Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism can all be treated by our Adelaide laser eye surgeons using LASIK eye surgery.

In LASIK surgery, two different lasers are used to reshape the cornea. This two-step procedure leads to less discomfort during recovery than other forms of laser eye surgery, such as ASLA/PRK surgery.

Want to know more about LASIK eye surgery? Visit our laser eye surgery Services page.

These days, LASIK is the most common form of laser eye surgery. However, advanced surface laser ablation (ASLA), also called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), still has its place. It’s especially suitable for people with thin or abnormal corneas, who are ineligible for LASIK eye surgery.

ASLA/PRK can be used to treat all forms of refractive error, including short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

Want more information about ASLA/PRK eye surgery? Visit our laser eye surgery Services page.

This type of vision correction surgery is a little different from the above forms of laser eye surgery.

In this procedure, the laser eye surgeon corrects one eye (typically the dominant eye) for distance vision and the other for close-up vision and reading or computer use. Interestingly, the brain processes the images from both eyes and blends them together into a single image (that’s why monovision is also known as blended vision).

A vision correction surgeon can achieve monovision in a couple of different ways. They can use laser eye surgery (e.g. LASIK or ASLA/PRK) or replace the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one (e.g. replacement lenses or implantable phakic lenses).

Most people find that they adjust to monovision in just a few days and can reduce their use of their glasses.

To make sure you can adapt to this change in your vision, our Adelaide laser eye surgeons will usually give you a set of trial contact lenses that will give you an idea of the final result.

Once you’ve had your initial laser consultation, we’ve checked the health of your eyes and recommended the most appropriate vision correction procedure for your particular situation, we will provide you with a full cost estimate.

As a rough guide, laser eye surgery costs between $2,400 and $2,800 per eye at our Adelaide laser eye surgery clinic. When choosing a laser eye surgery provider, it’s important to know the true value of your surgery. That means knowing what kind of laser eye surgery you’ll be having (e.g. LASIK or ASLA), the level of experience of your surgeon and staff, and whether any additional costs are needed (e.g. medications, enhancement procedures, theatre fees).

At Vision Eye Institute, a detailed quote will be provided during your laser consultation after we check the health of your eyes and determine which procedure is recommended for your individual situation. Our costs are completely transparent, and we also offer payment plans through our partnership with Latitude and humm (T&Cs apply, see the FAQ below).

Read our cost of laser eye surgery article to understand why different providers charge different fees. And use our cost calculator to find out how much you can save compared to a lifetime of glasses and contact lens use.

We offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment options for laser eye surgery only, in partnership with humm and Gem Visa.

humm* provides interest-free payment plans you can repay over time. Learn more about humm

Latitude Gem Visa† may be available for laser eye surgery procedures (credit limit subject to approval). Latitude Gem Visa offers interest-free payment plans, low monthly account fees and fast approval. Learn more about Latitude

_{*Payment plan approved applicants only. $8 monthly fee plus other fees, terms, conditions, minimum amounts and exclusions apply. For full terms & conditions please go to https://www.shophumm.com/au/important-information/. Payment plan provided by humm BNPL Pty Limited (ABN 28 129 228 986) a subsidiary of humm group limited.
†Approved customers only. Conditions, fees and charges apply. Credit provided by Latitude Finance Australia ABN 42 008 583 588 Australian Credit Licence number 392145.}

Laser eye surgery costs aren’t eligible for a Medicare rebate. However, lots of health insurers will cover some or all of the cost of laser eye surgery. Check with your health insurer to find out whether your level of coverage includes laser eye surgery.

As an example, BUPA’s Ultimate Health Cover offers 100% cover for laser eye surgery (a three-year waiting period applies). We also invoice the cost of your laser eye surgery procedure (LASIK or PRK) directly to BUPA for your convenience, leaving you with nothing to pay upfront.* Get in touch with BUPA to find out if you’re eligible (phone 134 135 or visit their website).

If you are a Medibank member with selected extras and packaged covers are eligible for 15% off surgical fees when they have their procedure with Vision Eye Institute.

When you compare health insurers, make sure you get an accurate understanding of all the charges that you will incur before, during and after your vision correction procedure (including enhancement or follow-up procedures).

Read our article about the cost of laser eye surgery.

Whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery depends on the degree of dry eyes you experience. Your laser eye surgeon will need to assess your eyes to best determine which laser eye surgery procedure is most appropriate for you. If you are eligible for laser eye surgery, your ophthalmologist will need to treat your dry eyes prior to laser eye surgery.

Unfortunately, laser eye surgery cannot currently treat presbyopia. There are alternative treatments available for presbyopia at our Adelaide clinics. To determine your options, book in for a comprehensive assessment with one of our vision correction surgeons.

Laser eye surgeons in Australia must be Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO). Our laser eye surgeons are not only FRANZCO qualified but highly experienced in their field.

In the days prior to your laser eye surgery:

• avoid wearing eye makeup
• avoid creams, perfumes, or lotions on your face
• do not wear contact lenses the week before your surgery
• avoid screens and reading the night before to rest your eyes, and
• organise a friend, family member or carer to take you home after your laser eye surgery.

There are no specific preparations for laser eye surgery related to climate.

For LASIK eye surgery, our patients receive 3 aftercare appointments. They occur:

• on the same day or the day after surgery
• 1–2 weeks after surgery, and
• 2–3 months after surgery.

For ASLA/PRK surgery, our patients receive 5 aftercare appointments. They occur:

• on the same day or the day after surgery
• 3–5 days after surgery to remove the bandage contact lens
• 2 weeks after surgery
• 2 months after surgery, and
• 6 months after surgery.

The side effects and complications of laser eye surgery are temporary and typically self-resolve or easily resolve with follow-up treatment.

These include:

• dry eye
• over- or under-correction of your refractive error requiring an enhancement procedure
• loss of visual sharpness
• poorly healing LASIK corneal flap, and
• (very rarely) infection.

You may be reassured to know that no-one has ever become blind after undergoing laser eye surgery in Australia.

You can help further reduce the risk of side-effects and complications by following your post-operative instructions and avoiding rubbing your eyes, swimming, or returning to sport early.

All potential risks and complications will be discussed with you prior to surgery.

The best age to have laser eye surgery is between 18 and 55, once your vision has stabilised and before you develop presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision).

There is no perfect time to get laser eye surgery and the best time will vary from person to person. When you get laser eye surgery is often a decision affected by your vision needs and the quality of life you are experiencing with your current vision.

You may be unsuitable for laser eye surgery if you:

• are younger than 18 years or over 55 years
• experience unstable vision
• experience poor eye health or general health
• are pregnant or breastfeeding, or
• experience a vision problem other than short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and/or astigmatism (imperfection in the eye’s curvature that results in distorted vision).

However, we offer a broad selection of alternative vision correction treatments. Book your FREE laser assessment online or by calling (08) 8239 0118 to find out if you are eligible for laser eye surgery.