Patients often describe feeling a new sense of freedom and possibility. Nearly 40 years on, there are many different procedures, clinics, and options available. This guide is here to help you understand laser eye surgery and find a trusted clinic led by top experts in the field.

Laser eye surgery, principally LASIK and PRK involves changing the shape of the cornea, the front clear curved window of the eye.  This part of the procedure takes place by removing microns (1000th of a millimetre) of the cornea. The amount removed is determined by extensive diagnostic tests during your initial consultation and the treatment offered by your surgeon.  This technique adjusts the eye’s focusing power and can treat shortsightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism and in some carefully selected cases, presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).

Procedures are very quick to perform and can be carried out in less than 15 minutes for both eyes, but the diagnostic process can take over 2 hours in some instances.  This is to ensure safety for the patient and precision of the treatment plan.

Recovery is very rapid and typically patients see well the following day.

The choice of where to have laser eye surgery is as crucial as the decision to undergo the surgery itself. Here are some critical aspects to look for in a clinic to ensure the highest level of care and expertise.

When it comes to a delicate and precise procedure like laser eye surgery, experience truly matters. Choosing a well-established clinic with decades of expertise means you’re trusting a team that has cared for thousands of patients and successfully handled a wide variety of cases. Clinics with a long history often have a strong reputation in the community, reflecting their commitment to quality care, stable surgical teams, and excellent results. This stability ensures you’ll receive expert care and ongoing support every step of the way. A good question to ask is whether eye surgeons themselves undergo the procedure at the clinic!

Being known as a “centre of excellence” in eye care means the clinic is trusted for its expertise, innovation, and consistent high standards. These clinics are often leaders in their field, teaching and sharing advanced techniques with other surgeons. Choosing a recognised clinic gives patients confidence that they’re in trusted hands, with a reputation for delivering exceptional care, safety, and outstanding results.

Choosing an eye clinic led by a highly respected expert, known as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL), offers significant advantages. These leaders are trusted authorities in eye care, actively involved in developing new treatments, advancing safety, and teaching others. Their expertise sets the standard for excellence, ensuring the rest of the team upholds the same high level of care.

For patients considering laser eye surgery, selecting a clinic with a KOL as the lead surgeon provides reassurance that they’re in the hands of a true expert, committed to delivering outstanding results and prioritising safety.

Before making your decision, it’s essential to ask questions that will give you insight into the clinic experience, technology, and patient care standards.

• How long has the centre been performing laser eye surgeries?
• Is the clinic recognised as a reference facility within the ophthalmic community?
• What is the lead surgeon’s experience, and is he or she considered a KOL in the field?
• What are the pre-operative and post-operative care protocols?
• What are the outcomes and quality standards of the centre?
• How are they rated by the Care Quality Commission
• Are they externally evaluated e.g. ISO 9000, 14000, 27000

The answers to these questions can help you assess if the clinic is fully committed to patient outcomes and continuously improving their techniques and technology.

Laser eye surgery is a safe, effective procedure, but it’s not for everyone. Factors like age, corneal thickness, dry eye conditions, and overall eye health may affect your eligibility. A reputable clinic will perform a thorough evaluation to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure and discuss alternative options if needed.

Laser eye surgery is a once-in-a-lifetime procedure, so it’s important to choose wisely. Your eyes are priceless—select a well-established clinic with a strong reputation, decades of experience, and a trusted expert leading the team. This ensures every detail of your care is handled with precision and excellence.