Laser vision correction has transformed eye care, offering Australians the freedom to live without glasses or contacts. These world-class treatments are now easily available in Perth, letting you access leading care without leaving home.
Perth Laser Vision is a local clinic you can trust, led by Dr Phillip McGeorge, the most experienced laser eye specialist in Australia.
This guide explains your options, how each treatment works, and what to expect.
What is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision correction means reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, to correct common vision problems. These include:
- Myopia (short-sightedness): When you can see close objects clearly but struggle with things further away.
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness): When distance vision is fine but reading or close work becomes difficult.
- Astigmatism: Blurred vision caused by an irregular corneal shape, may also occur in association with myopia, hyperopia or presbyopia.
- Presbyopia: Age-related changes that affect near vision, typically after 40.
By changing the way light focuses on the retina, laser eye surgery can give you sharp, natural sight.
Chronic Eye Conditions: The Australian Snapshot
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 13 million Australians have at least one chronic eye condition.
The most common include:
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness): 7.2 million
- Myopia (short-sightedness): 6.3 million
- Astigmatism: 1.4 million
Other conditions:
- Presbyopia (age-related near focus): Affects 100% of those aged over 50 years
- Cataract: 411,000
- Macular degeneration: 244,000
Over 93% of Australians aged 65+ report a chronic eye issue, compared to just 12% of children. Among non‑Indigenous Australians, 61% of vision problems are due to refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
The numbers are clear: most Australians will face a chronic eye condition at some point, making access to quality vision correction more important than ever.
Overview of Laser Vision Correction Options Available in Perth
Different conditions have different solutions. Perth Laser Vision offers all major laser vision correction procedures, guided by Australia’s most experienced surgeon and the latest technology.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK uses a laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. The surgeon then reshapes the underlying tissue to correct your vision before repositioning the flap which acts as a natural band-aid. This option suits most people with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism seeking quick results and minimal downtime.
Pros:
- Quick, comfortable procedure
- Fastest recovery (usually back at work within 24-36 hours)
Cons:
- Rare risk of severe or prolonged dry eyes, or glare at night
- Not always suitable for very thin corneas
Learn more: LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Time: What to Expect at Every Stage.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK surgery removes the surface layer of the cornea instead of creating a flap. A laser then reshapes the exposed tissue, and the surface layer cells naturally grow back in a few days to cover the lasered area. PRK is ideal for those who aren’t suitable for LASIK because of thin corneas, scarring, or active lifestyles.
Pros:
- Suitable for people with thin or irregular corneas
- No flap-related risks
Cons:
- Recovery takes longer, expect several days of discomfort and a slower return to work
- Temporary blurred vision in the early healing phase
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE uses a small laser incision to remove a lens-shaped piece of tissue from within the cornea to reshape the overlying corneal surface. This advanced, gentle procedure suits people with myopia or myopic astigmatism.
Pros:
- Smaller incision means less disruption to the eye
- Lower risk of severe dry eyes
- Quick recovery with minimal discomfort
Cons:
- Not suitable for all prescriptions (mainly for moderate to high myopia and astigmatism)
- Vision recovery is slightly slower than LASIK
- Slightly less accurate than LASIK
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Cataract Surgery
In RLE, the surgeon removes your eye’s natural lens and replaces it with an artificial one, just like cataract surgery. This procedure suits people over 50, those with presbyopia or early cataracts, and anyone not suited to corneal laser surgery.
Pros:
- Corrects a wide range of vision problems
- Prevents the need for cataract surgery in the future
- Permanent results, but can be fine tuned with LASIK or PRK, if needed, even years later
Cons:
- More invasive than laser surgery
- Slightly longer recovery, one to 2 weeks.
How to Choose the Right Procedure for You
No two eyes are the same but there is always an option available. Choosing the right vision correction option depends on your age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle. That’s why Perth Laser Vision offers a free suitability assessment to find the best approach for you, not just the most popular option.
Your journey starts with a thorough eye exam and advanced corneal mapping. Dr Phillip McGeorge explains your options in plain language. He considers your lifestyle and long-term eye health before recommending the best treatment.
Why Choose Perth Laser Vision?
Dr Phillip McGeorge has performed more laser vision procedures than any other surgeon in Australia, over 30,000 laser procedures and 15,000 lens procedures. Patients benefit from his skill and expertise at every stage of care.
Perth Laser Vision uses the WaveLight Refractive Suite, which provides precise results with advanced eye tracking and larger treatment zones, and the Visumax laser for SMILE. The clinic offers a full range of treatments, including LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and lens surgery.
Patients receive straightforward advice and ongoing support. Flexible payment plans, starting from under $40 a week, help make laser vision correction accessible. Perth Laser Vision maintains high success rates and strong local trust.
What to Expect From Your Consultation
At your first consultation, the team focuses on your goals and concerns. You’ll receive a comprehensive eye exam, including corneal mapping and a full prescription check. The team will discuss what you hope to achieve, your lifestyle, and your expectations.
You’ll get clear information on pricing, finance options, and the realistic results you can expect. Our team answers every question in plain language and never pressures you. You leave with a clear understanding of your options and whether LASIK, PRK, SMILE, or another treatment best suits your eyes and your needs.
View our payment plan options.
Choose a Clearer Future
Perth residents now have access to the full range of laser vision correction options, right here in WA. Whether you want the speed of LASIK, the precision of SMILE, or another life-changing procedure, you can trust Perth Laser Vision for expert care and lasting results.
Ready to see the world clearly? Call us on (08) 9218 7666 to book your free laser vision assessment today and take the first step towards better vision.
