SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

WHAT IS SMILE?

SMILE Laser is an acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, also referred to as “keyhole laser eye surgery.” It’s a treatment approved for moderate to high levels of short-sightedness (myopia) greater than -2.50D although lower levels can still be treated.

SMILE laser refractive surgery uses a femtosecond laser to create a template of tissue to be removed. The laser cuts a double layer of corneal tissue beneath the eyes surface. A small section of tissue, called a lenticule, is then manually removed with a surgical instrument, through the surface cut made with the femtosecond laser. The open gap between the surface and deeper layers then closes to achieve a change in the surface contour of the eye to match the tissue removed.

Who is SMILE Suitable For?

SMILE is ideal for patients who are short-sighted, with or without mild astigmatism, and want a precise, safe, and minimally invasive solution. During your consultation, Dr Phillip McGeorge will assess your eyes and help determine whether SMILE is the best option for you.

The SMILE Laser Eye Surgery Procedure

At Perth Laser Vision, SMILE is performed using the latest VisuMax femtosecond laser technology. After applying anaesthetic drops, a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) is created within the cornea and removed through a tiny incision. This reshapes the cornea to correct your vision. Most patients experience only minor discomfort after the procedure, and the cornea’s natural healing ability allows for rapid recovery.

Benefits of SMILE

01

SMILE is minimally invasive, using only a 2-3mm incision that preserves more of your corneal structure.

02

Recovery is rapid, with most patients noticing improved vision within minutes.

03

The procedure is performed with local anaesthetic eye drops only and there is minimal discomfort.

04

Results are long-lasting, correcting vision safely and effectively for most patients.

05

Best of all, it offers freedom from glasses and contacts, letting you enjoy life with clearer, sharper vision.

Am I suitable for
laser eye surgery?

We want to get you out of those glasses or contact lenses! Find out if you would make a good candidate.

Am I suitable for
laser eye surgery?

We want to get you out of those glasses or contact lenses! Find out if you would make a good candidate.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery is generally quick, with most patients having clearer vision within a day or two. You may experience mild irritation or watery eyes initially, but these symptoms resolve quickly.

A follow-up appointment ensures your eyes are healing as expected, and our team is always available to answer any questions during your recovery.

MEET YOUR SURGEON

Why choose Dr Phillip McGeorge at Perth Laser Vision?

When it comes to your vision, experience and trust matter most. At Perth Laser Vision, you’ll be cared for by Dr Phillip McGeorge, one of Australia’s most experienced laser eye surgeons, and a dedicated team committed to delivering the very best outcomes.

Perth Laser Vision has consistently led the way in eye surgery, with groundbreaking achievements and firsts in WA, including:

Over 30,000 laser eye surgeries – more than any other surgeon in Australia
SMILE lenticule extraction
Bladeless femtosecond LASIK
Multifocal implant surgery
PanOptix Pro Trifocal lenses to reduce dependence on reading glasses
Corneal inlays for keratoconus treatment
Rapid (3-minute) corneal cross-linking for keratoconus

With a proven record of innovation and results, you can feel confident knowing your vision is in the most experienced hands.

FAQs

Is SMILE painful?

SMILE is performed using local anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

Each eye usually takes around 5–10 minutes, with the laser portion lasting only a few seconds.

When will I notice improved vision?

Most patients notice clearer vision immediately with further improvement over 24–48 hours, and continued improvement over the following weeks.

Is laser eye surgery covered by Medicare?

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.

How much is laser eye surgery?

As every eye is unique, the extent of your surgery requirements will determine your exact costs. After an assessment to determine your needs, we will provide you with a quote for surgery. An initial assessment including refraction and consultation costs $200.

A referral is not necessary, but Medicare will provide a higher rebate ($84.15) if you obtain a referral from your GP or an optometrist. If no written referral is provided, Medicare will only provide a rebate of around $21.00 on consultations.

At Perth Laser Vision, laser eye surgery generally costs around $6,900 for both eyes. Most private health funds do not cover laser eye surgery. It’s best to check directly with your health fund.