Whether you’re considering LASIK, PRK, or SMILE, it’s important to have a clear picture of the journey ahead of you. To help you feel prepared, we’ve broken down the steps to excellent, corrective lens-free vision.
Step 1: Free laser suitability assessment
Time: 60 minutes
Your journey will begin with an assessment to find out if you are a suitable candidate for any type of laser vision correction, and if so, which option is best for your eyes. It’s fine to wear your contact lenses or glasses to this assessment.
We’ll check:
- Your glasses/contact lens prescription
- Corneal thickness and shape
- Eye health and any relevant history
If you can’t make it into our Christchurch or Blenheim clinics for this step, we can still assess your suitability. See the instructions for out-of-towners below.
Step 2: Pre-op consultation and booking
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Once we’ve confirmed you’re a suitable candidate, we’ll bring you in for some final measurements and paperwork.
This involves:
- Detailed eye scans and measurements. To get the most accurate results, avoid wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks before this appointment.
- Final confirmation with your surgeon
- A personalised surgical plan based on your eye anatomy, vision needs and lifestyle.
- A chance to answer any questions
Then you can book your surgery. We’ll give you some clear instructions to prepare for your surgical date, including recommendations that you:
- Don’t wear any eye makeup, moisturiser, or perfume on the day
- Wear comfy clothes as it can be cool in the laser suite
- Find a support person or plan a ride home as it won’t be safe to drive after the surgery.
Step 3: Laser surgery day
Time: 1.5–2 hours
On the day, you should plan to spend around 1.5-2 hours in the clinic, with the surgery itself taking just 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients describe the procedure as quick, painless, and much easier than expected.
Here’s what to expect:
- We’ll use numbing drops to relax the eye (no needles)
- You’ll lie down and focus on a target light
- A laser reshapes your cornea according to your treatment plan
- No stitches are needed. Your eye will start healing immediately
- We’ll provide you with post-operative eye drops and protective goggles before you head home
Step 4: Immediately after surgery
You can expect to recover on the same day as your surgery. However, rest is key to a speedy recovery.
You can expect:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Mild irritation or light sensitivity
- Watering or a gritty sensation
These symptoms usually improve within hours. A nap after surgery can speed up recovery and reduce discomfort. You should also continue with your post-operative eye drop schedule.
Step 5: Next day follow-up
Time: 15 – 30 minutes
You’ll come in for a follow-up appointment on the day after surgery for a vision check and corneal exam. This usually takes around 15-30 minutes.
Your vision could still be a bit blurry but most patients already notice significant improvement just 24 hours after their surgery.
Step 6: Ongoing recovery and final results
Depending on the type of procedure you have had, we’ll see you again after:
- One week for a quick healing check (corneal exam)
- One month and three months for a vision outcome follow-up
- Six months for a final vision review
You’ll also (need to) follow a simple aftercare (post-op) plan, including:
- Eye drops to prevent dryness and inflammation
- No swimming or eye makeup for 1–2 weeks
- No rubbing your eyes
- Wearing UV protective sunglasses when outdoors
Step 7: Enjoy life with visual freedom
Free laser eye assessments if you're outside Christchurch
We make it easy for those living in wider Canterbury, the West Coast, Marlborough, Otago, Southland and beyond to achieve clear vision through laser surgery, with virtual appointments and free accommodation in Christchurch on the day of your procedure.
Step 1: Free local or virtual consultation
45 minutes
Your initial consultation can be held either in person, over Zoom, or over the phone. The main locations we serve are Nelson, Blenheim, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wānaka and Invercargill, but we can also see patients from anywhere in the South Island.
Step 2: Free corneal scan
Step 3: Confirmation & booking
Once you’re confirmed as a suitable candidate for laser treatment, we’ll call you to:
- Finalise your laser procedure date
- Give you instructions for booking your free night’s accommodation* in Christchurch for your surgery day.
We’re pleased to offer you and your support person a free night’s stay* at the Quest Hotel, which is just a two minute stroll from our clinic. It’s our way of making sure your laser eye procedure as smooth, relaxing, and stress-free as possible.
*Subject to terms and conditions.
Step 4: Treatment day
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
On the day, you should plan to spend around 1.5-2 hours in the clinic, with the surgery itself taking just 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients describe the procedure as quick, painless, and much easier than expected. Here’s what happens on treatment day:
- You’ll meet your surgeon who will carry out the pre-operative check
- We’ll use numbing drops to relax the eye (no needles)
- You’ll lie down and focus on a target light
- A laser reshapes your cornea according to your treatment plan
- No stitches are needed. Your eye will start healing immediately
- We’ll provide you with post-operative eye drops and protective goggles before you head over to the hotel.
Step 5: Post-op check
Time: 15 – 30 minutes
You’ll return to the clinic the following day for a vision check and corneal exam, before being cleared to head home. Your vision could still be a bit blurry but most patients already notice significant improvement just 24 hours after their surgery.
