A free market solution would cause lower prices in order to remain be competitive.
That blue-sky theory most certainly does not work with medical devices (lens implants in this case). Show me one single product where it did anywhere in the last 30 years. Not just anyone can set up a medical device factory on every corner in every town (although Ayn would like to think so). You'll also find a pretty hard floor on the lower wage an ophthalmic surgeon with $300,000 in student loans is willing to earn.