Laser Eye Surgery Abroad - My experience

zimmerseo · 07-12-2016 3:49pm #1

I've been wearing glasses for 25 years and recently I looked into getting laser surgery for my eyes.

I went to optilase and they said I have a stigma so basic eye surgery (lasik) wasn't going to fix it. What I needed was Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), otherwise known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) which is basically a natural lens replacement with an artificial one. It's basically cataract surgery and this was something they couldn't do.

I then went Optical Express. They quoted my €10,000...yeap. I said I would think about it. They must have rung me 10 times over the course of a month trying to close the sale. I told them I wasn't interested at that price.

I looked into my options and came across a company in Prague called DuoVise. Their price was 3,000! That included the most expensive, Multi-focal Toric lens that corrects stigmas and vision.

I thought their must be some kind of catch. How can they cost 3k and optical express charge 10k?

I rang optical express to see what they do thats so different. They told me that the technology is more up to date with them. Sounded fair enough.

I then rang Duovize and it turns out their equipment is better then Optical express as they could even offer "laser assisted" surgery which is much more accurate with a faster healing time. This service isn't even available anywhere in Ireland.

In this case, the laser breaks up the natural lens into segments..(not the surgeon) and creates a tiny keyhole in the side of the eye. Again, the surgeon would normally do this with a scalpel. After the laser is done, all the surgeon does is remove the old lens through the tiny "slot" and replace it with the custom lens.

As well as the cheaper price, I get 20% back in the form of a tax rebate, even though it's abroad. All you need is proof that the surgeon is qualified to do it.

When I asked my health insurance company about getting a rebate, they told me they only deal with optical express. If a health insurance company is offering a 25% rebate on the cost, what does it matter who does it, once they are qualified. The word "back handers" popped into my head straight away. Perhaps one of the reasons they are 3 times the price in Ireland.

After doing some browsing online the cheap prices advertised by the larger companies is a "get them in the door price" (which includes health insurance discount) and nobody actually gets that price. People usually end up paying a minimum of 3k just for the very basic Lasik flap surgery. Whereas Duovize charge €500 for the PRK / TE-PRK which is the Flapless procedure (again, more advanced for half the price). Go figure?

Anyway... I jumped on a flight to Prague for the weekend and saw their consultant on a Saturday morning. I was very impressed with their setup. I thought it might be some soviet style old hospital...far from it. Ultra modern. I still couldn't get over the price difference.

I had a complete examination which seemed to be a lot more thorough, complete with ECG tests and more. No stone was left unturned. They explained my options in detail and put no pressure on me whatsoever and at no time did I feel rushed into making a decision. I came home..had a think and paid a deposit for the lenses to be custom made in Germany by Zeiss.

I booked a return flight €150 and a nice 1 bed maintained apartment bang in the centre of the city for €350 (4 nights - 5 days), 2 minutes walk from their clinic and I flew over on the Tuesday. I was met at the airport and accompanied to my apartment. The next morning, I was met outside my apartment by Rita, a very nice lady and brought to the clinic a couple of minutes away and had the first eye done. It took about 10 minutes and I had zero pain...not even a tickle! They stuck a patch onto my eye and away I went with some eye drops. All in all, from arriving to leaving, it took an hour and a half.

The next morning, I took the patch off and applied 1 drop to it as I had been told to do and was very impressed at the instant clarity I had in that eye. Had an examination that next morning and was told it was a case book job and looked perfect. It felt a bit odd walking around with one perfect eye and one dodgy one but i got used to it.

The consultant said there were no restrictions on watching Tv etc. Just no swimming in public pools or heavy lifting. Common sense stuff really.

On the Friday the procedure was repeated. The next morning (Saturday) I took the other patch off and again...amazing clarity.

I went for a checkup again and they did a complete eye examination on me. I could read the smallest text on the chart but it was slightly hazy. The consultant told me it will take up to two weeks for the sharpness to return. Even with that I was delighted and the idea that it would get better was an added bonus. He said my eyesight will never deteriorate until the day I die and I will never get a cataract.

When I asked about aftercare, he said he had done over 20,000 of these operations and less than 100 had ever developed complications. On a rare occasion, someone could can develop an infection but simple anti-biotics cured that. He said if I did have any issues, they would be more than happy to address them if I returned to Prague but if not any qualified person in Ireland could deal with it.

It's very important to manage your expectations. After surgery like this, it can take weeks to heal and for older people longer. Don't expect to walk out with perfect vision straight away. It takes time for your brain to adjust to your new eyes and for your eyes to completely heal.

I hopped on a plane back to Dublin with my "new" eyes very chuffed with myself.

I was told to apply the drops 5 times a day for week 1, 4 times for week 2, 3 times a week for week 3 etc...

Two days later, I do notice a slight halo around lights of on coming cars when driving at night. I was told this would happen by the consultant but he said it would go away after time. Even 5 days later it's a lot better.

For those of you considering getting it done abroad to avoid what I would consider to be unjustifiably high costs in Ireland, I highly recommend it.

jive · 07-12-2016 4:06pm

For standard surgeries, ~€3k, aftercare and convenience is worth doing it at home. You won't save much going to Prague when factoring in accommodation, flights, airport transfers, etc. to make it worth not having the aftercare.

For your type of surgery then it's definitely worth considering if it is a reputable clinic but €7k less face cost.

?Cee?view · 07-12-2016 4:10pm

zimmerseo wrote: »

Any questions...please ask!

For an urgent postoperative complication, who would you go to see?

Did you consider the option of any hospitals in Ireland rather than going to commercial businesses?

Arbie · 07-12-2016 5:01pm

It's good to hear experiences from other countries and it's great that yours was positive.

There are several reasons that costs can be higher in Ireland than in other countries. A major hidden cost in laser eye surgery is the professional insurance that surgeons have to pay here, approx. €100,000. So they have to earn €150,000+ before tax just to pay for their indemnity! The reason insurance is so high is because Ireland is one of the most litigious countries in the world and the court payments tend to be high.

The laser machines used cost significant 6 figure sums, much of which is the cost of the software which has to be updated. The benefits of the really high end machines are debatable and most people will likely not notice the difference.

It is not reasonable to compare chains with smaller clinics or individual surgeons. The €10k figure you were quoted is extraordinarily high, even for Ireland. Most of the people I know went to the most expensive surgeons in Dublin and they paid between €3k and €5k for both eyes, depending on the types of procedure they needed. This included long-term follow-up. They were all able to claim back against tax/VHI.

The complication rate that you quoted of 100 in 20,000 is not credible - that works out at 1 in 200 or 0.5%, which is unheard of even for the best surgeons. Any surgeon who says they have such a low complication rate is either unaware of their true complications (possible if he is seeing a lot of people from abroad who would get follow-up at home and perhaps never report it to him), is only counting serious complications, or is guessing and underestimating. If his complication rate is that low he would be one of the best in the world and would be charging you a lot more than €3k.

I would advise anyone thinking of laser surgery either at home or abroad to get at least 5 quotes in writing. I would also ask each surgeon for the following in writing: their ophthalmology qualifications, medical council registration details, exact type of surgery being offered (LASIK, PRK, etc. so you can compare like with like), the risk + benefits + alternatives, their personal audit results (total number of cases done, complication rates, % of patients who achieve 20/20 vision or better), and what their fee includes (e.g. 1 year follow-up, retreatment, etc.)

Laser surgery can be life-changing but it is a surgical procedure with risks that can happen even with the latest technology and the best surgeon.

zimmerseo · 07-12-2016 6:30pm

jive wrote: »

For standard surgeries, ~€3k, aftercare and convenience is worth doing it at home. You won't save much going to Prague when factoring in accommodation, flights, airport transfers, etc. to make it worth not having the aftercare.

For your type of surgery then it's definitely worth considering if it is a reputable clinic but €7k less face cost.

I agree. My wife got the Lasik simply because of the aftercare. My costs in going to Prague were €350 for accommodation, a private 1 bed apartment in the city centre and €150 for flights.

Had she gone the Prague route, she would have saved a couple of thousand but the after care was important for her.

zimmerseo · 07-12-2016 6:35pm

?Cee?view wrote: »

For an urgent postoperative complication, who would you go to see?

Did you consider the option of any hospitals in Ireland rather than going to commercial businesses?

Should I need urgent after care, I would just have to pay for an Irish consultant or pay for a flight to Prague. If there was going to be any issue with the surgery in terms of infection, the consultant would usually see signs the following day during the initial checkup.

Duovize were quite specific that they were more than happy to address any problems I might have down the road free of charge, but everything looks fine so far.

The after care is really just a checkup. My wife had Lasik done in Ireland and it was literally, 5 minutes..in and out.

zimmerseo · 07-12-2016 7:01pm

Arbie wrote: »

It's good to hear experiences from other countries and it's great that yours was positive.

There are several reasons that costs can be higher in Ireland than in other countries. A major hidden cost in laser eye surgery is the professional insurance that surgeons have to pay here, approx. €100,000. So they have to earn €150,000+ before tax just to pay for their indemnity! The reason insurance is so high is because Ireland is one of the most litigious countries in the world and the court payments tend to be high.

The laser machines used cost significant 6 figure sums, much of which is the cost of the software which has to be updated. The benefits of the really high end machines are debatable and most people will likely not notice the difference.

It is not reasonable to compare chains with smaller clinics or individual surgeons. The €10k figure you were quoted is extraordinarily high, even for Ireland. Most of the people I know went to the most expensive surgeons in Dublin and they paid between €3k and €5k for both eyes, depending on the types of procedure they needed. This included long-term follow-up. They were all able to claim back against tax/VHI.

The complication rate that you quoted of 100 in 20,000 is not credible - that works out at 1 in 200 or 0.5%, which is unheard of even for the best surgeons. Any surgeon who says they have such a low complication rate is either unaware of their true complications (possible if he is seeing a lot of people from abroad who would get follow-up at home and perhaps never report it to him), is only counting serious complications, or is guessing and underestimating. If his complication rate is that low he would be one of the best in the world and would be charging you a lot more than €3k.

I would advise anyone thinking of laser surgery either at home or abroad to get at least 5 quotes in writing. I would also ask each surgeon for the following in writing: their ophthalmology qualifications, medical council registration details, exact type of surgery being offered (LASIK, PRK, etc. so you can compare like with like), the risk + benefits + alternatives, their personal audit results (total number of cases done, complication rates, % of patients who achieve 20/20 vision or better), and what their fee includes (e.g. 1 year follow-up, retreatment, etc.)

Laser surgery can be life-changing but it is a surgical procedure with risks that can happen even with the latest technology and the best surgeon.

There is a lot of truth in what you say.

In my particular case, I had a Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), otherwise known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). In addition, I chose the multi-focal toric lens. In Ireland, Optical express quoted me 10k for this service.

Insurance is an issue for pretty much every industry in Ireland but assuming these companies do 8-10 procedures a day, it works out at about 1.5% of their turnover or €60 per procedure, which doesn't come close to justifying the 7,000 price difference.

The machines are very expensive...like half a million each, having said that, the companies probably pay roughly the same amount for the machines. On top of that corporation tax in Czech republic is almost twice that of Ireland, so again..hard to justify the price difference.

For me anyway, as these procedures are pretty standard all over the world, cost was the most important issue, particular when it amounted to a difference of €7,000 for exactly the same procedure. The chances of something going was was an obvious concern and I spoke to the consultant in great length about this.

He was quite open and frank in our discussion and what he considered a complication was a patient that required secondary surgery for whatever reason. Perhaps they didn't stick to the after care plan...maybe they did some heavy lifting, infection...who knows. Other "complications" such as halo, star bursts etc generally clear up over time and are quite normal.

During the conversation, he struck me as someone I could trust and he would have nothing to gain by leading me astray. I got the impression he didn't particularly need the money.

Yes, you are quite correct in saying that eye surgery can be life-changing but I don't see any justification for the costs in Ireland for an identical procedure abroad by someone who is probably more experienced that their counter part in Ireland.

These chain clinics would like to give the impression that places like the Czech republic are somehow technically backward when in actual fact they are ahead of Ireland in terms of equipment.

The purpose of my post was not to knock the quality of the procedures or the specialists who do them. It's just to highlight the fact that people don't have to pay the sky high prices for them.

jj mac · 02-09-2018 5:32pm

Zimmerseo
I know it's almost 2 years since this thread was active but a workmate of mine had this surgery in Dublin recently and paid €11,500 . He is absolutely delighted with the results and when he told me I decided to look into it as I can't have standard laser surgery due to astigmatism. When I came across your post I couldn't believe the difference in the price. I might look into Prague myself but I'm wondering after the period of time that has passed for you if everything has gone smoothly since. I'd appreciate any feedback you have. Cheers.

zimmerseo · 02-09-2018 5:41pm

jj mac wrote: »

Zimmerseo
I know it's almost 2 years since this thread was active but a workmate of mine had this surgery in Dublin recently and paid €11,500 . He is absolutely delighted with the results and when he told me I decided to look into it as I can't have standard laser surgery due to astigmatism. When I came across your post I couldn't believe the difference in the price. I might look into Prague myself but I'm wondering after the period of time that has passed for you if everything has gone smoothly since. I'd appreciate any feedback you have. Cheers.

Hi,

Yes my eyesight is perfect and I've had no complications of any kind. I went to my local opticians in Naas a year after the surgery, just to see what my prescription was now compared to what it was there (post surgery). I explained everything to them and in the end my eyesight was better than 20/20, in the sense that I could read the line below the line that most people with 20/20 can read.

I did have some light halos when driving at night initially. These were kind of fuzzy circles of light around on coming car lights. Today, I either don't notice them or they are gone. I haven't been aware of them in a long time. It does take a bout 6 months to get used to it, but that mainly down to getting used to no glasses as opposed to the surgery itself.

Bear in mind, the equipment in Prague is newer than that of Dublin. It's laser assisted, which wasn't an available option in Ireland when I got mind done.

jj mac · 02-09-2018 5:47pm

zimmerseo wrote: »

Hi,

Yes my eyesight is perfect and I've had no complications of any kind. I went to my local opticians in Naas a year after the surgery, just to see what my prescription was now compared to what it was there (post surgery). I explained everything to them and in the end my eyesight was better than 20/20, in the sense that I could read the line below the line that most people with 20/20 can read.

I did have some light halos when driving at night initially. These were kind of fuzzy circles of light around on coming car lights. Today, I either don't notice them or they are gone. I haven't been aware of them in a long time. It does take a bout 6 months to get used to it, but that mainly down to getting used to no glasses as opposed to the surgery itself.

Bear in mind, the equipment in Prague is newer than that of Dublin. It's laser assisted, which wasn't an available option in Ireland when I got mind done.

Thanks a lot zimmerseo.
I might make contact with Prague and take it from there. If I go ahead with it I will come back and post my experience here for anyone else who might be interested. Thanks for replying.

Darren0999 · 16-02-2020 6:44pm

I know this thread is a few years old but I'm interested in getting laser done for jobs reasons, I got a consultation done here and they recommended me for LASEK surgery but the cost is €4800 and my prescription is small!

I'm looking into going abroad but finding it hard getting peoples experience! Yours sounds good which makes me feel a little easier about it..

I was wondering if I could ask you the name of the Clinic you attended?

clarenman · 16-02-2020 7:46pm

Darren0999 wrote: »

I know this thread is a few years old but I'm interested in getting laser done for jobs reasons, I got a consultation done here and they recommended me for LASEK surgery but the cost is €4800 and my prescription is small!

I'm looking into going abroad but finding it hard getting peoples experience! Yours sounds good which makes me feel a little easier about it..

I was wondering if I could ask you the name of the Clinic you attended?

Hi Darren I used DuoVize in Prague and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.
My experience from start to finish was very very professional.
They organised hotel room and a pick up to and from the airport and a translator even though we didn't require one as everyone spoke excellent English.
The Procedure (CLE) went to perfection with no pain or infection.
I went from -14 to -2 which is a huge improvement for me.
Now 10 months on I have no regrets.
Procedure cost about 1500€ ...
www.duovize.cz

runawaybishop · 16-02-2020 11:32pm

Darren0999 wrote: »

I know this thread is a few years old but I'm interested in getting laser done for jobs reasons, I got a consultation done here and they recommended me for LASEK surgery but the cost is €4800 and my prescription is small!

I'm looking into going abroad but finding it hard getting peoples experience! Yours sounds good which makes me feel a little easier about it..

I was wondering if I could ask you the name of the Clinic you attended?

Who is charging that, and why more importantly. It's pretty much a fixed price of 3k +-200 unless you have something outside the norm.

Savage_Henry · 23-02-2020 10:19am

Im going to Lithuania next month for lasik, 776 eur for both eyes, 100 eur fligts, 130 eur accommodation. Flying out thursday, back monday morning. Ill write up a review when done.

bono_v · 15-05-2020 10:16am

Savage_Henry wrote: »

Im going to Lithuania next month for lasik, 776 eur for both eyes, 100 eur fligts, 130 eur accommodation. Flying out thursday, back monday morning. Ill write up a review when done.

How did this go for you?
Would you recommend them? What exact procedure did you get? I’ve been told it’s the lens replacement I need so looking to that that. Very informative reading in this thread!

Savage_Henry · 15-05-2020 10:18am

Couldnt go due to this virus situation. But ill go when restrictions are lifted.

bono_v wrote: »

How did this go for you?
Would you recommend them? What exact procedure did you get? I’ve been told it’s the lens replacement I need so looking to that that. Very informative reading in this thread!

clarenman · 15-05-2020 12:43pm

Savage_Henry wrote: »

Couldnt go due to this virus situation. But ill go when restrictions are lifted.

Got CLE . gone from-14 to-2 which is very good for me.
No problems so far.

Eyesight is very good.
Duoviz are an amazing experience.
Hope this helps.

bono_v · 16-05-2020 9:25pm

clarenman wrote: »

Got CLE . gone from-14 to-2 which is very good for me.
No problems so far.

Eyesight is very good.
Duoviz are an amazing experience.
Hope this helps.

What was the overall cost in the end? Think I’m going to have to give duoviz a ring from what I’m hearing.any maintainable or check ups needed?

clarenman · 16-05-2020 9:48pm

bono_v wrote: »

What was the overall cost in the end? Think I’m going to have to give duoviz a ring from what I’m hearing.any maintainable or check ups needed?

Cost for CLE procedure 1500€ including laser assisted surgery
GP test about 100€
Flights about 150€
Very nice hotel 500€
VIP service ( pick up and drop off to the airport and hotel for surgery) 90€
And a lovely holiday to boot

Well worth it

bono_v · 16-05-2020 11:30pm

clarenman wrote: »

Cost for CLE procedure 1500€ including laser assisted surgery
GP test about 100€
Flights about 150€
Very nice hotel 500€
VIP service ( pick up and drop off to the airport and hotel for surgery) 90€
And a lovely holiday to boot

Well worth it

Wow €1500 for both eyes? That sounds too good to be true!!!. Did you sort accommodation yourself or do they give you recommended accommodation to choose from. Thanks fir the info it’s very much appreciated.

clarenman · 17-05-2020 10:08am

bono_v wrote: »

Wow €1500 for both eyes? That sounds too good to be true!!!. Did you sort accommodation yourself or do they give you recommended accommodation to choose from. Thanks fir the info it’s very much appreciated.

1500 for 1 eye...... I have a detached retina in the other eye and nothing can be done about it

Lelila · 14-01-2021 10:46am

Hi everyone. I've just come upon this thread & thought I'd add my experience. I also went to Prague in 2017. I used Duovize too. I hadn't had any recommendations - just found the Praga Medica website/facebook page & people's reviews. I certainly don't regret it. I only wished I'd done it earlier. I wasn't eligible for laser treatment as my eyesight was too bad (-9), so I had phakic lens insertion - they basically insert a permanent lens into your eye, which is very similar to cataract treatment. I can't remember the exact cost, but I do know that including 2 trips - flights & accommodation (I had to go there twice as my lenses weren't in stock & had to be ordered) and treatment, it worked out at half the price it would have cost me in Ireland. I went on my own both times. I could have paid a bit more for them to arrange accommodation & to get someone to meet me at the airport & take me around, but I did it myself instead. It was very easy to get from the airport into town & I booked an AirBnB near the clinic, which was ridiculously cheap. I had a great holiday! Would highly recommend it. My eyesight was 20/20 when I had it tested back in Ireland and I've never had any problems with it at all.

X6.430macman · 14-01-2021 8:37pm

It's great that you had a good experience! I'm curious as to how aftercare works when going abroad as even the little things like the language barrier would be an issue. My biggest concern would be running into complications as I'm pretty sure it's a heck of a lot harder deal with a company that far away as opposed to in your hole country

bono_v · 19-01-2021 3:19pm

Lelila wrote: »

Hi everyone. I've just come upon this thread & thought I'd add my experience. I also went to Prague in 2017. I used Duovize too. I hadn't had any recommendations - just found the Praga Medica website/facebook page & people's reviews. I certainly don't regret it. I only wished I'd done it earlier. I wasn't eligible for laser treatment as my eyesight was too bad (-9), so I had phakic lens insertion - they basically insert a permanent lens into your eye, which is very similar to cataract treatment. I can't remember the exact cost, but I do know that including 2 trips - flights & accommodation (I had to go there twice as my lenses weren't in stock & had to be ordered) and treatment, it worked out at half the price it would have cost me in Ireland. I went on my own both times. I could have paid a bit more for them to arrange accommodation & to get someone to meet me at the airport & take me around, but I did it myself instead. It was very easy to get from the airport into town & I booked an AirBnB near the clinic, which was ridiculously cheap. I had a great holiday! Would highly recommend it. My eyesight was 20/20 when I had it tested back in Ireland and I've never had any problems with it at all.

Very good to hear. Once pandemic is over I'll be giving them a shout. How much did you end up paying if you don't mind me asking?

Lelila · 19-01-2021 6:35pm

X6.430macman wrote: »

It's great that you had a good experience! I'm curious as to how aftercare works when going abroad as even the little things like the language barrier would be an issue. My biggest concern would be running into complications as I'm pretty sure it's a heck of a lot harder deal with a company that far away as opposed to in your hole country

They provided a translator for the whole time I was at the clinic (even though I didn't pay for the extra package), so there were no language issues. If I remember correctly, some of the medical staff spoke good English too, so didn't need a translator. They said I could go back for follow up appointments, including one a year later, for free, but I didn't need to so I didn't look into it.

Lelila · 19-01-2021 6:40pm

bono_v wrote: »

Very good to hear. Once pandemic is over I'll be giving them a shout. How much did you end up paying if you don't mind me asking?

I've just looked it up. I paid €1,200 per eye for the lens implant. That was in 2017. I think lens implants are a lot more expensive than laser surgery, but it was the best option for me. I think the prices are listed on the Praga Medica website, but I could be wrong, and perhaps it depends on each individual's circumstances.

a0d · 24-01-2023 12:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/107973267#Comment_107973267

Hi all,

does anybody have any further experience on going abroad / to Prague? Have a consultation with Optimise in Dublin however I've heard it's close to €2k an eye. Crazy considering my mother got both her eyes done for €2.4k over 10 years ago.. in Dublin. Makes no sense

Arbie · 24-01-2023 2:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120148779#Comment_120148779

Prices for everything have increased over the past 10 years. Refractive surgery involves high-tech equipment which has become more sophisticated and therefore more expensive. Medical indemnity/insurance for surgeons has also ballooned. If you are shopping around make sure you are comparing like with like. Some places can seem better value but may offer different procedures, different after-care, etc.

Swaine · 25-01-2023 2:42am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120148779#Comment_120148779

My experience:

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120012745#Comment_120012745

Don't mind all this nonsense about aftercare. A day max and you're 95% recovered. Dry eyes for about a week but fine once you use the drops. I shudder at people who pay these mad prices in this country.

Dutchy · 29-04-2023 8:45pm

Literally just back from Prague

Great experience also with Neovize / praga medica

Flew out on a Tuesday evening by myself. I paid €90 for the VIP package so a driver was waiting for me at the airport. They booked me into a hotel that is a 6 minute walk from the clinic - the Panorma Hotel. It's a nice hotel if dated. I had very early starts in the surgery - 7.30 am Wednesday for the pre op session (took about 2.5 hours and you're seen by multiple specalists. My surgery was at 8 am on the Thursday and a similar time for check up on Friday. At the time, I was thankful I was so close to their clinic with those appointment times. However, the public transport system in Prague is excellent - runs 24 hrs and €5 offers unlimited travel all day / night across the metro , trams and even some boats !

The surgery (called femtolasik basic) was quick and painless. One thing I must say is that it feel like you're tripping out during the operation - they're messing around with your cornea and with the colours from the lasers, it a surreal experience. Not bad, just very strange !

When leaving, they give you eye drops and a sleeping tablet. I did feel discomfort for a few hours but post sleeping tablet nap, my eyes felt fine. So much so that was downing a few pints in an Irish pub later that afternoon (probably not recommend)

I paid €1,420 for both eyes and that included the VIP package. Hotel cost under €400 for 4 nights (I could have flown home Friday but wanted to make a holiday out of it, so stayed the extra night and glad I did, Prague is stunning )

Before I left I made the cardinal sin of googling what could potentially go wrong. Don't do this - if you googled what could go wrong crossing the road, you'd never leave the house. Ultimately, it's a medical procedure so will always carry some risk - but that risk will be there in Dublin as it is in Prague. For me , the squeeze was definitely worth the juice with this trip. Very liberating not having to rely on glasses or contacts !

dave1982 · 29-05-2023 6:08pm

Thanks for you post,

I'm thinking of doing this myself, I was quoted nearly 5k by optilaise. Way too much tbh. I've been in contact with praga medica and they're saying 1440 for both eyes. They're offering a hd version for 2 k total , so I'm not sure if it worth the extra. So would you recommend did it work as in you can see as if you'd glasses on. My prescription is for distance

Flights to Prague more expensive than I thought 480 return. Still saves me 3k haha. Interesting post thank you

Swaine · 31-05-2023 12:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120655011#Comment_120655011

Leave it til the Autumn or Winter. Flights are extremely expensive at this time of year as are hotels.

6 months on, I'm fully recovered and it's the best money I ever spent.

Dutchy · 16-06-2023 11:25pm

Sorry only seeing this now (pun intended)

Re HD, one of my concerns going over was that they'd try to upsell different versions of the procedure to me. Refreshing that they recommended the "basic" procedure to me. Because of my age (I'm 44) they said they would leave some short sightedness in my lead eye. You see, as you age, you'll need glasses to read etc. Unbelievable consultation that I can't see being bettered in Ireland

A couple of months on and I have had zero complications. Eye drops a couple of times a day, that's it. Perfect vision. It's like gaining a super power having been dependant on glasses / contacts all my teen / adult life.

I echo the previous posters comments , in that, it's the best money i have ever spent.

As for flight cost. I'm frugal by nature so didn't check in a bag (got a Ryanair cabin approved bag for under the seat). Didn't book priority (biggest waste of money as you're guaranteed a seat - check in as close as possible to departure time to secure a window or isle seat - always works). By doing this, my return flights cost €80 in April. Did drop a load of money in Dublin airport bar, mind.

NIMAN · 16-06-2023 11:46pm

I had considered laser eye surgery about 10 or 15 years ago, but was slightly nervous and so didn't proceed. Plus I didn't mind wearing glasses occasionally..

The kicker for me was the fact that if I had got it, I would still eventually need reading glasses. The optician explained to me that if I lived with my minor short sightedness, then it would be longer before I needed reading glasses. But if I got lasered, I'd need reading glasses sooner.

I had assumed that once lasered I would be done with glasses forever, but apparently not. He said a lot of people believed the same.

doc22 · 18-06-2023 12:18am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120725233#Comment_120725233

The optician didnt want to lose a customer.

NIMAN · 18-06-2023 1:09am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120728803#Comment_120728803

Perhaps.

But it's fact that everyone who gets their eyes lasered will eventually end up wearing glasses again.

Plus, why do all the opticiians I know or have used, wear glasses instead of getting their eyes lasered?

ahnowbrowncow · 18-06-2023 1:44am

I also got lasr eye sugrey abroad. Very pweased wit da reslts.

doc22 · 18-06-2023 10:20am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120728910#Comment_120728910

Everyone will need glasses eventually.The option for most people is wear glasses 24/7 and require two separate type as get older or get surgery and require glasses to read.

The vast majority of people who wear glasses don't get surgery so why would opticians. It would be a bad look for business too. Sugery might not last forever and you hear of cases of people back in glasses after a few years.

Pawwed Rig · 18-06-2023 6:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120729407#Comment_120729407

Also a pair of reading glasses is a couple of quid. My lenses are €120 every 3 months and my back up glasses cost €250 or something like that

apache · 18-06-2023 6:57pm

I got my eyes done here in a private hospital about 15 years ago. It was great up until about 7 years ago and now my vision is back to the way it used to be. It dosen't last forever. My corneas are too thin to get done again.

doc22 · 19-06-2023 12:52am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120731237#Comment_120731237

In fairness you got good value from for perhaps 10 years. You might have got of done before price increase and reduction in tax relief too. My eyes are always changing for long time so I think if I ever got it done it would be a waste. A slight regression back kinda puts you in a position to need glasses again. even if you don't go back fully (.ie -6 to regessed -2)

unkel · 19-06-2023 1:10am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120725233#Comment_120725233

I had my eyes lasered in Ireland in 2002, it cost €4200 but got tax refund at the higher rate back then, so about 42% off. It was in the Wellington private clinic, and I was treated in a very professional manner. Operation was perfect, I got lucky (as it simply wasn't as good as it is today) and ended up with 20/12 vision (which is considerably better than 20/20 vision) - being able to easily read the smallest bottom line of the chart

I'm 55 now and I've had reading glasses for 2 years, but I still don't need them even for reading the paper, reading a book, working on a computer, etc. I do need them for reading when the environment is dark and I need them for precision work. And it is getting worse obviously as I age further

apache · 28-06-2023 8:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120732492#Comment_120732492

Thinking back now you are probably right. 10 years was a good chunk of time. It was definitely worth it.

dave1982 · 28-06-2023 8:47pm

So I got it done in Prague today.1900 euro for femtho hd. Quite an experience tbh. Yesterday they put drops in my eyes to dilate pupils omg vision was blurry for the whole day very sensitive to light. That finally passed about 7 o'clock about 7 hours after. Surgery this morning arrived on time to find out that the laser machine has stopped working during previous patients operation. Thankfully I had been given the relaxer tablet so the news wasn't too upsetting haha. We were told go back to our hotel while they try sort it out. We received phone call about 30 mins later offering service in Brno 2 hours away in the car. So we accepted it due to flights and next day check up. I keep referring as we as I met very nice guy from Haiti in my hotel and he had same schedule as me. He's a bit a a panicker he travels alot between usa Haiti and France but he travelled from Haiti to Prague as hed done lots of research as they were the best. The news the machine broke and to travel to another city didn't sit well with him but eventually he understood neo bise and praga media are kinda same company praga make the booking with neo vise for us. So anyway off we went bit of rough start in mini bus cutting out and stalling and having tonstop to add ad blue to tank. We were off still very relaxed from tablet given to us haha. We arrived 2 hours later to Brno and tbf they were very efficient. There was 5 of us in total done in under 2 hours. I myself found procedure very uncomfortable I don't like anyone touching my eyes obviously there's no pain but you kinda expect to feel some. I was layed down and something like a marker or a pin she put dots on my eyes. I think that's what happened. Then they put the first machine over you and place like a clamp to keep you eye open or in place I'm not sure.the you feel air or something for about 5 seconds and then onto the other eye. Then you glided over to the actual laser. Lots of green and red lights scattered and your told look in center and on comes the laser. This last 7 seconds she told me. You don't feel it tbh but you can smell burn like signed hair kinda smell then repeat on other eye. Then you sit up your first os to grab your eyes rub but I was no in a very stern Eastern Europe accent so I behaved. We were out in waiting room again for maybe 20 mins. At this point all I could see was like a fog and the burning sensation started tbh it lasted about 3 hour no one spoke a word on way home. I'm about 5 hours post surgery. I went to shopping center next door to hotel and was easily able to read menus up high over counters. So yes it does work. NGL it's sore after the lasik for few hours. I'd to guide the hatai guy back to hotel. I'd one eye working he'd none haha. It's definitely worth doing. I met nice guy who traveled alone as did i.wifes at home. He's wife wasn't sure bout him doing such a risky operation alone. Thankfully his wife was sleeping in Haiti this morning as his plan was to tell her to be on safe side they would wait and do his op In morning so he didn't tell her. Imagine if he told her and ge got phone call that he going brno haha how would he explained that to his wife. All in all a good experience except tea bags I forgot my Barry's tea and teas here is different alot different

hawaii501 · 28-06-2023 11:34pm

Hi all, how do you go about booking and knowing you'll be eligible? I assume everyone is are they?

I think I'm going to get it done and I've been to Prague which is a great city. Holiday for the same price as here seems worth it by everyone's experience.

Pawwed Rig · 29-06-2023 1:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120780254#Comment_120780254

A chat with my optician would be the first port of call for me

dave1982 · 30-06-2023 8:37am

I think nearly everyone suitable, optical express and them do a free evaluation and they hit you with a mad quote, but at least you'll know if your suitable or not. You pay 140 euro for evaluation in Prague. I can't recommend Prague for treatment enough. Less than 48 hours later my vision is perfect. I didn't know what I was missing out on tbh. Out of curiosity I tried on my glasses and every was blurry. I'm delighted tbh. All in 3k flights accom and surgery

Arbie · 01-07-2023 1:10am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120785745#Comment_120785745

Not everyone is suitable and in fact the sign of a good laser eye surgeon is that they turn a high percentage of people away. It depends on the strength of your glasses prescription, the thickness of your corneas, previous eye surgery, previous eye infections or injuries, severe dry eye, other eye diseases, your lifestyle/occupation, etc.

FrankT. · 12-11-2023 8:56pm

Great outcome, might not work for everyone

rodderss · 14-01-2024 7:25pm

No results on Google for duovise can anyone share a link please.

Laser Eye Surgery Abroad - My experience

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