How to choose a LASIK surgeon and clinic: 8 things to look for

LASIK offers a quick and comfortable way to fix common vision problems. It can eliminate your reliance on glasses or contact lenses, leading to long-term savings and greater lifestyle freedom.

Choosing a LASIK specialist and clinic are significant decisions in your vision correction journey. Our expert Re:Vision eye surgeons, NZ's leading laser team, share eight important selection criteria:

1. Qualifications

Not all eye surgeons can perform LASIK. The ones that can are specialist ophthalmologists with specific advanced qualifications and credentials in refractive surgery. In New Zealand, you need to ensure the eye surgeon you choose has:

• A FRANZCO qualification (or an international specialist qualification equivalent)
• Current registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• Subspecialist training in laser vision correction

You can check for current registration and scope of practice here.

2. LASIK experience

Apart from qualifications, find out how long the surgeon has performed LASIK, how often they operate, and how many procedures they’ve completed. For example, our Dr Mo Ziaei has performed 10,000 procedures, completing around 1,000 each year. A proven vision correction track record over a range of prescriptions and types of eyes is a big green flag.

3. A comprehensive, no-pressure assessment

The quality of your initial assessment is just as important as the quality of the surgery itself. Check with the clinic that it includes:

• A review of your prescription, vision history, and overall eye health
• An in-depth assessment of your corneal tissue, including shape and thickness
• Checks for dry eye and anything else that could affect your suitability
• A chat about your everyday life, vision goals, and laser surgery expectations
• Honest advice on whether LASIK is right for you
• A thorough explanation of what to expect in terms of your likely results, risks, and recovery

4. A variety of laser vision correction options

LASIK is a great option for many people, but there are some prescriptions, lifestyles, and eye conditions it doesn't pair well with. Sometimes,PRK, implantable contact lenses (ICL) or other treatments are a better way to go. 

An eye clinic that offers a full range of laser eye surgery options is in the best position to provide you with personalised care.

5. Advanced laser technology

Specialist treatment calls for specialist tools, so it pays to ask the clinic what diagnostic and laser technology they use. Essentially, the better the technology, the more control the surgeon has at each step of the way. At Re:Vision, we use some of the world's most advanced diagnostic and laser technology, including the:

• CSO Sirius Tomographer
• Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z6 femtosecond laser
• SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser

6. Thorough post-operative care

The first few days and weeks after you have LASIK are an important part of your healing timeline. Ask how many follow-up appointments are included and who they're with. Find out if there's someone you can get in touch with easily if something feels off. 

It's also worth getting information on how the clinic manages complications and what their enhancements policy is.

7. Simple, all-inclusive pricing

Ask for a written quote. It should be easy to understand and clearly state what's included so you don't run into the need for expensive extras down the line. 

At Re:Vision, we charge $3,800 per eye. This price includes your initial consultation, standard post-op medication, and follow-up appointments until your vision stabilises. We also have 24 month interest free finance options.

8. Good reviews

Reading reviews from clinics' patients can give you a good feel for the overall experience. A high rating is a great start, but the clinic should have lots of recent reviews too. Take note of repeated comments, as they usually tell you something, whether positive or negative. 

At our Auckland laser eye clinic, we're proud to have 950+ five-star Google reviews.

Top rated LASIK specialists in Auckland

Cost and convenience are important, but when it comes to your eyesight, having complete trust in your LASIK specialist and laser eye clinic is everything. 

Our experienced eye surgeons have performed tens of thousands of LASIK procedures between them. We're trusted by New Zealanders for our commitment to finding the right treatment for every patient and focus on exceptional patient care.

Ready to take the first step towards clearer vision?