SMILE Laser Eye Surgery Cost: $4,250 per Eye

When weighing up the options for laser eye surgery in Australia, many patients first hear about SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). While SMILE has been popular in recent years, it is worth knowing what it actually costs: at Focus Vision, CLEAR/SMILE lenticule extraction is $4,250 per eye, all-inclusive except prescribed medications and eye drops, or $41 a week on a 24-month interest-free plan — and our costs page shows how that compares, like for like, with other Brisbane clinics. At Focus Vision in Brisbane, the lenticule-extraction procedure we perform is CLEAR, Ziemer’s version of the same keyhole technique. The paid specialist surgeon consultation fee is deducted from the surgery price for every procedure if you proceed. Prescribed medications are purchased separately so eligible patients can use PBS subsidies for eligible prescriptions; see our pricing details.

CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive correction) is performed on the low-energy Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser. It belongs to the same family of small-incision lenticule procedures as SMILE, and in the first published one-year series its safety and visual outcomes were comparable with established lenticule extraction and femtosecond LASIK (CLEAR one-year results, J Refract Surg 2024). It is the lenticule-extraction platform we use at Focus Vision.

How CLEAR Eye Surgery Works

CLEAR corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism by using a femtosecond laser to cut a thin, lens-shaped disc of tissue (a lenticule) inside the cornea, which the surgeon then removes through a small incision of a few millimetres. No flap is created and no excimer laser is used. Removing the lenticule changes the curvature of the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina (AAO).

The FEMTO LDV Z8 that performs CLEAR works with very low pulse energies at a high repetition rate (ex-vivo study, PMC9200215), and its automatic centration and cyclotorsion control aligns the treatment to marks placed on the eye before surgery (CLEAR one-year results, J Refract Surg 2024).

Because there is no flap, the front surface of the cornea is left largely undisturbed apart from the small access incision.

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Benefits of CLEAR Compared to Other Procedures

Patients often ask why we favour CLEAR. The points that the published evidence supports are:

• No corneal flap: the lenticule is removed through a small incision rather than under a flap, so the flap-related complications of LASIK are avoided (AAO).
• Less dry eye than LASIK: pooled trial data show that dry-eye symptoms and loss of corneal sensitivity occur less often after lenticule extraction than after femtosecond LASIK (SMILE vs FS-LASIK meta-analysis, PLoS One 2016).
• Published outcomes: in the one-year CLEAR series of 102 eyes, 96.7% of eyes saw 20/20 unaided at 12 months, no eye lost two or more lines of best-corrected vision, and there were no suction losses or torn lenticules (CLEAR one-year results, J Refract Surg 2024).
• Performed by corneal specialists: at Focus Vision, CLEAR is performed by fellowship-trained corneal specialists as part of a full assessment that also considers LASIK and TransPRK for your eyes.

CLEAR vs LASIK vs SMILE

LASIK, SMILE and CLEAR all reshape the cornea with a laser; they differ in how the tissue is removed.

• LASIK: a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap, which is lifted so an excimer laser can reshape the cornea beneath it. Visual recovery is the fastest of the three, and there is a small risk of flap-related complications (AAO).
• SMILE: Zeiss’s lenticule-extraction procedure on the VisuMax laser. A lenticule is cut inside the cornea and removed through a small incision, with no flap (AAO).
• CLEAR: Ziemer’s lenticule-extraction procedure on the FEMTO LDV Z8 (Ziemer). The principle is the same as SMILE, and in the published one-year series its outcomes were comparable with SMILE and femtosecond LASIK (J Refract Surg 2024).

Which procedure is right for you depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and shape, tear film and lifestyle, which is exactly what your assessment is for.

Cost of CLEAR vs SMILE and LASIK

When considering eye surgery, cost is often a major factor. At Focus Vision, CLEAR/SMILE lenticule extraction and LASIK are both $4,250 per eye and TransPRK is $3,500 per eye — all-inclusive surgical prices covering your pre-operative assessments, the procedure and a year of follow-up appointments, with only prescribed medications and eye drops extra. Payment plans over 24 months interest-free start from $34 a week. You can see the current prices, and a comparison with other clinics’ fees, on the Focus Vision costs page.

CLEAR and LASIK are the same price at Focus Vision. Whichever clinic you compare, it is important to look beyond the upfront cost and consider potential hidden costs, such as:

• Consultation fees
• Follow-up visits or follow-up appointments
• Possible enhancement procedures if vision regresses (at Focus Vision these are free for two years under our enhancement policy)
• Cost of ongoing eye drops and management of side effects

Unlike glasses or implantable contact lenses, CLEAR is a one-time expense that delivers lasting visual freedom.

Recovery Expectations After CLEAR Surgery

Most patients are surprised at how quickly they recover after CLEAR. While some experience mild blurry vision or dryness immediately after, these usually resolve within days. Vision often stabilises rapidly, with many returning to work and daily activities in just a few days.

Clear aftercare is essential for protecting long-term results. This includes:

• Using prescribed eye drops regularly
• Attending scheduled follow-up visits
• Avoiding swimming or dusty environments during the early healing phase

By following your surgeon’s advice, you maximise both comfort and outcomes.

Risks and Considerations

Every surgical or invasive procedure carries some risks, and CLEAR is no exception. Potential risks may include temporary dryness, light sensitivity, or mild visual disturbances such as halos or glare. However, serious complications are rare, particularly when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist (CLEAR one-year results, J Refract Surg 2024).

Patients should always ensure their surgeon has extensive training, access to advanced technology, and proven surgeon experience. At Focus Vision, your surgery is performed by fellowship-trained corneal specialists.

The Role of Initial Consultation and Eye Health

Before undergoing any laser vision correction procedure, it is essential to schedule an initial consultation. This assessment allows your surgeon to check your overall eye health, prescription stability, and suitability for surgery. Factors such as corneal thickness, tear film quality, and general medical history all play an important role in deciding whether CLEAR, LASIK, or small incision lenticular extraction (SMILE) is the right choice.

The consultation also gives patients the chance to ask questions about laser surgery, understand the steps involved in the initial surgery, and learn about recovery expectations. At Focus Vision, we make this the focal point of the patient journey, ensuring every individual feels informed and supported.

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Why Laser Surgery is a Smart Long-Term Investment

Investing in laser treatment is about more than improving sight—it’s about long-term quality of life. By correcting refractive errors, procedures like CLEAR allow patients to reduce or eliminate their reliance on glasses and contact lenses. The result is greater freedom, enhanced confidence, and fewer day-to-day frustrations.

Unlike spectacles or lenses, which can wear out or need frequent replacement, laser vision correction is a one-time expense that continues to deliver benefits for decades. When balanced against the procedure cost, CLEAR stands out as a reliable, safe, and effective way to achieve lasting independence from corrective eyewear.

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

Not everyone is suited to every procedure, and part of the assessment is matching the technique to your eyes. You may be a suitable candidate for laser vision correction if you:

• Are over 18 with stable vision
• Have healthy eyes free from serious disease
• Struggle with wearing glasses or wear contact lenses daily
• Have short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism
• Desire long-term visual freedom without ongoing reliance on corrective lenses

Those with other conditions may still benefit from alternative treatments such as cataract surgery or cataract treatment, which our clinic also provides.

Payment Options and Support

At Focus Vision Brisbane, we understand that cost is a significant consideration. That’s why we offer:

• Flexible payment plans and payment options
• Guidance on claiming with your health fund or private health insurance policies
• Information on waiting periods for cover
• Free optometrist assessments to determine candidacy

This ensures that many patients can access the treatment they need without unnecessary financial stress.

Conclusion

Choosing the right laser eye surgery procedure is about more than comparing the procedure cost. While the cost of laser eye surgery may seem high, it is a lifetime investment in clear vision and independence from glasses or contact lenses.

At Focus Vision Brisbane, our team of dedicated specialists provides personalised guidance, whether you’re considering LASIK surgery, SMILE, or CLEAR. Our surgeons will tell you which of LASIK, TransPRK or CLEAR lenticule extraction suits your eyes, and why.

References

1. Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction Using the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 Platform (CLEAR): One-Year Results. J Refract Surg. 2024. doi:10.3928/1081597X-20241016-01 (PubMed 39530987). journals.healio.com/doi/full/10.3928/1081597X-20241016-01
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. LASIK — Laser Eye Surgery. EyeSmart. aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
3. American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction? EyeSmart. aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-small-incision-lenticule-extraction
4. Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) versus femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2016. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4930219
5. Ex-vivo study on the surface quality of corneal lenticule and stroma after low energy femtosecond laser lenticule extraction. PubMed Central, PMC9200215. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9200215
6. Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG. CLEAR (product page). ziemergroup.com/en/clear

Start with a free optometrist assessment to explore your suitability. Every patient proceeding to surgery then has a paid consultation with a specialist surgeon to confirm suitability, discuss their procedure and plan surgery. The consultation fee is deducted from the surgery price for every procedure. See consultation and pricing details.