Kraff Eye Institute

I have been a patient of Kraff Eye Institute for 20+ years, and was a patient of Dr Kraff's dad in the Old Irving Park neighborhood as a child. I loved seeing Dr Kraff, both because of his knowledge and demeanor as well as because my eyesight is poor and I want to see an ophthalmologist. A few years ago Dr Kraff stopped seeing patients to focus on surgery, and instead I was seeing optometrists. No shade, but that's not what I want. Sadly I had to seek care elsewhere. I like to be loyal to providers that take good care of me, but this model no longer works for me.

Dr. Cheryl Kraff-Cooper
After 6-8 years of suffering with dry eye syndrome, Dr. Kraff & seeing (2) other doctors about it, she is the 1st Dr. that correctly diagnosed my condition & prescribed a method of treatment that worked!
Kudos to Dr. Kraff-Cooper!

Happy patient Sally

Dr. Kraff is amazing! I never thought I was a candidate for Lasik or PRK and turns out I was. Wish I met him 10 years ago. I just got my surgery in October and can't believe I wasn't able to do it sooner. Thank you for making my life easier Dr. Kraff!

I was lucky enough to have my eye examination done by Dr Pereira. He was outstanding. He was very detailed and took the time to explain what he was doing, the purpose and the results of the eye exam. He answered thoroughly every question that I asked. In addition, he was very attentive and established a very good patient- Doctor connection and created a sense of trust.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr Pereira.

I had Lasik on 2/2/2023, performed by Dr. Colman Kraff, and highly recommend Kraff Eye Institute! After considering Lasik for a few years, I went for a consult in mid-January. At that time, they performed a number of eye tests to determine if I was a candidate for the surgery. The techs working there were all friendly, professional, and able to answer any questions. Following these tests, Dr. Kraff came in, took a look at my eyes and test results, then discussed my work, activities, and goals for my vision. While our conversation was brief, it was very clear to me that he sincerely desires positive outcomes for every patient (This was further reinforced when I overheard him telling another patient that he did not think surgery would help her issue and recommended that she purchase specific reading glasses on amazon!). At the consult, I was informed that I could not wear contacts for 14 days (!!) prior to the surgery - this was honestly the most annoying part of the whole process. For people who do not have astigmatism, the glasses-only period is shorter.

At the consult, they also provided clear pricing information, and let me know that I should contact my vision insurance, as sometimes they have a cheaper negotiated rate, which KEI would honor. TIP: Do this first. They will provide you with several options in your area. I scheduled my surgery for 16 days from the date of the consult (surgery days are Thursdays and Fridays).

Two days prior to the surgery, I returned for my pre-op testing, which took around 90 minutes. They took a ton of measurements of my eyes, dilated my eyes, and Dr. Kraff came in to answer any last questions. He confirmed that everything looked good to go. On the way out, another super friendly staff member gave me a "day-of" checklist, waiver form to take home and sign, parking information, etc.

The morning of the surgery, we arrived at 8am, got our parking validated, had a few final tests run, paid the surgery cost, and then I was given a Valium to take. Two other patients were there before me, so I had plenty of time for it to kick in. Each of them were called back for their surgeries, which lasted 15-20 min, then it was my turn. Thanks to Valium and constant numbing drops, it was honestly not that bad. Some pressure when the flap was cut, but that was it. Odd sensation to see things happening to your eyeball, but not terrible.

Immediately after the surgery, they walked me to a post-op room, where I was shown how to put my prescription drops in and given additional instructions. This place is a well-oiled machine, which I found very reassuring!

The following morning, I went back for my post-op check, and my vision was just shy of 20/15 in both eyes - amazing! They cleared me for most activities, and scheduled me to come back in a week.

Overall, you can tell this place does A LOT of vision correction surgeries, so they are efficient, quick, and very structured. In spite of the large number of patients, Dr. Kraff assesses each one's individual needs and cares about them having a successful outcome. Highly recommend!!

My ophthalmologist sent me to see Dr. Kraff because, in his opinion, Dr. Kraffi is the best in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Kraff's
support team is great as well.
I was a little intimidated to meet Dr. Kraff but he is very kind and put me at ease immediately. I'm Very pleased with the outcome.

After decades of wearing contacts, my eyes said "no more". I couldn't imagine switching back to glasses, so I looked into LASIK/PRK. I asked many people and did my research. The Kraff Eye Institute had so many recommendations that I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. From the day I made the decision to my appointment it was less than a month. I had my 1 week follow-up appointment yesterday and was told I now have 20/20 vision. I'm 62 years old and haven't had vision this good since I was 8 years old. Dr Kraff and his staff were friendly and reassuring. It was a great experience!

Update: each eye keeps degrading at separate rates. Can't keep up so I'm just wearing the same glasses / contacts for now.

Dr. Kraff is the most kind and understanding Dr. I was so nervous for my Lasik procedure and he walked me through every step of the way. Truly helping me through the process. No pain at all! The staff is also so friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.

Came in here because my eye was having some issues - made me wait in the waiting room 30 min and then I got to the room and another 30-40 min wait with no communication of any kind! I come out of the room trying to find someone and no one is coming. Finally doctor comes in and I explain the issue with my eye - they tear my eyelid literally bleeding and am told sorry we can't do anything because your eye is inflamed. Come back again in a couple weeks. Meanwhile my eyelid is bleeding and they wasted 2 hours of my day. Was the same issue with other people in the waiting room. Everyone was waiting crazy amounts of time and you know we all have to get back to work to be able to afford to come here but they have NO respect for our time. So then I pay my copay and had them double check the amount and then they have the audacity to send me a bill for more money beyond my copay. I am never going back. What a scam of a place!