Laser Eye Surgery Cost in New Zealand 2018

One of the most common questions people ask in regard to having Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK) is “how much will it cost?”

While prices have remained stable at around $3000 per eye for the last 5 years in New Zealand, 2018 has seen a slight price increase nationwide.

The current Laser Eye Surgery cost in New Zealand in 2018 is in the range from $3050 - $3450 per eye.

Auckland prices are now at $3050 per eye, while Christchurch prices are at the upper end at $3265 - $3450 per eye. Wellington pricing has increased by $150 per eye to now  $3150 per eye.  These prices still compare favourably with laser eye clinics in Sydney, London and USA.

When researching price there are a few other things to think about.

Are there any hidden costs?

Some clinics have a set fee no matter what your prescription is, or the type of laser procedure that is used. Other clinics may charge a higher fee for a higher prescription or if you have astigmatism as well. At Bowen Eye Clinic we have a set fee of $3150 per eye, which includes everything from the surgeon fee to the post –surgery care, medicated eye drops and even any enhancement procedure should you require.

What type of laser technology is being used?

Check that the technology being used is FDA approved. You may also wish to look into what you can expect in the recovery period.  The Bowen Eye Clinic offers purpose built laser surgical rooms and the latest FDA approved IntraLase femtosecond laser and excimer laser, which is a bladeless form of surgery. This type of LASIK provides a fast recovery period and is pain free.

Does the clinic and the ophthalmologist have a good reputation?

You are about to trust someone with your eyes. Do your research, read reviews and talk to friends and colleagues to hear what other people who have had the procedure done have to say. How did they find the overall experience? Did the surgeon explain the procedure and what it involves?  Did they feel well informed and comfortable every step of their journey from the initial assessment, surgery to their follow up care? Does the surgeon do the post laser checks? Does the surgeon have post graduate fellowship training in refractive laser eye surgery?

What are the additional costs for people having to travel to a city to have LASIK?

If you are coming from out of town to have LASIK, consider the cost of flights, accommodation and taxis. Check with the clinic whether they offer a package deal or accommodation discounts and when and where the follow up care can be done. Does the surgeon visit your local area for any of the follow up care visits?

Finally, is finance available for LASIK Eye Surgery?

Many clinics do provide a finance option that allows you to pay for the surgery without having to go with the cheapest option. After all it is an investment in your eyes and lifestyle and price should not be the only factor that you consider when choosing which clinic to go to.

Bowen Eye Clinic provides excellence in Laser Eye Surgery

At Bowen Eye Clinic, Dr Reece Hall is the only eye specialist in New Zealand who has completed two overseas fellowships in refractive (Laser Eye) surgery and completed a Masters Degree in Refractive Surgery from the University of Sydney.

Dr Hall will meet with you to discuss any questions you may have, taking responsibility for all your pre and post-operative care and check ups. Follow up checks with Dr Hall are available in Wellington, Nelson, Palmerston North, and Waikanae.

Bowen Eye Clinic also has finance available through Q Card, offering an interest free time period (up to 12 months) to pay for your corrective eye surgery.

 

Glossary

ASA (advanced surface ablation) laser treatment program from Zeiss that is similar to PRK, the surgeon uses an excimer laser treatment on the surface of the cornea after removing the surface cells (called the epithelium) which then regrow.

Cornea the clear part of the eye wall at the front of the eye. Two thirds of the focusing power of the eye is from the cornea.

Excimer laser this type of laser removes tissue by non-thermal vaporisation (photoablation). Excimer lasers are extremely accurate and do not damage the surrounding tissues.

Femtosecond laser this type of laser is designed to cut any 3D shape in clear eye tissues such as the cornea with a high degree of accuracy. They work by creating a 3D pattern of tiny gas bubbles, which is traced through the target tissue at high speed.

Laser eye surgery correction of sight using excimer and/or femtosecond lasers to alter the curvature and focusing power of the cornea.

Laser refractive surgery this is another name for laser eye surgery or laser vision correction surgery; surgery to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

LASEK (laser assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy) this is a form of surface laser treatment in which the corneal skin layer is soaked with dilute alcohol to loosen it before removal.

LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) this is the commonest form of laser vision correction in which a thin protective flap is created using a femtosecond laser. The protective flap is hinged aside by the surgeon before optical reshaping of the cornea using an excimer laser. The flap is then replaced, and adheres without stitches, keeping the corneal skin layer intact and giving a fast visual recovery.

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is the same as ASA. This is a form of surface laser treatment in which preparatory removal of the corneal skin layer is done by the surgeon.