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Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Eye Care Specialists in West Des Moines
Des Moines Eye Surgeons have provided personalized eye care for over 47 years, combining advanced medical expertise with compassionate patient service. Our team of ophthalmic surgeons and optometrists specializes in LASIK, cataract surgery, eyelid procedures, and comprehensive eye exams, serving patients of all ages. We prioritize continuous education to stay at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements, ensuring access to state-of-the-art treatments like the Light Adjustable Lens and EVO ICL. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our personalized approach, where patient needs guide treatment decisions.

With decades of collective experience, we maintain a reputation for successful outcomes and trusted care in the Midwest. Our practice emphasizes transparency, ethical standards, and clear communication, fostering long-term relationships with patients and referring physicians. We operate under rigorous quality protocols, ensuring every procedure meets the highest safety and efficacy benchmarks.
Services
LASIK Surgery Cataract Surgery Eye Exams Eyelid Surgery Cosmetic Treatments Optical Shop Light Adjustable Lens EVO ICL Comprehensive Eye Care Ptosis Repair
Details
  • Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
  • We have over 47 years of experience in ophthalmic care and surgical innovation.
  • Our team utilizes state-of-the-art technology like the Light Adjustable Lens and EVO ICL.
  • We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs and lifestyles.
  • Our surgeons are certified in advanced procedures including LASIK and complex cataract surgery.
  • We maintain a patient-centric approach with transparent communication and ethical standards.
What people say
Exceptional results Professional staff Advanced technology Personalized care Quick recovery
Services
LASIK Surgery
LASIK is a refractive surgery procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser. Patients achieve clearer vision, often reducing dependency on glasses or contacts. The procedure takes under 30 minutes per eye, with most patients resuming normal activities within 24 hours. Des Moines Eye Surgeons use advanced femtosecond laser technology for precise flap creation and customized treatment plans to optimize outcomes.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery removes clouded natural lenses and replaces them with intraocular implants to restore clear vision. We offer premium options like toric and multifocal lenses to correct astigmatism and reduce dependence on glasses. The 10-minute outpatient procedure uses phacoemulsification technology for minimal recovery time. Our surgeons specialize in Light Adjustable Lens technology, allowing post-surgery vision customization for optimal results.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery addresses droopy eyelids (ptosis), puffiness, and excess skin that impair vision or create a tired appearance. Procedures include upper/lower blepharoplasty, ectropion/entropion repair, and ptosis correction. Surgery improves both functional vision and aesthetic symmetry, with techniques tailored to individual anatomy. Most patients experience significant rejuvenation and improved peripheral vision after recovery.
EVO ICL
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) corrects moderate to severe myopia without removing corneal tissue. The reversible procedure involves placing a custom-sized lens between the iris and natural lens, offering excellent night vision and UV protection. Ideal for patients with thin corneas unsuitable for LASIK, EVO ICL provides rapid visual recovery with 99.4% patient satisfaction rates. Over 2 million lenses have been successfully implanted globally.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our exams assess visual acuity, refractive errors, and ocular health through dilated pupil evaluation and intraocular pressure testing. We detect conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy in early stages. The process includes binocular vision assessment and personalized recommendations for corrective lenses or treatment. Exams are available for all ages, from pediatric screenings to geriatric eye care.
People
Bradley D. Hammer
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Hammer specializes in cataract surgery and comprehensive ophthalmology, bringing expertise in advanced intraocular lens implants. A native of South Dakota, he combines technical skill with patient-centered care to optimize visual outcomes.
David C. Ball
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Ball focuses on refractive surgery and corneal diseases, offering LASIK and EVO ICL procedures. As a Des Moines native, he emphasizes community-based care while maintaining cutting-edge surgical techniques for vision correction.
Andrew C.G. Steffensmeier
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Steffensmeier specializes in cataract surgery with Light Adjustable Lens technology. His Iowa City background informs his approach to accessible, high-quality eye care for patients seeking personalized vision solutions.
Matthew E. Raecker
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Raecker provides comprehensive eye care with expertise in eyelid surgery and refractive procedures. A West Des Moines native, he prioritizes patient education and tailored treatment plans to address individual visual needs.
Rick R. Blodi
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Blodi specializes in cataract surgery and oculoplastic procedures, combining technical precision with compassionate care. His West Des Moines roots drive his commitment to serving local patients with advanced surgical options.
Questions
What vision correction options are available for thin corneas?
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is ideal for patients with thin corneas unsuitable for LASIK, offering reversible vision correction without tissue removal.
Can cataract surgery correct astigmatism?
Yes, we offer toric intraocular lenses during cataract surgery to correct astigmatism and reduce dependence on glasses for distance vision.
What is the Light Adjustable Lens?
This premium implant allows post-surgery vision customization using UV light adjustments, enabling personalized focus for distance, intermediate, or near vision.
How soon can I return to work after LASIK?
Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours, though individual recovery times may vary based on occupation and healing rates.
Do you offer financing for vision procedures?
Yes, we accept CareCredit financing to make LASIK, cataract surgery, and other procedures more accessible through flexible payment plans.
What eyelid surgeries are available?
We perform blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, and ectropion/entropion correction to address both functional vision impairment and aesthetic concerns.
Reviews (7)
Nancy Lowe
Jun 17, 2022 Report
From check in to check out Des Moines Eye Surgeons are friendly and efficient. Dr. Baumhover is so nice and knowledgeable. She is never rushed and answers all of my questions. I definitely recommend this practice!
Nel Pelc
Apr 13, 2022 Report
I do not care for this place! I am not one to use the race discrimination accusation. However, twice now the receptionist at the front desk has been extremely rude and I feel as though it may be racially motivated! And if I could give them less than 1 star I would!
Cindy Burgin
Feb 12, 2022 Report
I had a torn retina and received the best care here! Very knowledgeable. Even called me at home the next day to see how I was.
Rich Ayers
Jan 08, 2022 Report
I have gone to Des Moines Eye Surgeons for years and always have professional care. Just had cataract surgery and can see much better. Dr Hammer and staff did a great job and kept me at ease.
Ann McDonald
Nov 26, 2021 Report
Dr. Hammer and his team are always very kind and caring, thorough and professional. Dr. Hammer is dedicated and thoughtful & takes time to answer my questions and concerns. I am grateful for the care I receive at Des Moines Eye Surgeons!
Melody Hurley
Oct 14, 2021 Report
My family has been going to Des Moines Eye Surgeons for several year and I won't go anywhere else. We see Dr. Ball and he is amazing. Friendly very thorough and always answers all questions we have. He was a huge advocate for my daughter and her not going blind.
Kevin Cavallin
Oct 06, 2021 Report
I have trusted the Des Moines Eye Surgeons staff with my eye care for over thirty years, and I have never once been disappointed. Their caring staff and expertise are why I have never felt the need to change providers despite living outside of Des Moines. They take the time and the effort to do things right.