The Consultation Process

Understanding your suitability for Laser Vision Correction is an important first step.

This is followed by booking your procedure, your actual procedure day, your recovery, and then life after having Laser Vision Correction.

Read on to find out more about how we care for you during this exciting journey.

• Your initial consultation
• Procedure day
• Your recovery

Your initial consultation

To allow you to make an informed decision we aim to provide you with as much information as possible at this appointment.

The initial pre-operative appointment will be conducted at our clinic and will determine your suitability for Laser Vision Correction. It will also outline the Laser Vision Correction solution best suited to you, provide you with a firm indication of the cost, you will be able to meet your eye doctor, and familiarise yourself with the clinic.

It is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

You can expect to be at the centre for 1.5 – 2 hours.

During this time, you will move through a series of tests using advanced diagnostic technological equipment. There is no, or very low level discomfort involved in any of these tests, but you may not be able to drive afterwards for up to 24 hours if eye drops are used to dilate your pupils.

The tests below will provide a detailed analysis of your eyes, and provide your ophthalmologist with all the information needed to advise on the Laser Vision Correction best suited to you.

• Auto-refraction and keratometry – this is a computerised assessment of spectacle prescription and eye shape
• Pupil assessment
• Corneal topography – this is a computerised assessment of the corneal contours allowing determination of suitability for laser refractive surgery
• Pachymetry – this is a computerised corneal thickness measurement allowing determination of suitability for laser refractive surgery
• Refraction/prescription measurement for both distance and near sightedness
• Eye movement and coordination assessment
• Slit lamp examination of the eye
• Application of eye drops that affect your ability to drive may be required. It is advisable to arrange alternative transport at the conclusion of your appointment. In some instances, the effects of these drops last for 24 hours.

If you decide to progress, one of our friendly customer service team members will work with you to organise a day and time to book in your Laser Vision Correction or refractive procedure. This can be done at the conclusion of your consultation, or after you have had time to consider the information you have been provided by calling or emailing our clinic.

Book Laser Assessment

Procedure Day

Upon booking your procedure you will be provided detailed information on when to arrive and what to bring. 

On procedure day, patients usually spend approximately two hours at the clinic. Please arrive at the time specified.

Before your procedure

• There is no need to fast on the day of your surgery
• Please ensure all make-up and false eyelashes are removed and no perfume or aftershave is worn
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and appropriate footwear, do not wear thongs/flip flops, high heels or slip on shoes
• Please consider the comfort of others and ensure your mobile phone is switched to “silent” mode prior to being admitted for surgery
• Please ensure you have organised a driver for the day of your surgery as you will not be able to drive yourself home

The procedure

The procedure itself is quick. During the procedure most patients experience minimal discomfort and no pain due to anaesthetic drops placed in your eyes beforehand. At your discretion we also supply, and recommend, taking a mild relaxant beforehand to calm any nerves you may be experiencing.

After your procedure

After your procedure you will be able to rest and recover in a quiet space and perhaps have something to eat and drink.

After a brief post procedure examination with your eye doctor, we recommend you going home to rest for the remainder of the day. The more you are able to sleep and let your eyes rest and recover, the better and the quicker your recovery.

Many patients choose to not work on the following day, however it is likely you will be able to drive and even return to work.

Post procedure appointment

The following day your eye doctor will see you to check your eyes and make sure they are healing well, and provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Your recovery

Each patient’s recovery will be slightly different based on the type of Laser Vision Correction or refractive procedure undertaken, the individual nature of surgery, and your eye health. However, it is likely that you will wake the day after your procedure with better vision and be able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.

For the 3-6 months visual acuity will continue to progress.

Risks and complications

As with all procedures, there is a very small chance you may experience some of the below. If so, your doctor will assist in their management and resolution.

• Over or under correction of your refractive error: this means that the focusing power of your eye is slightly outside the target range after surgery. It is uncommon and can almost always be corrected with an enhancement procedure to further refine the shape of your cornea.
• Fluctuating vision: this is when your vision fluctuates and may not be as clear as it was immediately after the procedure. This may occur when vision is stabilising after surgery and normally resolves within six months.
• Dry eye is a common side-effect for a few weeks or months after surgery but tends not to be an ongoing issue. It is important to use eye drops.
• Flap related problems: this can occur when the corneal flap created during LASIK or PresbyLASIK is moved out of place prior to healing. It is important to not rub or scratch your eyes while the flap is healing.