Take the LASIK Self-Test to find out today!

LASIK is a laser surgery designed to reduce the need for prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses by correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK is the most well-known refractive surgery for vision correction.
Most people who meet the age and general health requirements are good candidates for LASIK, but only a thorough exam can tell if the procedure is right for you. During your free consultation at Atlantic Eye Institute, our caring team of eye surgeons will ensure you’re an ideal candidate before recommending any procedure.
You may be a good candidate for LASIK if:
The surgery works by reshaping the cornea allowing it to better focus images onto the retina for sharper vision. Both eyes can be treated during the same appointment, and the surgery takes about 10 minutes for each eye. LASIK is an outpatient procedure that uses local anesthesia in the form of eye drops.


Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Charles V. Duss joined the Atlantic Eye Institute in 2007 after extensive training in cataract, refractive, glaucoma, and plastic surgery techniques. Countless Jacksonville and St Augustine area residents have benefited from Charles V. Duss’s life-changing surgical procedures for LASIK, PRK, Cataracts, and Implantable Contact Lenses.
Dr. Karim Jacob Samara is one of only a few physicians in the country to be board-certified in both internal medicine and ophthalmology. He has extensive training in cataract, glaucoma, refractive, and plastic surgery techniques. Dr. Samara performed many laser refractive surgeries during his ophthalmology residency, including LASIK and PRK. He received his certification on the VISX Excimer Laser in 2007 at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville.


Dr. Michelle L. Diaz specializes in cataract surgery and laser vision correction. She has training in complex cataract cases, wound healing during LASIK, and custom refractive surgery outcomes. Experts have turned to her to present at various state and national meetings, including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology.
At Atlantic Eye Institute, we believe in a team approach to laser vision correction. Drs Duss, Samara, and Diaz will work together to plan your treatment and be on call every day after your surgery. The type of technology the doctor utilizes is a significant factor. However, just as important is the amount of time your expert surgeon will dedicate to you and the health of your eyes. At Atlantic Eye Institute, your surgeon will be there for you during the entire process. Your eyes are critical to you and just as important to us!
“Highly recommend. Dr. Duss and his staff are very pleasant and professional. I have total confidence in the services provided and was grateful to have been seen and treated so quickly. The quality of care I received was excellent.”
- Sharon
“I have had a fantastic experience from the moment I walked in, years ago, with Atlantic Eye institute. The staff is warm and welcoming. My eye doctor, Dr.Duss, is highly knowledgeable and caring and addresses all my concerns and questions with care. I have had cataract surgery with him and he has my vision perfect with no glasses and no contacts. Overall, I highly recommend Dr Duss and his staff!!”
- Kay
“I had a procedure done at Atlantic Eye Institute and from my first visit all the way through to my follow up today the staff was amazing. Dr. Samara was excellent and answered all my questions and concerns making me feel very comfortable with my decision to move forward. I highly recommend AEI if you are thinking about LASIK surgery. I couldn’t be happier with the results and not having to wear readers again.”
- Michael

Cost is one of the most significant factors holding people back from the visual freedom of LASIK. Although the upfront fee can make LASIK seem out of reach, the long-term savings mean you spend less over time!
There is an easier way to pay for your LASIK. Atlantic Eye Institute is pleased to offer Alphaeon Credit no interest payment plans for up to 24 months. Alphaeon Credit lets you immediately begin your treatment or procedure and pay for it over time with low monthly payments that easily fit into your monthly budget.