Laser Eye Surgery PRK vs LASIK: Key Differences and How to Choose
30 October, 2025
Trust your vision with Perth’s most experienced Laser Eye Surgeon.
Dr Phillip McGeorge MBBS FRACS FRANZCO is Perth’s most qualified Laser Eye Surgeon, trusted by thousands of patients. With his expertise, you can enhance your quality of life through safe, advanced surgery, all made more accessible with our flexible Payment Plans. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
The state-of-the-art Wavelight Refractive Suite employs two networked precision lasers that create a higher degree of customisation and efficiency than previously available, for a more flexible, faster procedure.
Online Optical Pachymetry provides additional patient safety. This device precisely measures and tracks the corneal thickness in real-time, during the procedure, ensuring the ultimate in precision laser accuracy and the best results possible.
PerfectPulse Technology® allows for a larger treatment area, which can reduce the potential for any incidence of ‘night-time vision disturbance’ after surgery. Multi-Dimensional Eye-Tracking Technology’ allows for precise, dynamic pupil and eye tracking. This virtually eliminates the risk of treatment variations caused by natural eye movements occurring during the procedure.
We want to get you out of those glasses or contact lenses! Find out if you would make a good candidate.
About Dr Phillip McGeorge
Dr Phillip McGeorge founded Perth Laser Vision in 1997 at St John of God Hospital Murdoch, establishing the first dedicated laser refractive surgery centre of its kind in WA.
Since then, Perth Laser Vision has become and remained the leading destination for laser eye surgery in Perth.
With decades of experience and a reputation for being at the forefront of surgical technique, Dr McGeorge offers the full range of advanced refractive surgery options using the latest technology.
Supported by a highly experienced team, his focus is simple, to help every patient achieve their best possible vision.
Dr McGeorge has personally performed more laser refractive eye surgeries than any other surgeon or centre in Australia, making him one of the nation’s most trusted names in vision correction.
There are three main types of laser eye surgery: LASIK, PRK and SMILE.
LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery. It involves creating a small flap on the surface of the eye, which is lifted up to expose the underlying surface. This area is then lasered to change the curvature. The eye flap is then replaced and moulds to the eye’s new shape, instantly changing your vision.
PRK is a surface-based laser treatment that lasers the surface of the eye directly into the new shape. Unfortunately, this surgery takes a little longer to heal and the results are more variable.
The final type of laser eye surgery is called SMILE. This involves cutting the corneal tissue under the eye’s surface. A small section of tissue is then manually removed. This moulds the surface of the eye to the desired new shape. SMILE heals in a similar way to LASIK.
The choice of which type of laser eye surgery to have is typically made by your surgeon. The choice is based on the characteristics of your eye and your refractive error. LASIK is the best option for most refractive errors and a full range of long-sightedness, myopia and astigmatism. PRK is mainly used for low levels of refractive error or if you have other problems such as thin corneas. SMILE is only available for moderate or severe short-sightedness. It’s not recommended for other eye conditions as the results can be varied.
Unfortunately, the Federal Government has determined that laser eye surgery will not be covered by Medicare as it is considered a lifestyle surgery. It is covered to a variable extent by some private health insurances, including Bupa, Medibank, AHM, Defence Health, Navy Health and HBF. We also provide finance options.
Yes, patients are awake during the LASIK procedure. They are given a light sedative pre-operatively and local anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye surface. LASIK is a minor procedure, meaning you don’t need to be admitted to the hospital and can go home immediately after surgery.
Most people can return to normal work duties two days after laser eye surgery. This includes the day of the surgery and the next day after review. However, returning to work depends on the type of work you do. If you are engaged in manual labour or in a dusty environment, it may be advised to take a few extra days off following surgery. You may require sunglasses for when working outside because of light sensitivity.
A medical certificate can be arranged by LASIK staff.
Trust your vision with Perth’s most experienced Laser Eye Surgeon, Dr Phillip McGeorge.
SJOG Murdoch Medical Clinic
Suite 55, 100 Murdoch Drive
Murdoch WA 6150
28 Churchill Ave
Subiaco WA 6008
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