Clinics we consulted charged between $2100 and $2900 per eye, which usually includes a free consultation.
The costs vary depending on the type of procedure and the technology used. IntraLase LASIK (see How it's done) tends to be more expensive because of the equipment used.
You probably won't be able to cover the costs of the surgery through your medical insurance because glasses or contact lenses can correct your vision problems.
About 3 to 5 percent of operations require an enhancement procedure to fix an under- or over-correction. Make sure this is included in the cost.
Some of our members told us they were considering having the surgery done in Asia, where it was cheaper. However, specialists here warn against this. The machinery may be second-hand, you may need an enhancement procedure at a later date, and you don't know how experienced the surgeon is. After all, you only have one pair of eyes.
Across the Tasman the cost is comparable to here. A report by the Australian consumer organisation Choice found that on average clinics were charging A$2500 per eye.
Many members told us the cost of surgery paid for itself within a few years - you no longer had the continuing costs of contact lenses, solutions, optometrist appointments, and glasses.
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