In doing lasik research, how can Canada only charge $750.00 US per eye for lasik? Is there a difference in the equipment they use, Nidek, Mel70 or VisX?

There's actually a LASIK factory in LA that is charging the same price, and even reducing it more if you donate to a breast cancer charity this month. Other than the assembly line style of LASIK, the equipment is all the same. In Canada, however, I don't think they have to pay royalties anymore. They also had an Asian company come in to try to take over the market and in defense most LASIK surgeons drastically reduced their prices. Because of that, some of the best surgeons, on a par with Dr. Trattler ;) and Dr. Tooma (who I would have seen in LA) are quite affordable.

BUT, and that's a big but, I personally found out why it isn't a good idea to travel for LASIK if your motivation is price (mine was personal referral, but most people travel for price). I came up with flap wrinkles and would have had to fork out a great deal of money to return to Canada to have my surgeon fix it for free, or pay a great deal of money to a local surgeon to do it IF I could find one willing to touch another's work. Luckily, the wrinkles are not interfering with my vision, which is 20/20. According to my doctor, he probably would not do anything anyway.

Additionally, you have to pay a local doctor to do your follow up exams. Mine is charging $119 for three follow-ups, Sears charges $49 each, and what you find may vary. So the bargain you may seek in Canada may turn out to be not so much of a bargain after the cost of the procedure, airfare and car rental if you fly, meals, follow-ups, and possible complications. I don't regret my decision at all, but then I wasn't focused on my bank account. These are the only eyes I have.