The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over $1.1 million in refunds to consumers who were misled by deceptive advertising practices from LCA-Vision, the largest LASIK surgery provider in the United States.
The FTC's complaint from January 2023 accused LCA-Vision, operating under LasikPlus and Joffe MediCenter, of using misleading bait-and-switch tactics. These ads suggested that consumers could have their vision corrected for less than $300. However, only 6.5% of those drawn in for consultations qualified for the advertised price for both eyes. Eligibility required near-normal vision, sufficient to drive without glasses.
Additionally, some advertisements failed to disclose that the promotional price was per eye rather than a total amount. After undergoing extensive eye exams and consultations, most consumers were quoted between $1,800 and $2,295 per eye for the procedure. The FTC is now compensating these consumers for their time.
Refunds are being sent via checks and PayPal payments to 12,077 individuals who submitted valid claims before the deadline. Recipients are advised to cash checks within 90 days or redeem PayPal payments within 30 days.
For inquiries about payments, consumers can contact JND Legal Administration at 877-871-0504 or visit the FTC's website for more information on the refund process. The Commission emphasizes that it never requires payment or account details from individuals seeking refunds.
The FTC provides interactive dashboards with state-by-state breakdowns of refunds related to its cases. In 2023 alone, FTC actions resulted in $330 million in consumer refunds nationwide.
The Federal Trade Commission aims to promote competition while protecting and educating consumers. It reassures that it will not demand money or make threats nor promise prizes as part of its operations. Consumers can learn more about scams and report fraudulent activities online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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