SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery Melbournce2025-09-17T16:56:37+10:00
Header mobile smile eye surgery Anton Van Heerden Eye Laser Specialists Melbourne

Experience Clarity – SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery, Melbourne Premier Treatment

Start your journey to better vision with SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery, the latest, minimally invasive technology for vision correction, providing a swifter and more comfortable procedure than ever.

Why choose Eye Laser Specialists to have your SMILE surgery?

  • Eye Laser Specialists is the only clinic in Melbourne offering SMILE surgery.
  • The surgeons at Eye Laser Specialists are the most experienced SMILE surgeons in Victoria.
  • Eye Laser Specialists offer SMILE-Pro, the quickest, most tried and tested laser system for doing lenticule extraction surgery

Laser Eye Surgeries Differences: Other Laser Surgeries vs SMILE Pro

SMILE Pro vs LASIK:

With SMILE PRO:

  • There is no flap, which means no flap complications
  • Minimally invasive
  • Less dry eye
  • Less corneal aberrations (less halos at night)
  • Quick recovery

SMILE Pro vs SmartSight

“SmartSight” is a new laser technology that does a similar surgical procedure to SMILE-Pro (Lenticule Extraction). “SmartSight” is done with the Schwind ATOS laser system.

Both SMILE-Pro and SmartSight have the following advanced technological features:

  • Cyclotortion control
  • Automated pupil centration

SMILE-Pro has the advantage of:

  • Shorter treatment duration time (10 seconds)
  • 10mm minimum lenticule thickness (Safer as there is less chance of leaving lenticule remnants behind)
  • Most tried and tested system (over 9 million cases worldwide)
  • Most common lenticule extraction system in Australia and the World

SMILE-Pro vs SILK

“SILK” is the new lenticule extraction surgery developed by Johnson and Johnson and performed with their ELITA laser system. The ELITA system has:

  • A flat interface which causes high pressure in the eye and can cause discomfort during the treatment
  • A biconvex lenticule which may affect the visual quality

Explore the distinctive advantages of SMILE Pro as we compare it with other laser eye surgery procedures, highlighting key differences in precision, comfort, and recovery.

Leading in laser eye surgery, SMILE Pro distinctively stands out

Leading in laser eye surgery, SMILE Pro distinctively stands out

Treatment Time: Significantly reduced treatment time.

Invasiveness: Minimally invasive with a tiny incision.

Comfort: Enhanced comfort during and after surgery.

Precision: Advanced precision with state-of-the-art technology.

Recovery Time: Rapid recovery, often within a day.

Customisation: Highly personalised treatment plans.

Suitability: Suitable for a wide range of prescriptions, including astigmatism.

Long-Term Results: Stable and long-lasting vision correction.

Risk Profile: Reduced risks due to less invasive nature.

Other Laser Eye Surgeries

Other Laser Eye Surgeries

Treatment Time: Longer treatment duration.

Invasiveness: More invasive with larger incisions.

Comfort: Potential discomfort during recovery.

Precision: High precision, though varies by method.

Recovery Time: Recovery time varies, typically longer.

Customisation: Customisation is available but may vary.

Suitability: May have limitations for certain prescriptions or eye conditions.

Long-Term Results: Long-term effectiveness, but results can vary.

Risk Profile: Risks depend on the type of surgery and the patient’s condition.

SMILE-Pro vs SILK, SMARTsight, CLEAR

SMILE surgery has been commercially available for over a decade. SMILE has been performed more than 9 million times globally. SMILE gives such great results that other laser surgery companies have produced lasers that do similar surgery to SMILE. 

 These procedures cannot be called “SMILE” as the “SMILE” is trademarked to Zeiss; hence these procedures have their own name, such as “SILK, SMARTSight, CLEAR”

 These new alternative treatments have subtle differences to SMILE. There is little evidence to show these treatments are as safe, or as good as SMILE.

 SMILE-Pro has the following advantages over these new laser platforms:

  1. SMILE is the most common lenticule surgery procedure performed in Australia and around the world.
  2. Evidence-based: SMILE has the longest track record and has extensive evidence to prove its safety and accuracy.
  3. FASTEST treatment: SMILE-Pro laser only takes 10 seconds. This makes it a better experience for the patient and reduces the risk of suction loss during the procedure.
  4. Gentle treatment: SMILE uses low suction when making a lenticule. This makes it very gentle on the eye and, makes the procedure easy and comfortable.

SMILE-Pro at Eye Laser Specialists

We are the most experienced lenticule extraction surgery centre in Victoria. We have been doing SMILE surgery since 2020 and have done over 4000 successful SMILE procedures. SMILE is our preferred treatment option for patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism. We will soon be able to do SMILE for hyperopia.

Vision improvement with SMILE Pro laser eye surgery in Melbourne

Dr Anton van Heerden describes patients’ experiences after SMILE Pro eye surgery.

Who Can Benefit From The SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery?

Who Can Benefit From The SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery?

Ideal candidates for SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery are adults over 18 with stable vision prescriptions, healthy corneas, suitable myopia or astigmatism levels, no active eye diseases, good overall eye health, and no major health issues affecting healing.

Benefits of Choosing SMILE Pro

Life becomes a joyful journey when you liberate yourself from the obstacles that drag you down and hinder your progress.

SMILE Pro: Cutting-Edge Precision in Vision Correction

SMILE Pro laser eye surgery utilises state-of-the-art laser technology, offering unprecedented precision in vision correction. This advanced approach allows for more accurate reshaping of the cornea, enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

ELS smile 1 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne
ELS smile 2 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

Rapid Recovery with SMILE Pro’s Minimally Invasive Approach

One of the standout benefits of SMILE Pro is its rapid healing time. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery, with just a small incision, significantly reduces recovery duration, enabling patients to return to their daily routines swiftly.

SMILE Pro: Perfect for Active, On-the-Go Lifestyles

SMILE Pro is a game-changer for active individuals or those with busy lifestyles. Its quick recovery and minimal post-operative restrictions mean less downtime, making it an ideal choice for those who can’t afford long recovery periods.

ELS smile 3 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne
ELS smile 4 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

SMILE Pro: A Comfortable, Hassle-Free Surgical Journey

The SMILE Pro laser surgery treatment is designed for patient comfort, offering a stress-free surgical experience. The procedure is quick, virtually minimally painful, and performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring patients remain comfortable and relaxed throughout.

ELS smile 1 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

SMILE Pro: Cutting-Edge Precision in Vision Correction

SMILE Pro laser eye surgery utilises state-of-the-art laser technology, offering unprecedented precision in vision correction. This advanced approach allows for more accurate reshaping of the cornea, enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

ELS smile 2 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

Rapid Recovery with SMILE Pro’s Minimally Invasive Approach

One of the standout benefits of SMILE Pro is its rapid healing time. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery, with just a small incision, significantly reduces recovery duration, enabling patients to return to their daily routines swiftly.

ELS smile 3 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

SMILE Pro: Perfect for Active, On-the-Go Lifestyles

SMILE Pro is a game-changer for active individuals or those with busy lifestyles. Its quick recovery and minimal post-operative restrictions mean less downtime, making it an ideal choice for those who can’t afford long recovery periods.

ELS smile 4 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

SMILE Pro: A Comfortable, Hassle-Free Surgical Journey

The SMILE Pro laser surgery treatment is designed for patient comfort, offering a stress-free surgical experience. The procedure is quick, virtually minimally painful, and performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring patients remain comfortable and relaxed throughout.

Ready to start your new journey today?

Enhance your vision of life in just three simple steps:

how it work 1 Lasik Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne
how it works circle ELS 1

CONNECT WITH US

Schedule a consultation and call us at 03 9070 5788. We’re here to guide you.

how it works
how it works circle ELS 2

GET YOUR CONSULTATION

Before any procedure, we’ll ascertain if you’re the right fit for this revolutionary treatment at our cutting-edge eye clinic near Melbourne CBD.

how it works ELS 3
how it works circle ELS 3

A NEW LIFE CHAPTER AWAITS YOU

As you embark on this glasses-free journey, we’ll guide and oversee your post-procedure care, ensuring a seamless transition to clearer vision.

Ready to start your new journey today?

Enhance your vision of life in just three simple steps:

how it work 1 Lasik Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne
how it works circle ELS 1

CONNECT WITH US

Schedule a complimentary consultation and call us at 03 9070 5788. We’re here to guide you to a no-cost appointment.

how it works ELS 2
how it works circle ELS 2

GET YOUR CONSULTATION

Before any procedure, we’ll ascertain if you’re the right fit for this revolutionary treatment at our cutting-edge eye clinic near Melbourne CBD.

how it works ELS 3
how it works circle ELS 3

A NEW LIFE CHAPTER AWAITS YOU

As you embark on this glasses-free journey, we’ll guide and oversee your post-procedure care, ensuring a seamless transition to clearer vision.

Unravelling the Magic of SMILE Pro Eye Surgery!

Dive deep into the essentials of SMILE Pro laser eye surgery

Are you eligible?

SMILE corrects visual imperfections, but eligibility is key:
Age: Over 18 with stable vision for a year.
Prescription: Best for myopia; treatable range determined by an eye exam.
Corneal Thickness: A minimum is needed; thin corneas can complicate surgery.
Pupil Size: Large pupils might cause post-op glare or halos.
Eye Health: No major conditions like glaucoma or corneal diseases.
General Health: Diseases like diabetes can affect healing.
Pregnancy/Nursing: Wait till post-partum or post-nursing due to vision changes.
Expectations: Discuss potential results and risks with a surgeon.

SMILE laser eye surgery is a game-changer in ophthalmology due to its minimally invasive nature and technological sophistication. The precise femtosecond laser is at its core, eliminating the need for two lasers. As seen in LASIK, SMILE avoids creating a corneal flap, minimising complications and preserving corneal structure. This ensures faster recovery, less discomfort, and superior biomechanical stability—ideal for contact sports enthusiasts. With fewer dry eye incidents and rapid visual recovery, SMILE also caters to various myopic prescriptions, making it a preferred choice for many seeking clear vision without aids.

The Carl ZEISS VisuMax® 800 Femtosecond laser is a cutting-edge tool in SMILE Pro eye treatments, offering unmatched precision and efficiency. This advanced system is pivotal in enhancing the safety and comfort of laser eye surgeries, particularly in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) procedures.

Key features include its ultra-fast laser speed, significantly reducing the duration of surgeries and enhancing patient comfort. Its precision in creating corneal lenticules and incisions ensures optimal vision correction outcomes. The ergonomic design of the laser, with a curved contact surface, minimises pressure on the eye, contributing to a more comfortable patient experience.

Moreover, the VisuMax® 800 is equipped with advanced safety features and integrates seamlessly with other diagnostic and surgical systems, facilitating a streamlined, efficient surgical process. Versatile in its applications, it’s not only used for SMILE procedures but also for creating flaps in LASIK surgeries. This femtosecond laser represents a major leap in refractive surgery, combining technological sophistication with patient-centred care.

1. Consultation: Comprehensive eye exam to confirm stability and suitability.

2. Preparation: Eye area cleaned; anaesthetic drops applied for comfort.

3. Lenticule Creation: A femtosecond laser crafts a lens-shaped tissue piece within the cornea for correction.

4. Small Incision: A 2-4 mm incision is made, eliminating the need for a full flap.

5. Lenticule Extraction: The lens-shaped tissue is extracted, reshaping the cornea.

6. Natural Healing: Minimally invasive procedure allows for rapid, stitchless healing.

7. Post-op Care: Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed, with vision usually improving within a day.

8. Follow-up: Essential post-surgery check-ups to monitor healing and results.

What our patients say...

Testimonials Y Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

…… would definitely recommend Dr Roufail and the wonderful team of staff and optometrists. They have all been professional and supportive throughout the entire process, especially with answering any questions or concerns, from the first initial consult to all post-op appointments. Thank you!

Gurleen Singh
els testimonial Trish Toth

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

…..I highly recommend Dr Roufail ……. Dr Ed is a highly skilled Ophthalmologist and Surgeon and has a very caring and friendly nature. Thanks so much Dr Ed.

David F
els testimonial Ash Redward

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

….. Tears are floating out of our eyes, thank you Dr Roufail! Please accept our sincerest respect from our whole family!!

Young Shway
Testimonials Y Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Could not recommend enough. A wonderful doctor who truely cares for patients!

Aunty Ali
Avatar Call Out 3 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne V2

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lovely staff, great facilities, eye surgery went smoothly – definitely recommend!

Kate Luscombe
testimonials X 2 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 very informative . I highly recommend the team to anyone experiencing eye/sight related issues.

Peter Tasiopoulos
Avatar Call Out 1 Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

What an amazing experience at Eye Laser Specialists!! Dr Anton and his staff deserve 10 stars for their amazing service. The practice is stunning and state of the art. Only the best equipment in the world. I was totally blown away. Dr Anton himself is highly skilled and so affable I recommend him very strongly if you consider any form of laser eye surgery in Melbourne.

Lourens van Zyl
Testimonials Y Eye Laser Specialist Anton Van Heerden Melbourne

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Professional, thorough and gentle. Have been commending Dr Anton and the team to all my friends and family!

Zac Puplett

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

News & FAQs

Discover more about how our laser eye surgery procedures can make your every day an adventure

What does SMILE mean?

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It’s a type of refractive surgery and a modern, minimally invasive procedure for correcting vision issues and refractive error, primarily myopia and astigmatism.

How does SMILE surgery differ from LASIK or PRK?

Unlike LASIK, which creates a flap in the corneal tissue, SMILE uses a small incision, leaving the majority of the corneal tissue untouched. This means fewer potential complications and quicker recovery.

Who is an ideal candidate for SMILE?

Those with myopia or astigmatism who might not be eligible for LASIK surgery due to thin corneal tissue or other concerns could be suitable candidates for the SMILE procedure.

What is the recovery time for SMILE?

Most patients notice an improvement in vision after they perform laser eye surgery within a day, with complete recovery taking a few days to a week.

How is the SMILE procedure performed?

The SMILE procedure involves using a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule (a disc-shaped piece of tissue) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision, resulting in the reshaping of the cornea and the correction of the refractive error.

How long does the SMILE procedure take?

The actual laser treatment during SMILE takes only a few minutes. The entire procedure, from preparation to completion, typically lasts about 8-15 minutes for both eyes.

Is the SMILE procedure painful?

No, the procedure is generally painless. Anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes before the surgery. Some patients might experience slight discomfort or a sensation of pressure, but severe pain is rare.

What should I avoid after the SMILE procedure?

After the procedure, patients are advised to avoid rubbing their eyes, swimming, or engaging in strenuous activities for a certain period. Exposure to dusty or smoky environments should also be minimised. Always follow your eye doctor’s post-operative care instructions.

Do I need to wear glasses or contact lenses after the SMILE procedure?

The primary goal of the SMILE procedure is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, some patients might still need them for specific tasks, especially as they age and face other vision changes.

What happens during the SMILE consultation?

During a SMILE consultation, an optometrist or your surgeon will conduct thorough eye exams to assess your vision and overall eye health. They’ll evaluate your corneal thickness and pupil size and ask about your medical history to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for SMILE.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner

Dive into why a whopping 90% of our patients pick SMILE Pro!

SMILE Pro, the newest breakthrough in vision care, is now in Melbourne

SMILE Pro is considered the new revolutionary treatment of the vision correction world. Tailored for those battling myopia (short-sightedness) and that pesky astigmatism, it’s the evolutionary successor to PRK and LASIK. Shifting to the new 3rd generation of laser vision correction can guarantee less intrusion, minimised discomfort, and fewer post-op blues.

LASIK eye surgery, though revolutionary in its time, is akin to an artist meticulously creating a corneal flap, folding it, and lasering beneath for vision correction. Fabulous? Without a doubt. Yet, it occasionally comes with unwanted extras – notably dry eyes and flap drama.

Now, cue SMILE Pro. Imagine it as a tender embrace to the cornea, more of a caress than a full-blown handshake. Tiny incisions, negligible surface tampering, and the corneal nerves get the VIP treatment. The result? Quicker sessions, rapid recovery, reduced side effects, and a golden ticket to crystal-clear vision. Truly, the next-gen upgrade in vision tech.

Ready to ditch and free yourself from those glasses and contacts? Dive into our speedy quiz now!

Take this quiz to find out if you could be free from glasses or contacts

Laser eye treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your eyes, age, and daily groove play a part in your options. Dive into our breezy 2-minute quiz and unveil the best treatment tailored just for you!

For expert insights on SMILE Pro, explore the links provided below.

Explore more about SMILE Pro laser eye treatment through these links.

  • Explore the evolution of laser vision correction and discover why SMILE Pro stands out as the newest milestone in laser eye surgery. Building upon the foundation set by its precursor, SMILE, SMILE Pro offers even more refined and precise results. Dive deeper into this topic and gather insights from a trusted source – Harvard Health Publishing.
  • The SMILE Pro procedure offers promising advantages for hyperopic (farsightedness) correction. Unlike traditional methods, SMILE Pro provides a minimally invasive approach, preserving more of the corneal structure. This can result in fewer post-operative complications like dry eyes. Furthermore, the procedure’s precision and limited corneal disruption might lead to more predictable and stable outcomes for hyperopic patients. As technology and techniques evolve, SMILE Pro could emerge as a preferred choice for treating hyperopia, providing enhanced safety and efficacy.
  • SMILE Pro stands toe-to-toe with LASIK in terms of outcome accuracy for vision correction. Notably, when addressing higher degrees of myopia (severe short-sightedness), SMILE Pro exhibits even greater predictability. The procedure’s precision ensures that patients with more pronounced visual distortions can expect reliable results. As technology progresses, SMILE’s approach, which minimises corneal disturbance, could become the gold standard for treating high myopia, matching, if not surpassing, the longstanding reliability of LASIK.
  • SMILE, LASIK, and PRK are prominent types of laser vision correction. LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, reshaping the underlying tissue, then repositioning the flap. PRK, an older method, directly reshapes the corneal surface without a flap. Meanwhile, SMILE is a newer, minimally invasive technique that involves a small incision to correct vision, eliminating the need for a flap. Each offers unique benefits: LASIK promises rapid recovery, PRK is suitable for thin corneas, and SMILE reduces potential flap-related complications.

About Eye Laser Specialists

Our eye doctors bring a combined 40 years of eye surgery experience to Armadale

eye surgeon

Dr Anton van Heerden, MBCHB; FRANZCO
Ophthalmologist & Laser Eye Surgeon

Dr Van Heerden is renowned both domestically and internationally for providing the highest standards of vision correction surgery. While his skills and experience are second to none, it is his fun, caring and down to earth nature that truly set’s him apart from the rest. You can sit back and enjoy the journey knowing every detail has been carefully considered.

Dr Anton Auret Van Heerden AHPRA Registration No MED0001218295, type: Specialist

About eye laser specialists Edward Roufail melbourne new V3

Dr Edward Roufail, PhD, FRANZCO
Ophthalmologist & Laser Eye Surgeon

As an experienced eye surgeon, Dr Edward Roufail has expertise in performing corneal refractive procedures, including SMILE, LASIK, PRK and Presbyond. He’s passionate about improving his patients’ eyesight through laser vision correction. Edward has performed thousands of cataract, retinal and macular surgeries and routinely, performs over 500 intraocular surgeries a year, including MFIOL and ICL. He is passionate about using the latest technology to deliver the best outcomes for patients.

Dr Edward Roufail AHPRA Registration No MED0001139276, type: Specialist

Dr-Benjamin-Au-photo

Dr Benjamin Au
Cataract and Refractive Surgeon

Dr Benjamin Au is a registered ophthalmologist in Australia and Singapore specialising in Complex Cataracts and Refractive Surgery. Dr Au’s Singapore training in myopia and finesse in dealing with difficult cataract surgeries, combined with his passion for delivering predictable and outstanding visual outcomes, motivated him to refractive surgery. Ben aims to deliver the best professional and honest care paired with his personable and affable personality.

Ben is excited to be able to offer PRESBYOND surgery, a means to rid the need for reading glasses without compromises (loss of contrast, glares and haloes) available only through the Zeiss refractive laser system.

Dr Benjamin Wai Yin Au AHPRA Registration No MED0002321588, type: Specialist

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