Photorefractive keratectomy in The Eye Center
About the clinic
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is flap-free laser vision correction offered at The Eye Center in Northern Virginia, USA. Dr. Ayman Boutros, a refractive surgeon with over 35 years of experience and 40,000+ vision-correction procedures, uses iDesign 2.0 mapping and a VISX STAR S4 IR laser. Surgery takes place in an accredited in-office suite.
How PRK uses the VISX STAR S4 IR laser
PRK removes the thin outer layer of the cornea, then reshapes the surface with an excimer laser. The outer layer grows back under a soft bandage contact lens. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create a corneal flap.
The iDesign 2.0 system maps the eye’s wavefront and corneal shape in one 3-second scan. It measures in 0.01-diopter steps. The laser portion takes under a minute per eye, while the full procedure takes about 10–15 minutes per eye. The Advanced CustomVue plan is FDA-approved for U.S. Navy personnel and NASA astronauts.
PRK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and some higher-order vision errors. It may suit people with thinner corneas who are not candidates for flap-based surgery.
Consultation and recovery
Candidates are generally at least 18 and have had a stable prescription for a year. A dilated exam and computerized corneal mapping help assess eye health and suitability. Patients need to stop wearing contacts for at least 48 hours before consultation. Before final measurements, the recommended break is at least 2 weeks for soft lenses or 3 weeks for gas-permeable lenses.
Scratchiness, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurry vision commonly last 3–5 days, often peaking at 24–48 hours. Many patients return to desk work within 3–5 days. Vision starts to clear after the first week, with good functional vision often reached around 4 weeks.
Aftercare includes antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, a bandage lens, an eye shield, and UV-protective sunglasses. Patients should avoid eye rubbing, pools, and hot tubs for 2–4 weeks. Eye makeup should be avoided for one week. Glare and halos may occur early; dry eye can last a few months, while faint corneal haze typically clears over 6–12 months.
Post-operative visits take place at The Eye Center, with the surgeon who performed the procedure. A free consultation is available; patients can request one through Bookimed.
Highlights
Get a free consultation

Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Oculoplastics (Oculoplastic surgery) | Price on request | |
| Vitrectomy | Price on request | |
| Retinal detachment surgery | Price on request | |
| Laser eye surgery | Price on request | |
| LASIK eye surgery | Price on request | |
| Cataract surgery with IOL replacement | Price on request | |
| Cataract surgery (one eye) | Price on request | |
| Laser iridotomy | Price on request | |
| Photocoagulation | Price on request | |
| Cataract surgery (both eyes) | Price on request | |
| IntraLase Laser Eye Surgery | Price on request | |
| Photorefractive keratectomy | Price on request | |
| Strabismus treatment | Price on request | |
| Amblyopia treatment | Price on request | |
| Laser trabeculoplasty | Price on request | |
| Glaucoma treatment | Price on request | |
| Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation | Price on request | |
| Femtosecond laser | Price on request | |
| IOLs implantation | Price on request | |
| Low Vision Rehabilitation | Price on request | |
| Femto LASIK (Femtosecond laser LASIK) | Price on request |
How are we doing?
The Eye Center: more details about the clinic
Key Achievements and Medical Leadership
Founder and Medical Director Dr. Ayman Boutros leads a team of 88 doctors. He has personally performed over 40,000 vision-correction procedures. Dr. Boutros was among the first surgeons to offer iDesign 2.0 wavefront technology.
The clinic maintains high standards in refractive surgery. The reported enhancement rate for touch-up procedures is under 1.5%. Dr. Boutros holds the VISX Star Surgeon distinction – a recognition held by fewer than 100 surgeons nationwide. He was also named among the Best Cataract Surgeons in America in 2022.
Ophthalmology and Vision Correction
The refractive department focuses on all-laser, bladeless iLASIK. Surgeons use a two-laser process. First, a femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap in roughly 45 seconds. Then the excimer laser reshapes the tissue in less than 10 minutes.
Clinical outcomes for myopia correction include:
- 97.6% of patients with low myopia achieved 20/20 vision or better.
- 93.2% of patients with moderate myopia achieved 20/20 vision or better.
- 84.2% of patients with high myopia achieved 20/20 vision or better.
For patients who don't qualify for LASIK, the center offers PRK and EVO Visian ICL (implantable lenses).
Retina Care and Oculoplastics
Retina specialists manage conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. They perform pars plana vitrectomy using instruments smaller than two millimeters. This outpatient procedure removes the vitreous gel to repair the retina. For retinal detachments, the team offers pneumatic retinopexy and scleral buckling.
The oculoplastics department is led by Dr. Tamer Mansour. He completed fellowship training through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Mansour treats disorders of the eyelids, orbit, and tear-drainage system. Blepharoplasty procedures typically take one to three hours under local anesthesia.
Specialized Pediatric Services
Dr. Christina L. Butera leads the pediatric ophthalmology division. She was the first full-time pediatric specialist in Loudoun County. The department treats newborns through teenagers for conditions including:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (eye misalignment)
- Convergence insufficiency (eye-teaming problems)
Treatment plans for children include patching, atropine drops, and muscle-realignment surgery. Pediatric specialists use targeted lights and scanners to evaluate eye structures in infants.
Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Technology
The practice operates an accredited in-office surgery suite for cataract procedures. Patients receive surgical care from their regular medical team in a familiar setting. Surgeons use phacoemulsification to remove cataracts and replace them with advanced intraocular lenses.
Diagnostic capabilities across the five locations include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for high-resolution cross-sections of the retina.
- Fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography for imaging blood vessels.
- Corneal topography and tomography for keratoconus mapping.
- Computerized visual field testing to monitor glaucoma progression.
Specialists use VISX Iris Registration to keep laser alignment precise during vision correction. These imaging tools let doctors compare eye maps over time to track chronic diseases.
Services for International Patients
The Eye Center manages all appointments through a centralized U.S.-based system. All medical providers and patient coordinators consult in English. Patients receive personalized recovery plans and post-operative instructions through a digital platform. The clinic supports international visitors with follow-up care at any of the five regional offices.
Additional services
Patient reviews
Debbie Luczko
Ron Kecman
Tony Jenkins
Billo Gali
My appointment was scheduled for 1:30 pm and Dr. Hooriya was there punctually to discuss my ophthalmic issues. She is really good n exceptional.
God bless her and her nurse Mekong ( hope I spelt it correctly?) who like the good doctor has a great sense of humor.
Janice Jennings
katie timms
Lois Conklin
Jean Walker-Wiley
Sheila Embrey
1901 N Beauregard St #100, Alexandria, Virginia 22311
Get a free consultation

How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
- You arrive at the hospital, we support you 24/7



