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“Best decision ever” is the most common phrase we hear from people after their laser eye surgery. That and the smile on their faces says it all, and is why we love what we do.
When your vision is blurry or fuzzy, it can make it difficult to go about your day to day activities. You’ve probably tried the other options available to you, glasses and then contact lenses or a combination of both. You may have started to research laser vision correction surgery and naturally being a little nervous, you’ve talked to family and friends who have had it done. The next step is to take a leap and book an appointment for a suitability assessment.
At this stage most people look at the cost and start to weigh up if it’s worth it.
How much does vision correction cost?
In New Zealand the current advertised cost between regions and clinics varies. The cost per eye is:
Auckland - $3050 - $3244
Hamilton - $3580
Wellington - $3180 - $3300
Christchurch - $3450
Some clinics offer a higher price for a single eye and a discounted price for both eyes. Some offer a flat rate independent of the type of laser refractive surgery that is best suited for your eyes.
All clinics offer affordable finance options for payment to suit all budgets e.g. Q-Card, Credit Card, Eftpos and bank transfer.
If you are coming from out-of-town such as from the Nelson region, a package may be offered to assist you with your accommodation and travel cost as you’ll need to stay over night for a check up the day after your surgery. If you live in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region then it is possible to return home on the day of surgery and have your first post-op check in Palmerston North.
Because laser vision correction is an elective, or optional, surgery the cost of the procedure is not covered by private insurance companies.
What’s included in the cost?
Different locations will offer varying packages of care so it is worth enquiring to see what is included or added as an extra cost like the taxi ride to and from the airport. A surgeon who offers a lower price may add costs later instead of offering an all inclusive price upfront; you may be charged for the “free assessment” if you choose not to go ahead with the surgery.
Cost of laser eye surgery at Bowen Eye Clinic
At Bowen Eye Clinic the $3,300 fee is the total cost per eye. During your free laser suitability assessment with our Ophthalmologist, Dr Reece Hall will talk with you about which procedure is most suitable for you based on your eye health, eye prescription, age and your lifestyle.
At Bowen Eye Clinic, we take pride in providing a great experience for people who choose to have their vision correction surgery with us. All of your appointments, will be with Dr Reece Hall. This continuity of care is important because it ensures that you get a highly experienced level of care and that your expectations from the procedure are met.
Your total eye care package includes:
Pre-assessment for suitability and personalised laser treatment plan
Facility fees
Surgeon fees
Medications used during and after the procedure
Post operative check ups at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months and up to a year
Any enhancement procedure within the year, if required.
After the procedure Dr Reece Hall will give you his personal mobile number in case you have any concerns.
What technique will be used?
Each surgery is slightly different but they all have the same basic principle - a laser is used to reshape the cornea (the clear dome at the front of your eye) to correct any focussing errors; short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism or a combination.
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) - is the most well known laser eye surgery with over 30 million people worldwide benefiting from this advanced two step, two laser technique. This procedure is suitable for people with common vision problems - nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
LASEK (Laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis) - the epithelium (the thin layer of cells that cover the cornea) is peeled back. The laser reshapes the cornea and the epithelium is replaced. This treatment is an alternative to LASIK surgery for people with thin corneas.
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) - this is the original Laser Eye Surgery, developed in the late ’80's that is a safer option for those unable to have LASIK due to having thin corneas.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) - a newer technique generally used for correcting higher degrees of myopia without astigmatism.
Laser Blended Vision - suitable for those who have presbyopia and require vision correction for both short and long sightedness.
Dr Reece Hall will explain the pros and cons of each vision correction option to help you find the right choice for you.
What result should you expect?
Vision correction surgery is a permanent procedure to correct the way your eyes focus light, which helps you see more clearly. The vision problem that is being corrected plays a big role in how effective your surgery will be. Some people (those with presbyopia) may still need reading glasses unless they choose Laser Blended Vision. For the majority of people who have LASIK, they remain happy with their vision after 10 years. If you compare that with a decade of glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses and optometrist visits - the payback cost of the surgery is worth it.
It’s a good time to lose your glasses, for good.
If you’re ready to invest in your eye care and wondering if you are suitable for corrective laser eye surgery email info@boweneye.co.nz or call 0800 69 2020 for a free, no obligation, suitability assessment with Dr Reece Hall at one of the Bowen Eye Clinics: Wellington, Palmerston North, Waikanae or Nelson.