The University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is participating in a statewide effort to give discounted rates on laser eye surgery for Iowa National Guard soldiers. The "Sight for Soldiers" program is for soldiers who are scheduled to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Soldiers eligible for the discount are being notified by the Iowa Academy of Ophthalmology and the Iowa National Guard. All surgeries will be performed by April 30 to allow for follow-up care before deployment.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is one of about a dozen eye practices across Iowa that have agreed to participate. Laser eye surgery—which includes LASIK—improves a person's eyesight by reshaping eye tissue.