Laser Eye Surgery Cost - New Zealand 2021

There has never been a better time to lose your glasses!

Laser Eye Surgery uses a laser to change the shape of the surface of your eye (the cornea) removing any focusing error, giving you sharp vision without wearing a pair of glasses or contact lenses. 

The cost of Laser Eye Surgery compares well against a lifetime of optometry costs. While the one off procedure may seem expensive, consider annual optometry appointments, upgrading glasses with fashion and prescription changes, contact lenses and their care over the next 10 - 20 years.

Laser Eye Surgery procedure is permanent, individually customised, effective and incredibly safe. 

There are a range of corrective surgical procedures available: 

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) - the most well known laser eye surgery. 

Over 30 million people worldwide have benefited from this advanced two step, two laser technique with proven results. 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 for LASIK surgery for people with thin corneas.

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) - the original proven and effective Laser Eye Surgery that is a safer option for those unable to have LASIK due to thin corneas.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) - a newer technique generally used for correcting higher degrees of myopia without astigmatism. 

The cost of Laser Eye Surgery has remained fairly consistent throughout New Zealand for 2021.

Prices between clinics within the same city are similar and are no longer dependent upon which type of laser refractive surgery is offered. This reflects personal choice (lifestyles) and suitability (eye condition) as different surgical procedures are best suited according to your unique vision requirements.

The advertised cost per eye for 2021 is:

Auckland - $3050 - $3100

Wellington - $3150 - $3180

Christchurch - $3450

All clinics will offer a free suitability assessment, with some quoting the cost of this consultation at around $450 to $580, so it may be worth enquiring if there is an out of pocket cost if you choose not to proceed or your eyes are not suitable for the corrective procedure. 

Some clinics advertise multiple locations. This is for the pre-assessment visit which is undertaken either virtually or by a technician. You would then meet your surgeon on the actual day of the procedure and follow up care is arranged for a local optometrist.

At Bowen Eye Clinic we want you to feel comfortable throughout your vision correction experience, which is why all appointments are with your surgeon, Dr Reece Hall. 

Our fee of $3150 covers everything you need:

Initial assessment - Dr Reece Hall will get to know you (and vice versa) to determine your eye suitability and lifestyle, personalising the best laser eye surgery procedure for your vision requirements. You will leave this appointment fully informed and confident with your treatment plan

Surgery day - our knowledgeable and caring staff are skilled to make this exciting day a good and no stressful experience

Rest for 24 hours knowing that you have Dr Reece Hall’s personal mobile number in case you have any concerns

Follow up care for the next 12 months is covered. This includes any fine tuning re-treatment that may be required following any laser vision correction procedure. This is easily and safely done with a laser enhancement.

 

All clinics offer affordable finance options for payment to suit all budgets such as Q-Card, Credit Card, Eftpos and cash. 

As Laser Eye Surgery is an elective procedure (i.e. not medically required) it is not covered by health insurance companies in New Zealand.

 

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 in Wellington, Palmerston North, Waikanae or Nelson.