Laser refractive eye surgery is a form of vision correction and involves reshaping the cornea to correct a refractive error. This occurs when the eye is abnormally shaped and can’t focus light directly on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in out-of-focus, blurry vision. Examples of refractive error include short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia) and astigmatism. Astigmatism commonly occurs together with short- or long-sightedness. Laser eye surgery, also referred to as refractive surgery, is offered at our clinics in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville. Call us on 1800 1 LASER or take our online eligibility quiz (VIC|NSW|QLD) if you would like to book a free, no-obligation assessment for laser eye surgery.

If you meet the following basic criteria, you may be eligible for laser eye surgery. We also offer a free, no-obligation assessment where we will comprehensively check your eyes and discuss your vision correction options. Age Between 18 and 55 years old Vision problem Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and/or astigmatism Stable vision Glasses prescription has remained the same for at least 12 months General eye health* Good General health Good, not pregnant or breastfeeding *Your ophthalmologist will consider the general health of your eyes, the strength of your glasses prescription (i.e. your degree of refractive error), if you have a history of eye problems (e.g. dry eye, scarring or thinning of the cornea) and if you have previously had a serious eye injury.

We offer laser eye surgery (and other types of vision correction) in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Townsville. Once you have had a comprehensive assessment to determine which procedure is most suitable for you, you will be provided with the full cost. As a rough guide, laser eye surgery can cost between $2600 to $3400 per eye. When comparing laser vision correction with a lifetime of glasses or contact lenses, you might be surprised to find out which is the more cost-effective option. Please note that Medicare does not rebate any of the cost of laser eye surgery, however many health insurers will cover some or all of the cost. You will need to check with your health insurer as to whether your level of cover includes rebates for laser eye surgery. For example, BUPA’s Ultimate Health Cover offers 100% cover for laser eye surgery (3-year waiting period applies). For your convenience, we also invoice the cost of your procedure (LASIK, PRK or SMILE) directly to BUPA, meaning you have nothing to pay upfront.* Contact BUPA to find out if you qualify (phone 134 135 or visit their website). Medibank members with selected extras and packaged covers can receive 15% off surgical fees if they have their procedure performed at Vision Eye Institute. When comparing providers, make sure you get an accurate indication of all charges that you will incur before, during and after your laser eye surgery procedure (including enhancement or follow-up procedures). Read our article about the cost of laser eye surgery *Excludes consultation fees and diagnostic tests. SMILE is currently available in NSW only.