FAQ

How long has LASIK been performed?

The microkeratome has been used successfully since the late 1950s and the excimer laser has been in use throughout the world for over 20 years. In 1991, Dr. Ionas Pallikaris was the first physician to use the microkeratome to create a thin corneal flap and then apply the laser to reshape the internal cornea.

What are the risks of LASIK?

LASIK is an extremely safe procedure. In clinical studies the risk of complications that could reduce vision was less than 1%. Still, like any medical procedure, there are always some risks. These will be explained to you in detail by Dr Robinson before the procedure.

How successful is LASIK?

The VISX Star 4 Excimer Laser was approved for LASIK by the US Food and Drug Administration on 23.5.03. In the FDA clinical investigations for VISX Star 4 Excimer Laser Wavefront Treatments for Myopia (shortsightedness) up to -6 Dioptres and Astigmatism up to -3 Dioptres, the results on 351 eyes were reported. Of these eyes, 94% saw 6/6 or better and 99.6% saw 6/12 or better (good enough to pass a driving test without glasses) at six months post treatment.

How safe is LASIK?

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved excimer laser PRK and LASIK as being safe and effective for the treatment of shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism.

Specific criteria are used to determine who is an appropriate candidate, and following those guidelines minimises the chances of a less than desirable outcome. To find out more information, phone the Sydney Laser and Vision Centre on 02 9387 8700, or 1800 25 20 20 if interstate, to arrange a free LASIK suitability screening.

How much time do I need to take off from work?

Usually the day after the procedure.

What is the cost?

Standard LASIK surgery is AUD$2600 per eye (including GST) which includes:

  • Corneal sub-specialist surgical care (Dr David Robinson is a Corneal Specialist – the plane of the eye where LASIK takes place)

  • the initial assessment and consultation free of charge, which involves a full eye examination, corneal “mapping” to assess corneal thickness and thorough counselling regarding the expected visual result, the nature of the LASIK procedure and possible risks. A consultation is your best source of information.

  • the surgery and theatre fees at our day surgery

  • routine post-operative eye-drops

  • unlimited post-operative check-ups in the first 12 months

  • Routinely 1 day, 1 week, 1,3,6 & 12 months

  • any enhancements (retreatments) within one year, which are very unlikely

INTRALASE LASIK is an extra $400 per eye.

Custom WaveFront LASIK surgery is an extra $400 per eye.

We accept all major credit cards, bank cheque, cash and we also offer a 6 months, interest free, Payment Plan to approved candidates.

Will my insurance cover it?

Please contact your insurer as high levels of cover will pay for LASIK.

Please phone 02 9387 8700 for more information.

You may receive a tax rebate if your “Net Medical Expenses” exceed $2,000 in any one financial year. This Offset contributes 20% of the net medical expenses exceeding $2,000.00 with no upper limit which could equate to a rebate of $640, bringing down the cost of Standard Laser Vision Correction for 2 eyes to approximately $4560.00.

When will I be able to see?

Virtually all of Dr. Robinson’s LASIK patients are able to have functional driving vision the next day, with a gritty eye for 24-36 hours after the procedure. Many patients report an immediate improvement within the first day. Since an individual’s situation, healing powers and tissues are unique, not everyone should expect to achieve full vision correction immediately. For instance, people with extremely strong glasses may end up with significant correction but still may need mild strength glasses part of the time for some activities like night driving.

Will I need follow-up?

At the time of your procedure, you’ll receive detailed instruction about follow-up care, including the use of prescription antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. We will check your eyes the next day and you will be scheduled for regular check-ups week 1, months 1,3,6 & 12 to monitor your vision. In addition if you have any concerns at any time after your procedure you can make an appointment to see, call or page, Dr. Robinson.

Can I expect to be free of glasses or contact lenses?

If you’re like the vast majority of people who have undergone this procedure, the answer is yes. A very small number of people find glasses helpful when driving at night. Reading glasses willbe necessary with patients as they get into their mid-40’s. In those instances, some people elect to have Mono-vision. With Mono-vision the dominant eye is treated for distance and the non-dominant eye is treated for near vision.

When can I swim?

With LASIK it is ideal to avoid getting the eye wet for two weeks.

Is it possible to have both eyes treated on the same day?

Yes. It is possible to have bilateral LASIK (both eyes) on one day or unilateral LASIK (each eye) on consecutive days or a week apart. Both have advantages which are best discussed with Dr Robinson.

How important is experience?

One of the most important factors in successful laser and refractive procedures is the surgeon’s training and experience. Dr. David M. Robinson is a corneal specialist who has been involved in LASIK since 1996. He underwent an advanced corneal fellowship year at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. He gained international fellowship training at Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem. His qualifications are FRANZCO (Fellow of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology) and FRACS (Fellow of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons). He is also past chairman of the Young Ophthalmologists committee of RACO.

Throughout his career, Dr. Robinson has performed over five thousand LASIK procedures. In addition to the skill and experience of the surgeon, our team will continue to provide you with ongoing follow-up care.

What’s the first step?

Book a Consultation online or call on 02 9387 8700, or 1800 25 20 20 if interstate, to schedule your free pre-LASIK evaluation and consultation with Dr. Robinson at the Sydney Laser and Vision Centre. He will answer your questions, explain the procedure and determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK.