Making the decision to have refractive eye surgery can be stressful. We want to make it easier for you. Here are the answers to some common questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just get in touch.
We’re all about transparency at ELS. That’s why you’ll find our fees and all inclusions clearly explained on each treatment page. Learn more about fees and financing here.
Sadly, Medicare considers refractive procedures as elective. Therefore, it doesn’t cover the cost.
There are a few health funds that cover refractive laser procedures. However, these vary, and we suggest you contact your health fund for exact details.
We accept payment in cash, or by EFT and credit card. You can also see the full benefits immediately by paying half and spreading the rest over 6 months – interest free. Ask our friendly staff for details.
Our optometrists take you through an extensive examination and suitability assessment at:
Your initial assessment takes about an hour. This involves numerous scans and tests as well as a pupil dilation. As a result, you’ll be sensitive to glare, so we suggest you bring sunglasses for afterwards.
Our state-of-the-art surgical theatre is at Eye Laser Specialists, 1209 High Street, Armadale, Melbourne, VIC 3143.
While you can drive to your surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your vision will be blurry, and you may have taken a mild sedative for increased comfort during the procedure.
Before your surgery, your eyes are numbed with anaesthetic eye drops so there won’t be any pain. You may feel pressure, which can feel unusual but it’s not painful.
Although SMILE® Pro, PRESBYOND®, LASIK and PRK surgeries take less than 20 minutes for both eyes, you should plan to be in the clinic for about an hour.
If you have SMILE® Pro, PRESBYOND® or LASIK, we suggest you take the day off after your surgery. If you have PRK, you may need up to a week off work.
We recommend arranging a ride to our clinic for your first post-op appointment. From here, we can ensure your vision has sufficiently recovered for safe driving.
Your surgery will take place at The Avenue Hospital in Windsor or Victoria Parade Surgery Centre (VPSC) in East Melbourne.
Cataract surgery is covered by health insurance (the level of cover is different for each insurer, so we advise you to check). Unfortunately, refractive lens exchange and ICL surgeries aren’t covered by private health insurance.
Costs vary according to your insurance coverage and the surgery being performed. Ask our friendly team for more details.
While you can drive to your surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home. You’ll be seen the following day or within 2 weeks (depending on your surgery) when your vision, and suitability for driving, will be assessed.
Everyone heals differently but most patients can return to work within days.
The service provided by all staff from admin support to surgical was second to none. It made the somewhat daunting prospect of an eye procedure a lot more relaxing and simplified. The post procedure patient care was as equally satisfying. I found the staff are very friendly and patient as well as informative.
I highly recommend the team.
