Blog
By Hoopesvision on September 26, 2011
For years, people in Utah have trusted Bill Gephardt’s word. As host of the popular and long-running local KSL TV News segment “Get Gephardt,” he investigated dishonest businesses and service providers, holding them accountable for their actions. Since retiring from active television duty in 2010, he has launched the next phase in his consumer advocacy career: Gephardt Approved. Now, rather than rooting out unscrupulous businesses, he seeks out the best of the best, investigating their business practices and professional reputations thoroughly before declaring them “Gephardt Approved” and backing their services with his own guarantee.
We are proud to announce that Hoopes Vision is the first and only eye surgery center in Utah to be Gephardt Approved, for our achievements in LASIK, cataract surgery, implantable lenses (ICL), and other vision correction procedures. The honor wasn’t bestowed lightly: Bill spent considerable time researching clinical and surgical success rates, interviewing doctors, and visiting our clinic and surgery center on multiple occasions to witness first-hand the level of patient care Hoopes Vision delivers. Only after his thorough investigative process did he declare Hoopes Vision to be Gephardt Approved, profiling our clinic on his website (GephardtApproved.com) and backing us with his well-known guarantee.
Trust is everything when choosing any kind of service provider, but rarely is it as vitally important as in the realm of eye surgery, where you may truly have only one chance to “get it right.” We know that Utah trusts Bill Gephardt, and we’re honored that Bill trusts Hoopes Vision.
By Hoopesvision on June 28, 2011
Hoopes Vision is proud to offer our patients LATISSE®, the 1st and only FDA-approved treatment that grows lashes longer, fuller, and darker.
LATISSE® is a prescribed solution you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes once each night. Results come in gradually, starting in as little as 4 weeks and achieving full growth in 16 weeks.
LATISSE® was created by Allergan, a pharmaceutical leader with 60 years of eye care expertise. In 2001, Allergan developed a medicated eye drop to treat elevated intraocular pressure. Many patients using this medication also began to grow longer, fuller and darker lashes as a side effect. This led Allergan to study the medication’s active ingredient, bimatoprost, specifically for growing lashes. LATISSE® was approved by the FDA in December of 2008 after undergoing a clinical trial.
The doctors at Hoopes Vision have prescribed LATISSE® to numerous patients, and have been very pleased with the results.
Call us at (801)568-0200 for more information or to schedule an exam with Dr. Yardley to receive a prescription of your own!

Individual results may vary. The lashes displayed have not been retouched. Subject is not wearing mascara.
By Hoopesvision on June 4, 2011

Hoopes Vision surgeon O. Claron Alldredge, Jr., MD has been called by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as the President of the historic Salt Lake Temple. We at Hoopes Vision would like to wish him well in his new calling. He will continue practicing through September 2011, at which time he will retire to undertake this full-time calling. We have enjoyed working with such a dedicated, talented surgeon, and look forward to the opportunity to continue caring for his patients. For More details, and a letter from Dr. Alldredge, please open the PDF document below.
By Hoopesvision on February 22, 2011

Dr. Hoopes, Jr. performing cataract surgery in Honduras
Dr. Phillip C. Hoopes, Jr. flew to Honduras in February to help render needed cataract surgery for hundreds of visually impaired patients in Honduras. This was his fifth such yearly trip to Honduras to volunteer his surgical skills for these desperate and disadvantaged patients.
Accompanying Dr. Hoopes were Dr. Alan Kozarsky from Atlanta, Georgia, and Dr. Brian Foster. Dr. Kozarsky was Dr. Hoopes’ mentor during his fellowship training in corneal disease and transplantation. Dr. Kozarsky has been traveling to Honduras yearly since 1994 and usually flies his own private plane there. Besides the surgeons, the group brings with them other volunteers who help with the surgeries and patient care.
There are approximately 49,000 people blind from cataracts in Honduras each year. Even with the current levels of charity assistance, the 32 Honduran ophthalmologists capable of performing surgery only are able to remove about 4,000 cataracts per year. More than half of the population of Honduras lives in poverty in rural areas. An estimated one third of Hondurans receive no health care at all. The Honduran health system is so overwhelmed with sickness caused by disease, violence, and infection that ocular health is unfortunately a secondary concern.
More info about this humantarian mission can be found at http://www.operationecho.org/index.html
By Hoopesvision on October 5, 2010

Dr. Michael Bradley, Dr. O. Claron Alldredge, and Dr. Thomas Dutson
Hoopes Vision announces the addition of O. Claron Alldredge, Jr., MD, Michael J. Bradley, MD, and Thomas P. R. Dutson, OD to our staff of doctors and practice. Both surgeons are fellowship trained in Cornea and External Diseases and specialize in cataract, corneal transplant, and refractive surgery. Optometrist Thomas Dutson has been working with Dr. Alldredge for the last year and now becomes Hoopes Vision’s fifth optometrist.
Dr. Alldredge has been associated with Hoopes Vision since its beginning and has regularly performed surgeries at our on-site ambulatory surgery center, EyeSurg of Utah. Dr. Alldredge is delighted to combine his highly respected Salt Lake City ophthalmology practice with Hoopes Vision’s well known Sandy, Utah vision correction practice. He is one of the most esteemed eye surgeons in the country, and has practiced ophthalmology in Salt Lake City for over 30 years. His patients include many prominent and well know Utahns. His cataract and corneal transplant surgical skills are well respected and he has restored and improved the vision of tens of thousands of patients.
Dr. Michael J. Bradley comes to Hoopes Vision from his fellowship at the University of California-Irvine ophthalmology department. He is also a Utah native and grew up in Holladay. He graduated from the University of Utah School Of Medicine and his residency was taken at the University of Rochester.
Dr. Dutson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah, and then attended Southern California College of Optometry where he received his Doctorate of Optometry with honors. Dr. Dutson is an associate professor of the Pacific University College of Optometry in Portland, Oregon.
Patients looking to improve their vision at any stage of their adult life will find the newest technology paired with the highly skilled and caring doctors at Hoopes Vision. Whether patients are interested in cataract, LASIK or PRK surgery, or other vision correction procedures, our team of doctors will assist you in selecting the best procedure for your individual needs.
To make an appointment to see one of our doctors, please call (801) 568-0200 or (801) 288-0067.
By Hoopesvision on May 17, 2010
Dr. Hoopes was highlighted in the May 2010 edition of Healthy Utah Magazine. The article, titled “An Eye on the Future” discusses the most significant improvements in Ophthalmology including LASIK surgery and multifocal lens implants. It also spotlights Hoopes Vision’s participation in the clinical trial for the Acufocus® Corneal Inlay. The article goes on to list 10 factors contributing to the success of our company over the past 10 years. A copy of this magazine can be picked up in our office or viewed online at www.uthealth.com. Way to go Dr. Hoopes!
Dr. Hoopes, Jr. was previously featured on the cover of Healthy Utah Magazine in March, 2008.

By Hoopesvision on March 12, 2010

Dr. Phillip C. Hoopes, Jr., Merlin Olsen, and Dr. Phillip C. Hoopes at Hoopes Vision
Football legend, TV star, and well known Utah born philanthropist Merlin Olsen died on Thursday after a year long battle with mesothelioma. Merlin’s first claim to fame came as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive linemen playing for the Los Angles Rams. He was drafted to the Rams after his successful college football years as a Utah State University Aggie. During his professional football career, he was named to 14 Pro Bowls (an NFL record), and was known as one of the famed “Fearsome Foursome”.
Not long after his legendary football days he found further fame in the world of TV. In 1977, Merlin became a trusted face in millions of homes portraying Michael Landon’s friend Jonathan Garvey on “Little House on the Prairie” and later as the title character in his own series “Father Murphy”.
Mr. Olsen was seen in our office and although his 6’5” stature seemed intimidating, when meeting him face to face, he demonstrated such warmth and genuine kindness to our staff and had a way of putting everyone at ease. Our doctors and a few staff members were fortunate to have lunch with Merlin where we were treated to fun stories from his years in the NFL, his extensive travels abroad, and lessons learned while working with his friend Michael Landon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. The NFL has lost a legend, TV has lost an icon, and many have lost a wonderful friend.
By Hoopesvision on January 20, 2010

Jazz Bear on Hoopes Vision Night at Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz held the annual Hoopes Vision Night on Saturday January 16th, 2010 at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City Utah. The Doctors at Hoopes Vision are the official LASIK surgeons of the Utah Jazz, and last year performed LASIK surgery on the Jazz Bear.
It was a great game with a solid Jazz win against the Milwaukee Bucks. Halftime featured Jazz Bear with some of his mascot friends having a dunk contest and a lot of fun. Also at halftime, Dr. Hoopes, Dr. Hoopes, Jr., and Greg Miller together donated $10,000 to UNICEF to help victims of the Haiti earthquake. We hope this can help provide some relief for the area and the people who are suffering.
Hoopes Vision also held our traditional LASIK competition with two Jazz fans chosen to compete for free LASIK. This year, Michael and Tonya were chosen for a free-throw competition. The person able to make the most free-throws in 60 seconds won free LASIK. It was a close competition, but Michael walked away the winner with an opportunity to have free LASIK at Hoopes Vision. Congratulations Michael!
Hoopes Vision Night at the Utah Jazz is always a lot of fun for our doctors and staff. We are very proud to be trusted as the official LASIK surgeons of the Utah Jazz, and we are glad to have a venue through the Utah Jazz where we can give back to the community.
By Hoopesvision on November 23, 2009
Congratulations to Real Salt Lake! On Sunday, November 22, Utah’s own Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup in an intense match-up against Los Angeles Galaxy. The historic win for Real Salt Lake was hard fought through 120 minutes of intense regulation and added time which ended in a 1-1 draw. The game then went on to be decided in a round of penalty kicks. A great job of guarding the goal by Nick Rimando, and Robbie Russell’s amazing last penalty kick resulted in a 5-4 win for Real Salt Lake and a their first chance to bring home the 2009 MLS Cup!
Hoopes Vision is proud to be the official eye care provider and LASIK surgeons of Real Salt Lake. See our testimonials page to read about Real Salt Lake Assistant Coach Robin Fraser’s LASIK surgery at Hoopes Vision, or watch the LASIK video below.
By Hoopesvision on July 10, 2009
The most important decisions to be made when considering LASIK surgery involve questions of safety, experience and technology, but the cost of the procedure can also be an important issue. In today’s economy, many had predicted that LASIK surgery would see a decrease in volume. Instead, it turns out to be a bit more complicated.
Certainly, there are many discount centers (mainly larger corporate owned centers) that have struggled, but some have actually seen an increase in the number of patients that have come through their doors. Hoopes Vision has been among those fortunate enough to see more patients each year. Dr. Phillip Hoopes, founder of Hoopes Vision, attributes their success to their commitment to providing the best and safest technology and premium service to their patients at all times. “In harder economic times, many places will look to find ways to cut expenses in order to turn a profit. For us, the best technology and results are always paramount, and I think people notice that and, in turn, feel they can trust us with something as valuable as their sight. People are certainly still having surgery in these times, and recognize it as an investment as opposed to a simple cost. However, they want to make sure they are getting the best vision possible for their investment, and want to minimize risk and maximize outcome more than they want to find discount prices.” Even so, he notes that more people are taking advantage of financing options. “I think they figure if they can have the newest technology now, and not spend a penny more in the long run, why not spread the payments out over two years, and keep a little more on hand for ‘what if’ type scenarios.” There is a lot of confusion about price, as corporate owned LASIK centers try to shift the focus from the best and safest procedure to the cheapest. It is important to realize that LASIK surgery is an investment that will impact your vision for the rest of your life. However, there are ways you can ensure you are getting the best procedure and getting the most for your money.
LASIK UNDER $999:
WHAT’S THE CATCH?
Many people considering LASIK are tempted by surgeons and surgery centers that offer the procedure at an unbelievably low price. Unfortunately, it is usually true in life that you get what you pay for. Deals offering LASIK for $299 to $999 per eye are usually a bait-and-switch marketing ploy utilizing older technology. Even these cheaper places seem to realize that other procedures and lasers are better, and will try to talk you into upgrading to a better, yet still older, laser technology at a much higher price. Very few patients ever pay those low advertised prices as they learn their prescription is too high or severe to qualify for the cheaper price. Also, be aware of hidden or add-on charges such as lifetime guarantees (most of these discount centers won’t be around long enough), enhancements and, usually unnecessary, tear duct plugs. Be sure to ask questions. If calling on an advertised price, be sure to ask what the full range of prices are, and what the average price is. Ask if the center uses IntraLase™. It is currently the safest method for performing LASIK surgery. With only one set of eyes, is any deal worth more risk? Ask what laser or lasers are used for the procedure, and why they use it, how long they have had it (is it older technology), and if they have compared outcomes or have experience with other lasers.
TAX FREE, FLEX
SPENDING ACCOUNTS
Fortunately, there are several ways to get the most for your money. One of the best ways, if it is offered through your employer, is a medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or “Cafeteria Plan.” An FSA is a benefit developed to provide you choices with coverage and spending on health care including laser vision correction. Employers allow you to set aside a certain amount of money to be used for approved medical expenses. A portion of the full amount is withdrawn from each paycheck before taxes, which means using this money for medical expenses could save you 30% or more (depending on your tax bracket) verses paying out-of-pocket after taxes have been taken out. The full amount can usually be used as soon as the benefit period starts, so it works like a tax-free, no-interest payment plan.
AFFORDABLE
PAYMENT PLANS
No interest finance plans can be another very good way to help get the most from your money. Hoopes Vision currently offers up to 24 month 0% interest financing. This keeps the payments down while not paying a single cent more than you would if you brought in all the cash up-front. If you are simply looking for the lowest monthly payment, consider financing for a longer period. Hoopes vision also offers financing up to 60 months. You pay interest, but the payments are much smaller.
Of course, the bottom line is there are many options out there. The most important considerations are your safety and vision. If you find the place where you feel most comfortable, a little more money may be worth it. Conversely, an inexpensive place may not be worth any price.