How much does LASIK cost?
Not all laser vision correction or laser eye surgery is the same. Make sure you're comparing apples with apples...
When it comes to cost, you'll need to ensure you are comparing the same procedure and benefits. Your options will generally include:
- Bladeless Lasik (Bladeless)
- Advanced Surface Laser Ablation (ASLA)
- PRK / LASIK eye surgery
However, some of these options then offer additional benefits such as:
- Enhancement or retreatment options (if required)
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Improved results such as 25x more precise measurement; or High Definition treatment to potentially offer better than glasses vision
- Additional safety features such as unique iris registration tracking; or additional tissue savings of up to 25%
Quality guarantee on our laser eye surgery
We offer the widest range of vision correction options available in Australia out of our NSW and ACT clinics. Our commitment is to recommend the optimum procedure that will suit your eyes and your lifestyle.
We will make absolutely sure you are suitable for laser eye surgery.
If we are not 100% happy you will be a suitable candidate (one in five patients won't be) we will advise you of any alternative options.
- You will be in the hands of our highly trained and experienced surgeons who have performed over 10,000 procedures.
- We use the latest equipment, techniques.
- We have state-of-the-art facilities.
- We have supportive and convenient aftercare.
Our price guarantee on LASIK
We will match any publically advertising price or formal quotation; based on the same procedure and inclusions. In some cases, we may require verification of the procedure and/or inclusions.
One price—we won't hide any costs—no extra charges for tests, medications or follow-up visits.
Visual Freedom from $30 per week!
For the cost of a cup of coffee a day you could bring your life into focus again.
Comparing LASIK costs with maintaining lenses
Cost consideration for contacts:
- Monthly or annual costs for new lenses
- Solutions supplies
- Possible doctor visits if you develop eye irritation or infection from wearing contact lenses
Cost consideration for glasses:
- New glasses with lenses and frames on average every two to three years
- Reading glasses
- Multifocal options
- Prescription sunglasses
In comparison, laser eye surgery is a one-time investment—glasses and lenses require a lifetime commitment and this involves ongoing costs.
Your actual saving will vary based on your personal situation, e.g. glasses, lenses, or both; how often you require a new prescription; maintenance solutions; etc. Try our Cost Calculator and see yourself how much LASIK could potentially save you.
Depending on the correction required, the cost for LASIK can vary. With personalEYES our packages start at $2,025 per eye.
Comparison of laser eye surgery costs in Australia
Cost breakdown for laser eye surgery
If you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery, you might be having a difficult time figuring out exactly how much the procedure will cost.
LASIK prices vary from clinic to clinic across Australia. The queries you should discuss with your surgeon are:
- Aftercare follow up
- Laser updates
- Doctor’s experience
- Results
Cost is not always the best indicator when choosing a clinic. While we understand that cost is an important factor, choosing a clinic based on safety, experience, and reputation, is paramount. At personalEYES, safety is the first priority, and our retreatment rate is approximately 1%.
Upfront costs - what you need to know
- Consultation fees The cost of consultation fees across Australia range and can be as much as $250 each.
At personalEYES, your initial LASIK assessment is completely free. - Surgery cost The actual cost of laser eye surgery ranges from $2,025 to $6,200 per eye in Australia, depending on the clinic and the type of procedure. The cost can also be based on surgeon experience, as the most accomplished surgeons often charge higher rates.
Our packages start at $2,025 per eye, depending on the surgery required. - All-inclusive cost vs individual costs Some clinics in Australia charge for each individual cost, such as follow-up appointments, medications and diagnostic tests.
personalEYES charges one flat rate that includes the full cost of the initial consultation, surgery and followup appointments. - Payment plans may be available.
personalEYES offers payment plans to reduce the stress caused by a large upfront payment. See payment plan options here - Healthcare coverage Some Australian health funds cover all or part of your laser eye surgery procedure if you have top or premium coverage. Keep in mind, there is usually a waiting period of one to three years after signing up for healthcare before you are eligible for laser eye coverage. More on healthcare rebates here.
- Medicare coverage Laser eye surgery is not covered under Medicare, except in the rare case when it’s used to treat certain eye diseases.
Ongoing costs
- Follow-up appointments If the cost is not all-inclusive, follow-up appointments with other clinics may cost between $70 and $150. Keep in mind, the number of follow-up appointments you’ll need depends on the type of procedure you have and the rate at which your eyes heal.
At personalEYES, your standard follow-up appointments are included in your surgery cost. - Post-op medication or treatments Many clinics in Australia do not include the cost of medicines such as eye-drops in their procedure cost. Generally, eye-drops will cost around $50 if they are priced separately. Other medications will vary.
At personalEYES, these are included in your surgery cost. - Emergencies Clinics in Australia may or may not offer after-hours care. In the case of an emergency, you may need to seek treatment at a hospital or emergency room. The price of treatment will depend on the hospital, necessary interventions and your healthcare cover.
At personalEYES, we offer 24/7 after-care. - Additional procedures Though rare, there is the possibility one or both of your eyes could over or under correct its refractive error during the healing process. In this case, additional procedures could be required to correct the error. In clinics around Australia this could range from $2,000 to $12,600 depending on the type of procedure, and whether one eye or both require treatment.
personalEYES offers a satisfaction guarantee on our 'Lifetime Vision Program' where retreatment costs are covered. Learn more about our guarantee here.
Laser eye surgery vs other alternatives
Laser eye surgery can seem expensive and unaffordable, but for many people, the procedure is cheaper than the long term costs of other methods of vision care. Read on to compare the cost of laser eye surgery to the most common vision care methods in Australia, like glasses and contacts. Or try our Savings Calculator here.
Franks lenses: Laser eye surgery vs contact lenses
Frank has worn contact lenses for more than ten years. Like most contact lens wearers, Frank uses soft contact lenses. He typically buys a box of six disposable lenses for $30 and changes his lenses at least every two weeks. He also buys at least $150 worth of contact lens solution and cleaning products per year. Like many Australians, Frank needs an annual eye-exam and consultation to check-up on his eyes and prescription. Unfortunately, Frank's check-ups are not covered by Medicare.
He was recently approved for PRK laser eye surgery after a free consultation but is not sure if it’s worth the cost.
Let’s compare the cost of Franks contact lenses against PRK surgery:
- Consultation fees: $100 per yearLenses: $30 per box or $258 per year
- Maintenance/cleaning: $150 per year
- Total annual cost: $508
- Total cost of contact lenses over 11.5 years: $5,842
- Average cost of PRK surgery: $4,800
Result: In 11.5 years Frank will spend more on contact lenses than she would on PRK surgery, although laser eye surgery has a much higher upfront cost.
Max’s glasses: Laser eye surgery vs prescription glasses
Max is one of more than 50% of Australians who wear prescription eyeglasses. Max has one pair of glasses that he wears every day that cost him $190. He also has a back-up pair and a pair of prescription sunglasses. Max buys a new pair of glasses every year or due to regular wear and tear, breakage and wanting to keep up with the newest trends. He has an annual eye examination with an ophthalmologist, which is covered by Medicare.
Max has recently taken up running, and has grown increasingly frustrated with the limitations of wearing glasses while exercising. He has been considering LASIK surgery and has been told he is a potential candidate, but he thinks it is too expensive.
Let’s compare the cost of Max’s eyeglasses against LASIK surgery:
- New pair of glasses each year: $190
- Annual eye examinations: $0
- Total annual cost: $190
- Total cost of prescription glasses over 30 years: $5,700
- Average cost of LASIK: $5,000 for both eyes
Result: Though LASIK has a higher upfront cost than wearing prescription glasses, Max will pay less for laser eye surgery than glasses over a 30 year period.
Melissa’s Ortho-K lenses: Laser eye surgery vs orthokeratology
Melissa is a swimmer who has been using orthokeratology lenses for four years. She wears the rigid lenses every night to reshape her corneas and takes them out every morning, allowing her to swim every day. Melissa’s lenses cost $1,500 and she has to replace them every two years. She also has to have six-monthly check-ups with her optometrist, costing her around $100 per year.
Recently, Melissa dropped her Ortho-K lenses just months after receiving a new set, breaking them and forcing her to pay for two sets of lenses this year alone. She is frustrated by the ongoing maintenance and expenses of her Ortho-K lenses. Melissa has been approved for Implantable Contact Lenses or ICL, but she is concerned about the high price as ICL is the most expensive type of laser eye surgery available.
Let’s compare the cost of Melissa’s Ortho-K lenses against ICL:
- Ortho-K lenses: $1,500 every two years
- Follow-up appointments: $100 per year
- Cleaning/maintenance: $150 per year
- Total annual cost: $1,000
- Total cost of Ortho-K lenses after 11 years: $11,000
- Average cost of ICL: $10,900 for both eyes
Result: After 11 years, Melissa will spend approximately $11,000 on her orthokeratology lenses, compared to the one-time cost of $10,900 for ICL.
Payment options for LASIK (Affordable options for Laser Eye Surgery Costs)
Many patients are worried they cannot afford to pay for LASIK in one lump sum. Achieve your visual freedom sooner by taking advantage of our various hassle-free payment options to suit your budget. Many health funds will cover a portion of the costs, you will need to check with your fund to determine your level of cover.
We accept cash, eftpos, bank cheque, Mastercard, Visa and Amex.
Many Australians who consider laser eye surgery hesitate at the high prices and lack of information available on what exactly those prices include. See more about payment plans here