidate, and comprehensive follow-up care at any of our three locations.

Consider what you currently spend on vision care: contact lenses, solutions, and cases every year, multiple pairs of glasses (regular, sunglasses, computer), eye exams and prescription updates, and replacement costs for lost or damaged glasses and contacts. Most patients find that LASIK pays for itself within 3-5 years, while providing immediate lifestyle benefits that are truly priceless.

Flexible Financing Options

We believe that everyone who is a good candidate for vision correction should have access to treatment. That’s why we offer multiple financing options to make your investment manageable.

CareCredit offers 0% interest plans for 6, 12, or 24 months, with longer-term options available at competitive rates. The application process takes just minutes, and you’ll receive an instant decision. Many patients use CareCredit to make their vision correction affordable with monthly payments that fit their budget.

Alphaeon Credit provides another excellent financing option with competitive rates and flexible terms, instant approval process, and no prepayment penalties. This medical-specific credit card can be used for your procedure and any future medical needs.

Insurance Benefits: While most insurance plans consider LASIK elective, some offer significant benefits. We’re in-network with VSP, which provides member discounts that can save you hundreds of dollars. Some employer plans offer LASIK benefits – we’ll verify your coverage during your consultation. Many union plans include vision correction benefits, and some flexible spending accounts can be used for LASIK.

FSA/HSA Funds: Using pre-tax dollars can save you 20-30% on your procedure cost. We provide all necessary documentation for FSA/HSA reimbursement, help you understand your plan’s coverage, and can coordinate timing to maximize your tax savings.

LASIK FAQ

Understanding LASIK & Vision Correction

What is laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction uses advanced laser technology to reshape your cornea, correcting refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At our San Francisco Bay Area offices, we offer multiple types including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. These procedures work by precisely removing microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to change how light focuses on your retina, providing clear vision without glasses or contacts.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for LASIK?

The best way to determine candidacy is through our free consultation. Generally, good candidates are over 18 years old, have stable vision for at least a year, have healthy corneas with adequate thickness, have a prescription within treatable range, and have realistic expectations about results. About 75% of patients qualify for some form of laser vision correction. Dr. Hyver’s conservative screening process ensures that only suitable candidates proceed with treatment.

What options do I have if I’m not a candidate for LASIK?

We offer multiple alternatives to ensure almost everyone can achieve better vision. PRK might be suitable if your corneas are too thin for LASIK. EVO ICL works well for very high prescriptions or thin corneas. SMILE may be an option for certain prescriptions and corneal conditions. Refractive Lens Exchange can address presbyopia and extreme prescriptions. About 25% of our patients qualify only for PRK, which can achieve similar excellent results to LASIK.

Safety & Results

Are LASIK and PRK safe?

Yes, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Hyver, these procedures have an excellent safety profile. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, we maintain the highest safety standards. Dr. Hyver’s conservative screening process, mandatory pre-operative examinations, use of advanced technology, and comprehensive follow-up care all contribute to minimizing risks and maximizing safety.

Can LASIK make you go blind?

The risk of blindness from LASIK is extraordinarily rare – less than 1 in 5 million according to published studies. To put this in perspective, you’re statistically more likely to go blind from wearing contact lenses due to infection than from LASIK. Dr. Hyver’s meticulous approach, including mandatory pre-operative dilated exams and conservative patient selection, further minimizes any risks.

Will I have 20/20 vision after my LASIK surgery?

While results vary by individual, the vast majority of our patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Many see equal to or better than they did with glasses or contacts. The likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision depends on factors like your starting prescription, corneal characteristics, and healing response. Dr. Hyver will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific situation during your consultation.

Is LASIK permanent?

How long does LASIK correction last? LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea, and the results typically last a lifetime. The tissue removed during LASIK doesn’t grow back. However, LASIK doesn’t prevent age-related changes like presbyopia (need for reading glasses after 40) or cataracts later in life. Some patients may experience minor prescription changes over many years, but these are usually related to natural aging rather than regression of the LASIK treatment.

Will I still need glasses after LASIK or PRK?

Most patients achieve complete freedom from glasses for distance vision. However, if you’re over 40, you may still need reading glasses due to presbyopia, a natural aging change in the lens. Some patients choose monovision (one eye for distance, one for near) to reduce dependence on reading glasses. Even patients who eventually need reading glasses find their quality of life dramatically improved by eliminating constant dependence on corrective lenses.

The Procedure

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

The actual laser treatment is remarkably quick – about 15-20 minutes for both eyes. The femtosecond laser creates the flap in about 30 seconds per eye, and the excimer laser treatment typically takes less than 30 seconds per eye depending on your prescription. Plan to be at our office for approximately 2 hours total on surgery day for preparation, the procedure, and initial recovery.

Does laser vision correction hurt?

LASIK and SMILE are virtually painless. We use numbing eye drops before the procedure that completely eliminate pain. You may feel slight pressure during the creation of the flap, but no pain. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. PRK patients may experience more discomfort during the first few days of healing as the epithelium regenerates, but we provide medication to manage any discomfort.

What if I blink or move during LASIK surgery?

Don’t worry – this is one of the most common concerns, and we have multiple safeguards in place. We use a gentle eyelid holder to keep your eye open comfortably. Our advanced laser has a sophisticated eye-tracking system that follows your eye movements 1,000 times per second. If you move significantly, the laser automatically pauses and resumes when your eye is properly positioned. Dr. Hyver has performed thousands of procedures and will guide you through every step.

Pre-Surgery Process

What will happen during my LASIK consultation?

Your free 90-minute consultation is comprehensive and thorough. It includes advanced diagnostic testing with corneal mapping and thickness measurements, wavefront analysis and pupil measurements, a complete eye health evaluation with one of our optometrists, and a video consultation with Dr. Hyver to discuss your results and treatment options. We’ll determine your candidacy, explain your options in detail, and discuss pricing and financing. There’s never any pressure to proceed.

What happens before laser eye surgery?

After your consultation, if you decide to proceed, you’ll have a pre-operative appointment that includes a mandatory dilated eye exam for safety. Dr. Hyver personally reviews all your diagnostic data to create a customized surgical plan. We’ll verify insurance benefits and finalize payment arrangements, provide detailed pre-operative instructions, and schedule your surgery and arrange transportation. This thorough preparation ensures the best possible outcome.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Scheduling is easy and convenient. Call us at 800.454.2747 to speak with our scheduling team, use our online booking system on our website, or visit our Daly City office in person. Consultations are completely free with no obligation to proceed. We offer appointments Monday through Friday, with evening slots available for busy professionals.

Surgery Day & Recovery

What happens on the day of treatment?

Your surgery day is carefully orchestrated for your comfort and safety. You’ll arrive at our office and check in with our surgical team, receive pre-operative preparations including numbing drops, undergo the laser procedure with Dr. Hyver, rest briefly in our recovery area while we check your eyes, receive post-operative instructions, medications, and protective eyewear, and then go home to rest (you’ll need someone to drive you).

What happens afterward? What to expect?

Recovery varies by procedure but is generally quick. LASIK patients often see improvement within hours, with functional vision by the next day. SMILE recovery is similar to LASIK with possible mild haziness for 1-2 days. PRK patients have a longer recovery with functional vision in 3-5 days. ICL patients typically experience rapid improvement within hours. All patients experience continued improvement over several weeks as the eyes fully heal.

When may I resume driving?

Most LASIK patients can drive within 24-48 hours after their next-day follow-up appointment confirms adequate vision. PRK patients typically wait 3-5 days until the protective contact lens is removed. SMILE and ICL patients usually drive within 1-2 days. We’ll clear you to drive when your vision meets legal requirements and you feel comfortable and confident.

Can I go back to work right away?

When can I return to work? Return to work depends on your procedure and job requirements. LASIK patients often return to office work the next day, though some prefer to take 2-3 days. SMILE patients typically return within 1-2 days. PRK patients usually need 3-5 days off, sometimes a week for visually demanding work. ICL patients can often return the next day. We provide doctor’s notes for your employer if needed.

When may I go back to wearing makeup?

Eye makeup should be avoided for one week after any laser vision correction procedure to prevent infection. You can wear face makeup after 2-3 days, but avoid the eye area. No mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow for at least one week. Replace all eye makeup after surgery to avoid contamination. We’ll provide specific guidelines during your post-op appointment.

Side Effects & Complications

What are the side effects and risks with LASIK or PRK surgery?

Common temporary side effects that typically resolve within 3-6 months include dry eyes (treated with artificial tears), glare or halos around lights at night, light sensitivity during healing, and mild discomfort for a few days (especially with PRK). Serious complications are rare with our advanced technology and Dr. Hyver’s expertise, but can include infection (less than 1 in 5,000), over or under-correction (may require enhancement), or irregular healing (very rare with proper screening).

Will my eyes become drier after LASIK?

Some patients experience temporary dry eyes for 3-6 months after LASIK as corneal nerves regenerate. We evaluate your tear production during consultation to identify pre-existing dry eye. If you have dry eye, we may recommend PRK or SMILE instead. We provide lubricating drops and monitor healing closely. Most patients find dry eye symptoms resolve completely within 6 months.

Will my night vision get worse after LASIK?

Some patients experience temporary halos or glare around lights at night during the healing period. These symptoms typically improve significantly over 3-6 months. Our wavefront-optimized technology actually aims to improve night vision quality compared to older LASIK techniques. Many patients report better night vision after LASIK than they had with glasses or contacts.

Are there any complications with LASIK?

While rare, potential complications can include flap complications (wrinkles, displacement, or irregular healing), epithelial ingrowth (cells growing under the flap), diffuse lamellar keratitis (inflammation), or ectasia (corneal thinning/bulging – extremely rare with proper screening). Dr. Hyver’s 20+ years of experience, conservative patient selection, and use of advanced all-laser technology minimize these risks significantly.

Follow-Up Care

How many checkups will I need after LASIK?

Your follow-up schedule ensures proper healing and optimal results: Day 1 (morning after surgery), Week 1, Month 1, Month 3, and Year 1. Additional visits if needed for any concerns. These appointments can be at any of our three Bay Area locations. We’re committed to your lifetime vision care, not just your surgery.

What if time passes and I’m not seeing better?

If your vision isn’t improving as expected, we conduct thorough examinations to identify the cause. Options may include additional healing time with modified medications, enhancement procedures if appropriate, or alternative vision solutions if needed. Dr. Hyver’s commitment to your vision doesn’t end after surgery – we’ll work with you until we achieve the best possible outcome for your eyes.

What if I’ve had complications from previous refractive surgery?

Dr. Hyver has extensive experience managing post-surgical complications from procedures performed elsewhere. During your consultation, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your eyes using advanced diagnostic imaging to understand your specific situation. Options may include enhancement procedures, specialized treatments for specific complications, or alternative solutions like ICL or lens exchange. Each case is unique, and we’ll develop a customized plan to address your specific needs.