How much is laser eye surgery?

If you're considering laser eye surgery , one of the first questions you may have is: laser eye surgery costs in Australia and what factors influence the price?

The cost of laser vision correction can vary depending on the type of treatment, your prescription, the technology used, and your individual eye health. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when exploring your options for vision correction.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery in Adelaide, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully. IVISION LASER is a modern clinic dedicated to providing laser vision correction and cataract treatment. We offer a range of laser eye surgery procedures, including LASIK and SMILE® PRO, and can help you determine the best option for your individual needs.

Understanding laser eye surgery costs

The cost of laser eye treatment differs from person to person because every patient's eyes are unique. Factors such as the severity of your refractive errors, the type of laser treatment recommended, and the complexity of your treatment planning can all affect the overall cost.¹Saragoussi JJ, Djadi-Prat J, Lebuisson DA, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK

When researching laser eye surgery costs, it is important to understand exactly what is included. Some clinics include consultations, follow-up appointments, and prescribed eye drops, while others may charge separately for these services.

For this reason, patients should always request a detailed breakdown of costs before proceeding with treatment.

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a form of vision correction that aims to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses by changing the shape of the cornea.

Common procedures include LASIK eye surgery, PRK, and SMILE. These treatments are designed to address common vision problems caused by refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.

The goal of treatment is to improve how light focuses on the retina, which may result in clearer vision for suitable candidates.

How does LASIK work?

Understanding LASIK surgery

LASIK surgery, short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (situ keratomileusis), is one of the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedures worldwide.

During the laser eye surgery procedure, a surgeon first creates a flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted before a laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue.

The laser removes very small amounts of corneal tissue to alter how light enters the eye. Once treatment is complete, the flap is repositioned and begins to heal naturally.

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK, and a comprehensive assessment is required to determine eligibility.

What influences the cost?

The type of procedure

Different laser procedures involve different technology and treatment approaches. As a result, pricing can vary depending on whether LASIK, PRK, SMILE, or another treatment option is recommended.²Durrie, D.S. (2012) Evaluating the speed of visual recovery following thin-flap LASIK with ..., Accessed: 12 December 2023 https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/1081597X-20120815-06

Treatment planning and technology

Advanced diagnostic equipment and personalised treatment planning are important parts of the process. Detailed measurements help determine the most suitable procedure for your eyes.

Clinics that invest in newer technology may have different pricing structures compared to those using older equipment.

Experience of the treating clinician

The experience and qualifications of the treating eye surgeons may also influence pricing. When choosing a provider, it is important to consider factors beyond cost alone, including experience, available technology, and the level of care provided throughout the treatment journey.

Are there payment options available?

Many clinics offer flexible payment options to help patients spread the cost of treatment over time.

These financing arrangements vary between providers and are subject to eligibility criteria and lending approval. If financing is available, it is important to review the terms carefully before entering into any agreement.

What Funding Options Are Available for Laser Eye Surgery?

The price of laser eye surgery may seem high, but there are several funding options available to make it more manageable.

Does Medicare Cover Laser Eye Surgery in Australia?

In most cases, Medicare does not cover elective laser eye surgeries like LASIK or SMILE® PRO.³https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/health-insurance/laser-eye-surgery-cost/ This is because it’s considered a cosmetic surgery, despite the many benefits it can have to someone’s quality of life.

However, for individuals with cataracts or other qualifying conditions, Medicare may partially cover related treatments.⁴https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/health-insurance/laser-eye-surgery-cost/ It's important to check with your healthcare provider about what is or isn't covered by Medicare in your specific situation.

Can Private Health Insurance Cover Laser Eye Surgery?

Many private health insurance policies in Australia do not cover elective surgeries like LASIK. However, some policies may cover consultations, follow-up care, or certain elements of the procedure, especially if deemed medically necessary⁵https://journals.lww.com/internat-ophthalmology/citation/2008/04810/the_optimization_of_lasik.5.aspx.

For those policies that do cover laser eye surgery, either in full or in part, you may find that there is a long waiting period of up to three years before you can go ahead with the procedure. Be sure to consult your health fund to understand your entitlements.

What Financing Options are Available for Laser Eye Surgery?

Many clinics, including IVISION LASER, offer flexible payment plans to help make laser eye surgery more affordable. These plans often allow you to spread the cost over several months or years, making the upfront expense easier to manage.

For example, our clinic offers laser eye surgery from $207 per eye per month with interest-free financing and five years of enhancements after the initial surgery, should you need them. This allows you to pay the total cost in 24 monthly installments, rather than all at once.

It’s always worth asking about financing options during your initial consultation.

How Much Will You Pay Out of Pocket for Laser Eye Surgery?

In most cases, laser eye surgery will involve some out-of-pocket expenses. Below, we’ll cover what’s typically included in the cost of surgery and what additional fees you might expect.

What’s Included in the Surgery Cost?

The quoted price for laser eye surgery usually includes:

• Pre-surgery consultations and tests
• The actual procedure
• Post-operative follow-up care.

However, certain costs, such as prescription eye drops or protective eyewear, may not be included, so it’s important to clarify with your clinic what’s covered. These costs are often minimal but should be factored into your budget.

Are There Hidden Costs You Should Know About?

While laser eye surgery is generally considered a one-time expense, there are some potential hidden costs that you should be aware of. These additional costs can arise before, during, and after your procedure. Being informed can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises.

Cost of Additional Pre-Surgery Tests

Before undergoing laser eye surgery, your surgeon may recommend extra pre-surgery tests to ensure that you're a good candidate for the procedure. These tests may include advanced imaging of your eyes or other diagnostic exams to assess your cornea and overall eye health.

While some of these tests may be included in the surgery package, others might be charged separately, depending on the clinic. Ask your surgeon or clinic about any additional costs you might incur during the consultation phase.

Cost of Unplanned Follow-Up Visits

After your laser eye surgery, follow-up visits are essential to ensure your eyes are healing properly. Most clinics include a few standard post-operative check-ups in the initial cost, but if complications arise or if more frequent monitoring is required, you may need extra follow-up appointments.

These unplanned visits could add to your overall costs, especially if the clinic charges per consultation after the surgery. It's helpful to clarify what is covered in the initial fee and what could require an additional payment.

Are there risks and side effects?

Like all medical procedures, laser eye surgery carries risks and potential side effects.

Some patients may experience temporary symptoms such as dry eye, fluctuating vision, glare, halos around lights, or light sensitivity during recovery. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time, although recovery experiences differ between individuals.

Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and alternatives during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.

Is laser eye surgery a long-term solution?

For many patients, laser vision correction can provide a long term reduction in dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, individual results vary, and treatment cannot prevent future age-related changes to the eyes.

Some patients may still require glasses for certain activities later in life, particularly for reading as they get older.

Alternative options

For patients who are not suitable candidates for laser vision correction, alternative procedures may be considered.

These can include cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, or other treatments depending on the individual's needs, prescription, and overall eye health.

How do I know if I'm suitable?

The first step is a comprehensive assessment with a qualified eye care professional or eye institute offering laser vision correction services.

During your consultation, the clinician will evaluate:

• Your prescription
• Corneal thickness and shape
• Overall eye health
• Any existing eye disease
• Your visual goals and lifestyle requirements

This assessment helps determine whether laser vision correction is appropriate for your circumstances.

How much do LASIK eye surgery cost?

If you have been searching online for how much do LASIK eye surgery cost, the answer is that pricing varies between clinics and depends on individual treatment requirements.⁶Probst, The Optimization of LASIK, International Ophthalmology Clinics 48(1):p 9-16, Winter 2008.

Rather than focusing solely on price, it is important to understand what is included in the quoted fee, the technology being used, the experience of the treating team, and the level of aftercare provided.

Take the next step

Whether you're researching laser eye surgery costs or exploring your treatment options, we're here to help. Take our free online suitability test or arrange a consultation with our team to receive personalised guidance based on your individual needs and eye health.