How much does laser eye surgery cost in Australia?

If you’re thinking about undergoing a procedure to correct your vision, you may be wondering: how much does laser eye surgery cost, what does the procedure involve, and is it covered by Medicare?

What is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery, otherwise known as laser vision correction, is a medical procedure that is performed by an opthamologist. You may choose to undergo the procedure if you are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, or simply hoping for your vision to improve.

Laser eye surgery involves the use of a laser to reshape the surface of the eye, in order to correct a variety of vision problems. Some common issues that are addressed by laser eye surgery include myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism.

According to the Australian Government’s healthdirect website, it can also be used in the treatment of diabetes eye diseases, some cases of age-related macular degeneration, some cases of glaucoma, retinal tears, retinopathy in premature babies and cataracts.

What does laser eye surgery cost?

The term ‘laser eye surgery’ describes several different procedures that can be performed on the eye. According to the Eye & Laser Centre Gold Coast, the three most common types of laser eye surgery methods are ASLA (formerly known as PRK), LASIK and SMILE. Each of these involves a different method, and each can have a different cost attached.

We looked at the prices advertised by a number of Australian laser eye surgery clinics to estimate the average price range for laser eye surgery. Generally speaking, clinics will quote a cost ‘per eye’ for laser surgery, so you may wish to consider this when comparing costs. Keep in mind that costs may vary due to a number of reasons, such as your location, your specific medical needs and the specialist you choose.

What does ASLA eye surgery cost?

ASLA (advanced surface laser), formerly known as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), is a procedure in which a surgeon removes the layer of cells surrounding the cornea, and then uses a laser to reshape it. It is generally used in an effort to correct short- and long-sightedness as well as astigmatism.

Potential cost range of ASLA eye surgery: $2,400 – $3,000

What does LASIK eye surgery cost?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a procedure in which a surgeon uses a laser to create a thin flap on the surface of the cornea, then reshaping the cornea and closing the flap, where it will adhere naturally, potentially allowing for a quicker recovery time than other procedures. LASIK is generally used in an effort to correct short and long-sightedness as well as astigmatism.

Potential cost range of LASIK eye surgery: $2,750 – $3,600

What does SMILE eye surgery cost?

SMILE (small incision lenticular extraction) is a so-called ‘flapless’ laser eye procedure in which a surgeon uses a laser to create a small disc-shaped piece of tissue, known as a ‘lenticule’, within the cornea. The disc is then removed through a small incision in the cornea, thus changing the shape of the cornea. SMILE is generally used in efforts to correct short-sightedness as well as astigmatism.

Potential cost range of SMILE eye surgery: $3,400 – $3,700

Sources:  https://laservisionsa.com.au/cost, https://www.lasik.com.au/eligibility/cost-comparison/, https://www.eastsideeye.com.au/laser-fees/, https://www.qlv.com.au/pricing/, https://vson.com.au/laser-eye-surgery-cost-comparison/, https://www.vistaeyes.com.au/laser-eye-surgery-cost-2/

Does Medicare cover laser eye surgery?

Medicare does not provide any rebate for the cost of laser eye surgery, as it is considered to be an elective procedure. There is an exception to this, however, if the treatment is medically necessary. Medicare does, for instance, cover the cost of cataract surgery in a public hospital, however, there are some things it does not cover, such as the cost of premium lenses and potentially some specialist fees.

Does private health insurance cover laser eye surgery?

Some private health insurance providers in Australia will offer coverage for laser eye surgery, however, coverage may be limited, and may be restricted to selected, high levels of cover. It is also worth noting that those health funds that do offer cover for laser eye surgery will require you to serve waiting periods for it – based on a survey of health insurance providers that offer cover for this, AMH requires members to wait for two years, while BUPA and Medibank have three-year waiting periods.

It is also worth noting that some funds who cover laser eye surgery will only allow you to claim up to a maximum amount per year. For instance, AHM’s Lifestyle Extras policy covers laser eye surgery, but only to a maximum of $600 per person per year, with lifetime limits applying. Defence Health’s Premier Extras policy also covers laser refractive eye surgery, up a limit of $1500 per person every two financial years.

If you are considering laser eye surgery and you have private health insurance, it could be worthwhile talking to your provider and your specialist about the costs, how much cover you might receive and what out-of-pocket costs you will have to pay, and when you have to pay them.

How can you pay for laser eye surgery?

Given the limited cover available from private health funds, or if you do not have insurance, you may find that the most accessible option for laser eye surgery is to pay it out of pocket. While some lenders offer medical personal loans to pay for elective surgeries, it is worth bearing in mind that borrowing money comes with associated risks and costs. If you know in advance that you wish to have laser eye surgery and decide to pay upfront for the procedure, another option may be to save up and put your money into a high-interest savings account. This way, you may earn interest on your money as you await the procedure, rather than being charged interest on a loan.

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