Out-of-State Patients

Surgical Patients Traveling to Austin from Other Cities, States, or Countries

Traveling to Austin for Your Eye Care

We are honored to care for patients who travel to Austin, Texas for surgical treatment. We understand that planning medical care away from home requires thoughtful coordination. Our team is committed to making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you.

This page serves as a helpful reference so you know what to expect with scheduling, travel planning, your preoperative exam, surgery, and postoperative care.

---

Insurance & Financial Information

Insurance Verification

Austin Eye is in network with many medical insurance plans. If you are traveling from out of state, we request that you provide your insurance information prior to scheduling. This allows our team to:

• Confirm network participation
• Determine if you have out-of-state benefits
• Identify whether prior authorization is required
• Provide procedure estimates when applicable

We also recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly to confirm your out-of-state coverage.

Please note:

• Some plans require prior authorization before surgery. If authorization is needed, surgery may need to be scheduled at a later date.
• Any estimates provided before surgery are subject to change once claims are processed.
• Certain procedures may be considered elective and not billable to insurance.

Financing Options

We offer flexible payment options through CareCredit. For more details, please visit our Financing Page.

---

Scheduling Options for Patients Traveling to Austin

We understand that traveling requires planning, and we offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your needs.

One-Trip Option

Many patients choose to complete both their preoperative examination and surgery in one trip to Austin.

• Typically scheduled within the same week
• Ideal for patients who prefer minimizing travel
• Requires coordination and insurance verification in advance

Two-Trip Option

Visit 1: Preoperative Examination

• Often completed as a same-day fly-in / fly-out appointment

Visit 2: Surgery

• Typically requires a 1–3 night stay in Austin

Please note for both options:

• If you have previously undergone cataract surgery or premium lens replacement and are considering removal and/or exchange of your current intraocular lens (IOL), please visit our Second Opinions page to learn what to expect and review the information our team will need prior to your appointment.
• Surgery must be performed within 90 days of your preoperative examination.
• For patients using insurance, we can often schedule surgery on two consecutive days when treating both eyes.
• For self-pay patients, we may offer same-day bilateral surgery.

Our scheduling team will work closely with you to determine the best plan for your situation.

---

What to Expect at Your Preoperative Examination

Your preoperative visit is a comprehensive evaluation to ensure you are an appropriate candidate for surgery.

During this visit, we will:

• Perform advanced diagnostic testing
• Review your medical and ocular history
• Examine your eyes and understand your visual goals and expectations
• Discuss surgical and non-surgical options
• Review risks and benefits of the surgical options
• Provide detailed expectations for recovery

This appointment may take several hours, as dilation and testing are often required.

---

Surgery Day Information

Surgery is performed at our Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) that is located at 2700 Bee Cave Road Austin, TX 78746.

Important Transportation Requirements

If you receive Valium or sedation, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult who:

• Remains on the premises during your procedure
• Drives you home afterward

If you are traveling alone, medical ride services are available.

Uber, Lyft and other ride sharing services may not be acceptable for transportation after surgery if you take valium sedation on the day of your surgery.

Ride Services

You can find local ride service information on our Ride Services Page.

Please confirm directly with the service provider regarding availability and requirements.

---

Postoperative Care

Clear postoperative instructions will be provided to you on the day of surgery.

For your convenience, we also provide a downloadable PDF guide outlining medication instructions, activity restrictions, follow-up scheduling, and warning signs to watch for.

You will return to our office the day after surgery for your initial postoperative visit. Based on your specific surgical plan, you may either continue your postoperative care with us or coordinate follow-up visits with your local eye care provider.

Before you travel home, our team will provide clear, detailed instructions to ensure a smooth transition of care.

---

Where to Stay in Austin

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of recommended hotels that are close to our surgery center. You can view these hotels on our Recommended Hotels Page.

Many patients choose accommodations close to our surgical center to simplify transportation and recovery.

---

Food & Things to Do

If you are visiting Austin for the first time, we encourage you to explore what the city has to offer.

For local restaurants, attractions, and entertainment, check out the Visit Austin website.

---

Our Commitment to You

At Austin Eye, we are truly honored when patients travel to place their trust in our team. From your first phone call to your final follow-up, we are committed to delivering a smooth, well-coordinated experience centered on safety, clarity, and exceptional surgical outcomes.

Whether you are coming from a neighboring state or across the country, our goal is to make your journey to Austin as straightforward and reassuring as possible.

If you are ready to begin planning your visit, please contact our office at 512-250-2020, and our team will be happy to assist you every step of the way. We look forward to welcoming you to Austin and partnering with you to help you see and experience life better and clearer.