How much does LASIK / SMILE cost in China?

Bilateral LASIK at Class A ophthalmology centres for international patients: USD 1,400–2,400. Bilateral SMILE: USD 1,800–2,800. ICL implantation (high myopia): USD 4,200–6,800. Compares to USD 4,200–6,500 US for LASIK alone.

Which centre should I choose?

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou) is the highest-volume academic ophthalmology centre in China. Aier Eye Hospital network has Class A facilities in many cities. Both deliver the same modern equipment platforms used at top US/EU clinics.

Take our free LASIK / SMILE / ICL candidacy screener for a structured 2-minute screen. Final candidacy requires the formal pre-op workup (corneal topography, pachymetry, aberrometry, dry-eye).

LASIK vs SMILE vs ICL?

Choice is patient-specific. SMILE is flapless (small incision), preserves more biomechanical strength, and has lower dry-eye risk. LASIK has decades of follow-up data. ICL is reversible and preferred for high myopia, thin corneas, dry eye, or keratoconus suspects. The pre-op workup determines which is most appropriate for your eyes.

How long do I need to stay?

Plan for 5–10 days: 1–2 days pre-op workup, day-of procedure, 1-day post-op check, 4–7 days for follow-up examinations before flying home. Many patients complete the procedure in a long weekend trip plus a return for the month-1 follow-up.

Ophthalmology

LASIK / SMILE / ICL refractive surgery in China

Bilateral SMILE, LASIK, and phakic ICL at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Aier Eye Hospital, and other Class A ophthalmology centres — substantially lower cost than US/EU private rates with the same equipment platforms.

← All procedures

Cost comparison

All-in international-patient pricing in USD.

Country	Typical price (USD)	Notes
China (Class A)	1,400 – 2,800	Bilateral; varies by procedure
United States	4,200 – 6,500	—
United Kingdom	3,500 – 5,500	—
Australia	4,500 – 7,000	—
South Korea	1,800 – 3,200	—

What's included in the China price

Comprehensive pre-op workup: corneal topography (Pentacam), pachymetry, dry-eye evaluation, aberrometry
Bilateral procedure (LASIK, SMILE, or ICL implantation)
Standard post-op medications
Day 1 + week 1 + month 1 follow-up examinations
Final outcome assessment at month 3

Length of stay

5–10 days in country. Fly-home clearance typically at day 2–5 post-procedure.

Standard pre-procedure workup

Pentacam corneal topography (dual Scheimpflug)
Corneal pachymetry
Schirmer's test + tear break-up time for dry-eye baseline
Endothelial cell count (especially for ICL candidates)
Aberrometry (wavefront analysis)
Dilated fundus exam to rule out retinal pathology

Outcomes signal

Same equipment platforms (Zeiss VisuMax for SMILE, Wavelight for LASIK, Visian / EVO ICL) as US/EU centres
20/20 or better unaided vision in over 90% of suitable LASIK / SMILE candidates
ICL highly effective for high myopia (over -8 D) where corneal procedures are contraindicated

Same equipment, different price

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Aier Eye Hospital and other top Chinese ophthalmology centres use the same equipment platforms as leading US, EU and Korean clinics — Zeiss VisuMax for SMILE, Wavelight EX500 for LASIK, Visian / EVO ICL. The clinical outcome differential is essentially zero; the price differential reflects facility and labour costs.

When ICL is preferred

ICL (implantable collamer lens) is preferred for high myopia (over -8 to -10 D depending on cornea), thin corneas, dry eye, or keratoconus suspects. It is reversible — the lens can be removed if needed. The pre-op workup at Class A centres includes specific anterior segment imaging (Pentacam, OCT) to confirm appropriate vault and endothelial cell count.

Frequently asked

Plain-language answers about lasik / smile / icl in China.

How much does LASIK / SMILE cost in China?: Bilateral LASIK at Class A ophthalmology centres for international patients: USD 1,400–2,400. Bilateral SMILE: USD 1,800–2,800. ICL implantation (high myopia): USD 4,200–6,800. Compares to USD 4,200–6,500 US for LASIK alone.
Which centre should I choose?: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou) is the highest-volume academic ophthalmology centre in China. Aier Eye Hospital network has Class A facilities in many cities. Both deliver the same modern equipment platforms used at top US/EU clinics.
Am I a candidate?: Take our free LASIK / SMILE / ICL candidacy screener for a structured 2-minute screen. Final candidacy requires the formal pre-op workup (corneal topography, pachymetry, aberrometry, dry-eye).
LASIK vs SMILE vs ICL?: Choice is patient-specific. SMILE is flapless (small incision), preserves more biomechanical strength, and has lower dry-eye risk. LASIK has decades of follow-up data. ICL is reversible and preferred for high myopia, thin corneas, dry eye, or keratoconus suspects. The pre-op workup determines which is most appropriate for your eyes.
How long do I need to stay?: Plan for 5–10 days: 1–2 days pre-op workup, day-of procedure, 1-day post-op check, 4–7 days for follow-up examinations before flying home. Many patients complete the procedure in a long weekend trip plus a return for the month-1 follow-up.

Self-assessment

Refractive surgery candidacy (LASIK / SMILE / ICL)

Eight-question candidacy screener informed by AAO refractive surgery guidance. Identifies whether LASIK, SMILE, or phakic ICL evaluation is worthwhile.

Take the Vision correction screener

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