Vision For Life

Laser eye surgery cost

Laser eye surgery is  a valuable investment in your quality of life. It provides the freedom to enjoy the activities of ife which bring you pleasure. 

Some of the reasons our patients love their laser surgery

  • Being able to see clearly when swimming.
  • Being able to play sport without glasses or contact lenses. 
  • Being able to use safety glasses without prescription glasses fogging up underneath.
  • Being able to apply make-up without glasses or contact lenses. 
  • Not having to reach for glasses first thing in the morning.
See below for the total costs of common laser eye pricing including hospital, surgeon, and procedure fees (inclusive of GST):
  • LASIK and SMILE: $3,350 per eye
  • PRK (Surface LASIK): $2,750 per eye
  • PTK: $2750 per eye.

Is laser eye surgery covered by medicare or private health insurance?

Laser eye surgery is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. However, some private health providers may offer a partial rebate for the procedure. Contact your fund to check eligibility.


Why do costs vary between LASIK and PRK?

There are 2 different types of laser systems which are used in laser eye surgery: the excimer laser and the femtosecond laser. 

In LASIK, both laser systems are required. The femtosecond laser creates the highly precise flap in the cornea (approximately 0.1mm in thickness). The excimer laser then is used to alter the shape of the cornea underneath the flap to change the way the eye focuses light. 

In PRK, the femtosecond laser is not used. Rather, the excimer laser alone is used to alter the shape of the cornea. Because LASIK uses 2 lasers and PRK uses only 2 laser, the cost of LASIK or higher than that of PRK.

 

Which is better, LASIK or PRK?

Both LASIK and PRK produce excellent results.  They both produce wonderful vision results and provide freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

In some people, one procedure my be more suited than another.  For example, if you have dry eyes prior to surgery, PRK is likely to be more suitable as it is less likely to worsen dry eye symptoms than LASIK.  On the other hand if rapid recovery of vision is very important then LASIK may be a more suitable procedure.  LASIK gives wonderful clear vision within 24 hours of the procedure whereas with  PRK it can take a week or two to achieve wonderful vision.  

During your assessment, your Ophthalmologist will advise you of which procedure is most suitable for you.