Laser Eye Surgery vs Glasses. What Costs More?

Cost is one of the main factors for people not pursuing vision correction surgery. But what if we told you that, on average, glasses and contact lenses are 7 times MORE expensive than laser eye surgery across your lifetime?!

According to Australia’s leading ophthalmic magazine, Insight; ‘LASIK eye surgery is more cost effective than some other forms of vision correction, a new study shows.  A study of 1,050 people, conducted by a consortium of ophthalmologists and optometrists known as MyVision.org, found US consumers who require vision correction pay about $778 AUD annually for glasses, contact lenses, eye exams and insurance equating to a $48,200 AUD cost over their lifetime. This is compare to about $155 AUD annually for those who have had LASIK’. 

If you’ve found yourself reading this blog, it’s likely because you are interested in having laser eye surgery.  As a leading provider in Perth, WA, we see the massive impact that laser eye surgery has on our patients. The sheer joy they experience, being able to see clearly for the first time without glasses or contact lenses.  The improvements in their lifestyle, being able to surf, swim, workout, cycle, travel, play rugby or soccer, skydive, box… all without contact lenses or glasses!  For us, it is an extremely rewarding profession. Being told about the countless things our patients are able to do since having laser eye surgery is never tiresome.

“Statistics show that more people develop sight threatening infections caused by contact lenses than those who have had laser eye surgery.”

We understand that cost plays a big part in this commitment.  We urge you to do your own maths as nobody knows better the cost of your glasses, contact lenses, vision appointments and health insurance than you.  In Australia, the average cost of glasses (frame + lenses) is $380, without vision insurance.  In most cases, people require a 2nd pair of prescription sunglasses.  Most Optometrists offer a 50% discount on a 2nd pair of glasses so let’s say on average they cost $190.  That’s an annual fee of $570 before factoring in the cost of the appointment. Including that, factoring in replacement glasses (in case of loss or breakage) and contact lens use… an average annual fee for vision correction of $778 AUD doesn’t seem so preposterous.

At Insight Eye Clinic, we currently charge a flat rate of $3,400 per eye for not only all laser LASIK laser eye surgery, but also SMILE laser eye surgery which is the latest 3rd generation method available on the market.  Assuming you require both eyes to be corrected, that is $6,800 in total.  This cost is inclusive of all of your post-operative eye drops and post-op appointments.  A very small percentage of patients require small enhancements to fine tune their vision (approximately 2%).  This is included in the cost of surgery if the enhancement is required within the first 12 months following surgery.

Fear is the other largest reason that people decide to not have laser eye surgery. Let us help you understand the process which might ease your concerns.

This is the comprehensive consultation process prior to surgery: CLICK HERE

Diagnostic testing and vision testing is performed to obtain a 3D map of your unique eyes so that the most accurate treatment plan can be put in place and the most suitable procedure type recommended for you.

And here is a video of a patient having SMILE laser eye surgery with us:

As with most patients, Jaymee was feeling particularly anxious prior to surgery.  She was provided the option of a mild sedative prior to surgery to ease this. Jaymee was surprised that surgery was quicker and easier than expected and her vision was better than 20/20 less than 24 hours later.

We truly believe that our caring, supportive team and approach to your vision and lifestyle needs make this journey a happy one.