Laser Eye Surgery - What Options and Advice

urzu on 14/10/2016 - 12:28
Last edited 16/10/2016 - 16:05

Hello everyone,

I've been thinking about getting LASIK done since my mum got hers done, and recovered brilliantly. She lives in New Caledonia and had been told 20 years ago in Australia that because of some of her health issues, she wasn't eligible. She had forgotten all about it until her optometrist in NC recommended she try. She woke up the next day with perfect vision, having had truly awful eyesight since childhood. That sounds like a dream come true for me.

I'm 25, have been wearing glasses all the time since I was 10. My script hasn't changed much in the last 5 years. It's actually gotten a little bit better (optometrists say I was over-corrected before).

Although there are several topics about Laser Eye surgery, I wanted to hear from other Ozbargainers who've been through it. I'm trying to weight options. I haven't had a consultation yet. Quality and safeness would be my #1 priority over price. Being an ozbargainer through, it's all about value.

Here are the options I think I have, so far:
- Pay cash, upfront in Australia
- Travel overseas for operation
- Get Bupa top level and do the operation in Australia in 1 year, then cancel.
- Get other private healthcare which covers part of the cost and pay the rest cash

I see some clinics around Brisbane (where I am) have different "packages" for LASIK. Silver, gold and platinum. This is just scary tbh, as I'd just want what is safest and yields the best results. What package would private health cover?

A few places charge money to do a screening eligibility test, so I would like to hear from other people first before I commit.

I look forward to your feedback!

EDIT: Thanks so much for all the feedback. I think I won't take the operation overseas anymore. I purchased BUPA's top cover last Friday and due to the cooling off period, I basically have 30 days to decide if I want to keep it. I've booked a couple of appointments at clinics Bupa cover. I'll see if I can offer to pay upfront for less that what the Bupa premium is.

Flying to Sydney to see that $1300/eye surgeon sounds quite feasable as well. It all depends on what type of surgery I can get and if I can manage to get time fof work.

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • gaz3342 on 14/10/2016 - 13:55
    +4

    I had laser eye surgery done three weeks ago and I have absolutely no regrets. I had the PRK type surgery, slightly longer recovery time but you don't have to live with the 'flap' that LASIK leaves you with, apparently a strong enough knock to the head / eye can tear this flap open, very unlikely but possible. I didn't want to live with this risk as I lead an active lifestyle.

    I went for two free consultations at two clinics in Melbourne, the fist quoted me $4850, the second quoted $4500 or $3900 if I paid all in one go (rather than use their finance plans).

    I didn't experience any pain, just slight discomfort for a few days and my eyesight is better than 20/20.

    There are lots of scare stories on the internet about laser eye surgery gone bad, but hundreds of thousands of people get it done with no issues.

    My advice, GET IT DONE!

    • gaz3342 on 14/10/2016 - 13:59
      +1

      PS - I had AHM Extras cover which refunded me $1200, two year waiting time though.

      • urzu on 14/10/2016 - 14:33

        Hi Gaz. Thanks for your reply. Glad to hear you're enjoying it: that's what I hope to achieve.

        I will need to shop around for the next month. I just signed up with Bupa's Ultimate cover, and am therefore in my 30 day cool-off period, which cost me $3400 with a discount but has a 1 year waiting period before I can get eye surgery done.

        I will be going around various clinics getting quotes to see if it's worth keeping Bupa. In all honesty, I'd much rather get things done right here, right now…

        • cuppaciano on 16/10/2016 - 14:33
          +1

          Hey I have discussed this with a Bupa consultant before, and he strongly recommended me to consult with a clinic first, as he had client waited for that year and turned out he couldn't do the procedure!

        • urzu on 16/10/2016 - 16:06

          @cuppaciano: I've booked a suitability test for this coming week!

    • Pricebeat on 17/10/2016 - 18:18

      Complications can arise years later after surgery, so for people who are now satisfied with surgery might have complications later on in life. Don't forget to research on corneal neuralgia and dry eye impact on person's life. You will eventually end up wearing glasses anyway.

      • gaz3342 on 17/10/2016 - 20:25
        -2

        People can die in car crashes, millions don't

        • Pricebeat on 17/10/2016 - 20:57
          +1

          Don't think people who are dead would have as much to worry about as if you lose your eyes. Why do many opthamologists wear glasses if it was such a good thing to have. Read this post and decide yourself https://facebook.com/allaboutvision/posts/10154289030477649

        • gaz3342 on 18/10/2016 - 09:02

          @Jimmy007: Not everybody is suitable for surgery, that's why some optometrists wear glasses. If it was such a cowboy industry why would they turn away 30% of patients as unsuitable? Surely they would just operate on them?

          Every medical procedure has risks, and these risks are outlined to you before you have surgery.

          (This message was happily typed using my eyes were were 'PRKd' four weeks ago)

        • Pricebeat on 18/10/2016 - 10:03
          -1

          @gaz3342: i hope you don't suffer from any complications. But when and if you do, don't forget to come back and make a thread to warn others. Because that is what most people do, when they don't have any complications. They suggest it to everyone. But later when they realise what they have done to their eyes, then they don't come out and tell others that they made a mistake.

        • gaz3342 on 18/10/2016 - 10:07

          @Jimmy007: I also hope I don't suffer complications. But if I do, I'll be sure to eat my words and warn others!

        • macrocephalic on 18/10/2016 - 15:21
          +2

          @Jimmy007: I find the complete opposite is normally true: the internet is full of people whinging - because the people who did/bought things and found them acceptable or good don't get online and scream about it.

        • Pricebeat on 18/10/2016 - 15:33

          @macrocephalic: I understand but it's not the same with LASIK and other health issues unfortunately. People fear of losing their jobs (For instance: pilots, army personnel etc.) and other things like paying extra for heath insurance etc. Many try to sue the places but they had already signed the consents prior to sugery, in other cases if a negligence can be proved, few settle out of court for payouts and not talking about their negative experience.

        • Pricebeat on 18/10/2016 - 15:57
          -1

          @macrocephalic: Even the person who was part of the team which approved LASIK is against it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtl9Bj0gskI and this the letter he received to his petition regarding the ban on LASIK http://lasikcomplications.com/FDA-letter-to-Waxler-denying-p… also watch the following episode by Dr. Oz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJJBuURoMfE

        • wyrmy on 18/10/2016 - 16:05
          +1

          @macrocephalic: You can target your complaints to specific products and be very vocal and public. Try and same with surgeons and you get a call from lawyers representing eye clinics.
          As for statistics talking about success rates I realised exactly what a load of BS it is when my well known and internationally renowned surgeon tried to tell me my issues are a co-incidence and not related to the surgery.

        • Pricebeat on 18/10/2016 - 16:09
          -1

          @wyrmy: Many patients believe that last line "It has nothing to do with surgery" or "give it some time" People in denial of what they have done to their eyes mostly believe it.

        • macrocephalic on 18/10/2016 - 18:12
          +2

          @Jimmy007: I see nothing in the letter from the FDA that warrants concern. I didn't bother watching the video by DR Oz because ophthalmology is not his area of specialty, and he's a quack with who will say anything to get his face on TV or earn another dollar.

        • Pricebeat on 18/10/2016 - 18:41
          -1

          @macrocephalic: I didn't say the letter has anything because if they agreed that there are concerns, LASIK industry won't be running like it is now. You should definitely watch the video by dr. OZ and see how the ophthalmologist has no idea of satistics and other things.

        • buckster on 19/10/2016 - 19:35
          -1

          @Jimmy007: Really? Dr.Oz? The man who supports homeopathy, and repairing homosexuals?? Strong evidence there

        • wittyusername on 06/01/2017 - 09:31

          @gaz3342:

          Hope you're still a member, I'm looking into PRK. Any complications yet? Hoping it's a no!

        • gaz3342 on 10/01/2017 - 06:37
          +1

          @wittyusername:

          No complaints at all! I have better than 20/20 vision ☺️

        • cruiseronroad on 14/05/2018 - 22:06

          @gaz3342:

          Hey mate,

          How are you coping now?

  • gaz3342 on 14/10/2016 - 14:40
    +1

    Not sure what state you're in but I had mine done at Medownick Laser Clinic in Richmond, Melbourne.

  • Helmuth on 14/10/2016 - 15:06
    +2

    DIY kit - http://www.lasikathome.com/

    • lupiter on 14/10/2016 - 15:20
      +3

      Personally, there are some things I would never DIY. Like this. o.O

      • Helmuth on 14/10/2016 - 15:48

        Let's say that the site isn't a serious one, even though it is entirely in keeping with ozbargain:)

        • lupiter on 14/10/2016 - 15:54
          +1

          Oh good! :) I'm glad the world isn't that crazy yet.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/10/2016 - 21:43

          @lupiter:have you seen those idiot apple fans drill into their iphone 7 because of the video?

          The world is a scarey place.

        • bargaino on 18/10/2016 - 01:00

          @Hotkolbas: :

          have you seen those idiot apple fans drill into their iphone 7 because of the video?

          I've seen people who believe those who say they drilled their iPhone.

          Or are those people just pretending to believe the people who pretended they drilled their phones, to troll me?

        • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2016 - 09:29

          @manic: apple sheep have a tendency to say a friend of a friend of mine just because they have an iphone too.

    • onlyletters on 16/10/2016 - 11:20
      +5

      The guy on the website is still wearing glasses. Clearly it didn't work for him.

    • syousef on 17/10/2016 - 12:48
      +1

      No amount of laser eye surgery will help you if you are too blind to see this as a scam.

    • sydneybargainer on 05/01/2021 - 11:59

      wow………

  • Enzalicious on 14/10/2016 - 15:27
    +1

    I have had LASIK & PRK done.
    Do LASIK if you can. If the cornea thickness is less then a certain thickness then you have no choice but PRK.

    I got Lasik done about 8 years ago. Surgery went fine eye sight is fine. well worth the 5K you will spend.

    About 5 years ago, i noticed the eyesight in my left eye has deteriorated. I can't tell if both eyes are open as my right eye compensates for the left, but if i close my right eye, i basically see double in the left. I've developed an astigmatism in my left eye as a result of laser. it's a 1 in 10.000 risk.

    So, i went back 3 years ago and got another procedure done on my left eye called cross linking. This is done PRK method, and the purpose is to strengthen the cornea, to prevent any further changes in that eye. Technically my eyesight in my left eye is better then 20/20. But as i see double it causes issues.
    so with both eyes open i don't notice anything.

    When i was researching i was told doctors who recommend PRK, generally aren't qualified to do LASIK, that's why it's good to go to a doctor that does both procedures. They will then recommend the procedure that is likely to give you the best result.
    PRK recovery was a lot worse then LASIK. but not un-bearable and passes pretty quickly.

    Even though i've had a complication, i still think it's worth it.
    I can go back if i like and do laser again on my left eye to correct it, but my Surgeon has recommended i wait a few years.

    • urzu on 14/10/2016 - 16:35

      Hi Enzalicious,
      Thanks for your feedback. The clinics I have appointments at do both so hopefully I'll get more unbiased advice.

      • garetz on 17/10/2016 - 07:07

        Just cause the clinic does both, doesnt mean the doctor can do both surgeries, they may have multiple doctors.

    • buckster on 16/10/2016 - 11:26

      If you had PRK initially you would not have developed the complication of corneal ectasia, so while the recovery period is certainly much less comfortable with PRK I would recommend people don't avoid it as an option if the surgeon suggests against LASIK.

      There is a reason PRK is still done reguarly, inferior recovery time, same visual results, but much better safety profile

    • Godric on 13/11/2016 - 12:00

      Did you have to pay for the corrective procedure?

    • syousef on 05/01/2021 - 13:27

      Always amazed at how many people write about their 1/10,000 risk actually happening. Given the cost of corrective eye surgery the numbers don't add up. I wish only the best for you but long term people do seem to experience a LOT more complications than are reported widely. This group is full of horror stories: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LasikComplicationsFaceBookGr…

  • Mad Max on 14/10/2016 - 18:40
    +2

    Have you considered contact lenses?
    Any surgery carries risks of complications. It may be a very small percentage but if it happens to you it is going to be a big problem for you.
    Now you have good vision with glasses. If the glasses bother you, you may get a similar or better result with contacts.
    If something goes wrong with surgery you may lose an eye. It is up to you to judge if the risk is worth it.

    • urzu on 14/10/2016 - 18:53
      +1

      I was given a trial for contacts before but I always blink and hate touching my eyes.,, I would rather never have to be bothered by it again!

    • releasethekr4cken on 16/10/2016 - 09:29
      +2

      Using contacts have risks as well. I guess you just need to decide which one suits your lifesyle, my wife has been wearing contacts for years and hates it.

  • Findo on 14/10/2016 - 18:57

    Have you considered ortho-k?

    • urzu on 14/10/2016 - 19:42

      I hadn't heard of this but I suspect that I wouldn't like them. I dislike touching my eyes and didn't have the courage for contact lens.

      • Findo on 14/10/2016 - 19:56
        +1

        Took me about 3 months before putting them in my eyes was hassle free. First time I put hard contacts in my eye, it took 45 minutes lol. The cost is a lot cheaper than $5k and is arguably safer because it's reversible.

        • releasethekr4cken on 16/10/2016 - 09:34
          +6

          My wife heard about these and tried to switch from contacts. She's been wearing contacts for half her life and was sick of the whole contact lens lifestyle (cleaning, changing, optometrist appointments etc) When she went to orthok she kept losing the orthok in her eye and said its hard to locate it into the correct position, from what she says it's a lot firmer than a floppy contact. Also there's a bit of a changeover period where your eye is transitioning from the shape it is, to the shape it needs to be, so there's a day where you don't have perfect vision. I remember her crying at the sink a lot (maybe frustration), she's a tough girl, gets punched in the face a lot without crying so this would make me hesitant to recommend orthok.

          P.S she does boxing, I don't beat her.

        • turkz1 on 16/10/2016 - 09:57
          +13

          @releasethekr4cken: That last PS really cleared things up for me

  • spacemansam on 14/10/2016 - 19:20
    +2

    Had LASIK done 3 years ago in Melbourne - have never looked back

    Literally had perfect vision immediately after, took about 3 days for the eyes to stop watering and for me to return to work.

    Has personally been a life changer for me and can certainly say the 5K was totally worth it :)

    • releasethekr4cken on 16/10/2016 - 09:35

      is it 5k for both eyes?

      • buckster on 16/10/2016 - 11:27

        5k would likely be the total cost, ~2.2-2.5k per eye

        • releasethekr4cken on 16/10/2016 - 11:54

          Oh wow, the price she was told must be old now, its like finding out we have 50% off, I might book her in.

      • spacemansam on 16/10/2016 - 14:22

        5k was combined for both eyes…not sure what the prices are now

        It includes unlimited consultations and future laser treatments if you need 'touch ups' in the future

    • etherspin on 18/10/2016 - 16:00

      I know you are chuffed about your eyesight but given the obvious neck injury surely you should sue them ? - apologies, I'm a new father

  • Hoju on 15/10/2016 - 07:14
    +2

    Wife had it done at a place in north Sydney.
    Funnily enough it was a Groupon. Buy one eye get second half price, so was $3000 all up.
    Best decision, that was about 4 years ago and still perfect vision.

    • urzu on 15/10/2016 - 14:00

      That sounds like a great deal

    • rodinthink on 17/10/2016 - 01:56

      "Buy one eye get second half"

      It must be a struggle for her everday to halfly open her 2nd eye

    • Lacko on 18/10/2016 - 01:05

      Do you mind sharing what the name of the place was?

      • Hoju on 18/10/2016 - 04:59

        Just found it.

        It was this guy

        http://www.dealsextra.com.au/business/Australian-Institute-o…

        Ronald bineter

        Funnily enough the Groupon deal had expired but my wife just called and said could he still do that price and he was happy to

        • bargaino on 18/10/2016 - 11:48

          Ronalds cut-price eye surgery. "We're going mad with LASERs!" .

          Sure. What could go wrong?

          But seriously, I've often heard that surgeon's prices do not reflect his skills. I just have a problem getting surgery with a Groupon.
          Did it come with free steak knives?

        • FutureTech on 19/10/2016 - 18:08

          @manic: it comes with cashback

    • MadMaxBargainRoad on 18/10/2016 - 16:26

      I hope you used Cashreward.

  • Spending2Much on 15/10/2016 - 11:19
    +5

    I had LASIK on 2003. I paid extra to have the tear duct plugs in as well. Helps to keep the eyes flooded and moist. They can dry out after surgery.
    I was spending at the time, can't remember how much, but a lot on contacts and solutions and then glasses top of that. Not to mention prescription sunglasses, the pain in ass of taking both glasses out for the day trip out or wearing sunglasses at night to see anything clearly.
    Pure convenience of just being able to wear sunglasses and whatever style, not expensive prescription. Usually over 40, your eye sight deteriates or will start to,and then at some point after that you'll need glasses anyway.
    I'm over 40 and eyes are still good, but I know I'll need it again soon.
    Waking up after surgery and being able to read the alarm clock before putting on glasses, sitting in barber chair and seeing your haircut instead of having to get up and walk to the mirror or our glases on to see how it looks……
    Do it now. Best decision I made regardless of cost

  • StuffnStuff on 15/10/2016 - 11:39
    +1

    I had Lasik around 2003 (paid around $4k) and had better than 20-20 afterwards, best thing I ever did. They said I would probably need glasses when I hit my 40's for reading and close up work. Just got my 1st set at age 51 so not bad going. The only thing I noticed (and was told about before I had it done) was that lights at night might look sparkly but something you get used too. The other thing I have noticed is that when going from a very bright room/outside to a inside/dark room it seems to take longer for my eyes to adjust. No doubt technology has improved over time. My sister also had hers done about 10 years ago her eyes were that bad she needed really think glasses. She has never looked back since having it done. The only other advice I would give is to make sure you do your research, make sure you know the surgeon who is doing it and make sure they have excellent reviews/feedback. At the end of the day its your eyes, they can't be replaced and I'm guessing you only get 1 chance, if they stuff up it probably cant be corrected.

  • EVA-01 on 15/10/2016 - 19:24
    +2

    I had LASIK exactly a year ago in Taiwan for ~AUD$2100. My eyes were at around -3.50 (didn't change for like 10 years before LASIK). The surgeon is one of the top ones in the country. The main reason I did it there beside cost is because the surgeons there are IMO more experienced seeing how many Asians have myopia.

    • urzu on 15/10/2016 - 19:44
      +1

      How did you make the arrangements? Did you use an agent or did you book everything on your own? A friend also recommended Thailand's surgeons.

  • EVA-01 on 15/10/2016 - 19:49
    +3

    I can speak Chinese so I just googled and rang up when I was there. Booked in first consultation on the next day and did it two days after. One of my friends actually got it done in Thailand a few years back. IIRC it was only around AUD$800 and they gave him a private room to stay overnight after the surgery. Insane price if you ask me.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/10/2016 - 11:31
      +5

      What is insane is going to Thailand for any kind of medical procedure.

      • macrocephalic on 18/10/2016 - 15:30

        My mother had dental work done in Thailand. It was cheaper, and her dentist was a UK expat anyway.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2016 - 17:04
          +1

          Most likely in Thailand as a result of malpractice.

  • drush on 15/10/2016 - 23:40
    +8

    Just signed up to ozbargain after being a viewer for at least 7 years to share my experience because I can't recommend the place I went to higher.

    Like you I live in Brisvegas.

    Shorter version of my story…

    Had been wanting to do it for years in Thailand but wife wouldn't let me. Refused to pay the expensive rates locally.
    Lost $600 dollars worth of prescription glasses and sunglasses this year and the wife told me to get it done.

    Looked at a forum on whirlpool and found post after post talking about Dr Sebban - read the forum for other people's experiences.

    Dr Sebban studied at both UQ and QUT but is now lives in Sydney. He does about 20-30 Laser Eye Surgery's every week at Sydney Eye Clinic

    I booked in an interstate consultation (consultation is free) which allows you to do procedure on the same day if suitable - 5 minute surgery (30 seconds of laser on each eye) on Friday and ~ 3 days of recovery and then the first check up and hopefully remove the protective contact lenses they put in after the surgery. You need a carer to go with you.

    Had PRK done about 6 months ago and I'm still on the high of not having to wear glasses - I now have better eyesight then most people. It has been a life changing experience and I regret not doing it when I was 27. They give you a $200 discount if you know someone that has had it done before at the same clinic (PM me if you decide to go with them and I will give you my name - there is no kick back to me just paying on the discount I got from some random person on whirlpool).

    Procedure cost me around $1500 after health insurance ($1288 per eye - $200 discount + $100 for prescription drugs/eye drops - $1000 of health insurance PeopleCare).

    I also recommend you do a free consult locally to get them to measure your cornea width, dryness of eyes etc. If a local place won't allow you to have it done then Dr Sebban is unlikely to let you get it done either - he refused to operate on a guy who had travelled from Darwin on the day I was there because he wasn't suitable.

    • urzu on 15/10/2016 - 23:59

      Hi drush,
      I appreciate your feedback! I have an appointment booked in Brisbane to check suitability. I will certainly research your reference some more. I'll PM you if I decide to give it a shot!

      • drush on 16/10/2016 - 20:51
        +1

        Hi urzu,

        If you go with Dr Sebban - you need to have a carer with you on the day of the Surgery. So hopefully you have some good friends in Sydney to look after you and stay with otherwise you fly someone down and book a hotel for a couple of days.

        As part of the interstate process you are meant to have a referral from your optometrist and all your follow up appointments with your optometrist. They measure your eyesight and check how your eyes are healing etc. As I was in Sydney every week I asked to continue seeing them.

        They will give you a medical certificate for the time off work - I was able to claim the time off as sick leave.

        I also asked them for a note to in case I got pulled over before removing the Sight condition on my drivers licence. I took that note into TMR and they issued me a new licence without evening testing my eyesight.

        • urzu on 16/10/2016 - 21:34

          Thanks for your reply once again drush. Once I get my first eligibility test done, I'll weigh my options. I actually intend on asking several clinics in Brisbane for a better price first, then will consider going to see Dr Sebban and as a last resort, wait one year and claim it on insurance…

        • a1ch3my79 on 26/10/2016 - 10:45

          hey :D i'm another wanting to have the procedure done with dr sebban after all the great reviews…thanks for all the info :) was looking hopefully to have a referral name if possible for the discount they offer (which would help a lot) - but i'm not able to private message you either :(

    • tensai on 16/10/2016 - 15:17
      +1

      Hi drush, thanks for sharing the info, have been thinking of doing it for long time
      interest to find out more info but couldn't PM you :(

      • drush on 16/10/2016 - 20:05

        Hi Tensai,

        Sorry my account is only 22 hours old - give it another 2 hours and then you will be able to PM me.

        • tensai on 17/10/2016 - 20:49

          Hi drush, unfortunately still unable to PM you :(

    • mparf on 17/10/2016 - 12:05

      Gotta give you kudos for Peoplecare, love them so much!

    • Jesicat on 23/05/2019 - 13:37

      Hi Drush,

      Just joined OzBargain to read up on this, and finally booked my consult. Are you still able to give a referral?

  • treeman on 16/10/2016 - 09:46

    The only advice I have for you is, I know we are ozbargainers, but don't do what Doug did:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISZhyPc4eWo

  • KBZ on 16/10/2016 - 11:31

    I had LASIK in Korea about 5 years ago. It was fast and efficient did the test and surgery all in one day. Cost me ~2000 USD Which at the time was close to 1:1 Aud.
    Takes about 14 days or so to recover but well worth it. Make sure your eye sight is stable for a couple of years though.
    If you plan on getting it done overseas probably better to get a test here for eligibility then heading off.

  • fl0ra on 16/10/2016 - 12:53
    +1

    I can recommend LaserSight in Brisbane (Spring Hill). They also have a lifetime guarantee which was the point of difference for me between other clinics and don't use a blade to make the flap.

    • urzu on 16/10/2016 - 15:47

      Thanks Fl0ra. LaserSight in Brisbane is actually one of the clinics bupa offers 100% cover at so i'll definitely check them out. Thanks!

    • Pricebeat on 17/10/2016 - 23:29

      http://www.whatclinic.com/laser-eye/australia/queensland/bri…

      Read the second review and you should have your answer. Then research on complications of dry eye and corneal neuralgia. Brain adapting to new vision has nothing to do with dry eyes as it suggested to the second reviewer and the pain of having dry eyes for three years is unimaginable to those who don't have dry eyes.Read comments and personal experience of people who are actually suffering from dry eye disease on this petition
      https://www.change.org/p/provide-urgent-research-funding-for…
      Even the first person who gave 5 stars in review has mentioned a complication "There are small halos around car lights at night time "

  • gcdollar on 16/10/2016 - 13:42

    Hey, let us know if you decide to do it and where you choose to do it with. I live in Brisbane too. Thanks.

  • cuppaciano on 16/10/2016 - 14:39

    Wondering if anyone used the Bupa Ultimate cover for their LASIK? I'm wondering if it's worth waiting that one year (as in, how much could I save - and how sure could I get everything covered with these insurance policies changes year on year).

    • buckster on 16/10/2016 - 14:52

      What you need to decide is how much extra is it going to cost you to hold BUPA ultimate for the 13months or so minimum given the waiting period (when I put a quote in on their site I get $4110 for 13 months). Compare that to the actual cost of laser surgery (4.5k-5k) and subtract any annual premium you already pay on health insurance.

      IF you already have health cover and pay maybe 2k per year on it, you stand to be about 2.5k better off, but if you don't have any private health cover at the moment then at most you might save 900$ but have to wait over 12 months to perform the surgery - in which case there may be expenses required for contact lenses or glasses in the interim and I doubt it would really be worth it.

      • urzu on 16/10/2016 - 15:51

        Hi buckster. Could you explain what you mean? I didn't have any private health and just ordered Bupa'a Ultimate cover with the intention of getting the surgery done in a year.

        If I book an appointment for surgery say, on the first week of my second year, and elect to pay week by week, I should still be better off, no?

        I paid Bupa in one lump $3400 payment (discounted from approx. $3700).

        • buckster on 16/10/2016 - 16:38

          G'day - I didn't think about doing it per week which certainly gives you more room to minimise your premiums, and didn't take into account any discounts like what you received.

          You will certainly be better off paying 3400 + one week or so of premiums than the $4500ish outright for the surgery.

          I suppose my comment was more regarding the savings potentially being $500-$900 with a person having to wait a whole year before suitable.

          I guess the concern is if someone wearing glasses breaks their glasses partway through that period - you can't suddenly throw your hands in the air and go ahead with surgery as you still have your waiting period. Meaning that there is some degree of risk that you would be only marginally better off $ wise, but still be forced to wait for the procedure.

        • cuppaciano on 16/10/2016 - 21:59

          I did the quote online and yearly payment is $3700! How'd you get $3400? Ozbargained? :D

        • urzu on 16/10/2016 - 23:33

          @cuppaciano: the guy on the phone suggested he could revise the price if I paid 1 year's worth upfront. To clarify, he said I would only be paying "11 months worth for 12 months cover", so that's a little over $300 OFF

      • cuppaciano on 16/10/2016 - 21:54

        Good point - I thought of the (actual cost - premium cost) but not the current premium I'm paying. So I guess I'm definitely better off (as long as I can wait!)

        In regards to the optical expenses - the ultimate cover would have them covered during the year of wait. It's around $400 provision with the top cover. I am currently on the basic cover and I don't have any issue with my optical need (I barely use contacts though)

        My major concern is what if they change their policy during the year? Like what if they decide to not 100% cover LASIK anymore during the year

        • urzu on 16/10/2016 - 23:37

          Funnily enough, I had the exact same concern. I asked to guy on the phone and he said that it hadn't changed in two years. They can offer LASIK on this policy because they partnered with clinics all around. Apparently lots of people sign up just to get the surgery done. He also said (although this is hard to verify), that customers who originally signed up would be allowed to finish their waiting time before a change in policy happens.

        • cuppaciano on 17/10/2016 - 11:18

          @urzu:

          Just to be safe, I would want to get this 'guarantee' in writing. Australian Consumer Law only covers the consumer in such situation if we explicitly said that LASIK cover is the main reason for signing up, and the consultant promised that this will be covered after served waiting time.

          Just wondering how I could do this, haha! Email should suffice?

        • urzu on 17/10/2016 - 11:22

          @cuppaciano: Let me know how you go please. I might need to do this as well.

  • ramshead on 16/10/2016 - 14:49

    Had mine done in Newcastle about 10 years ago. Highly recommend it. No real probs after the surgery, and I drove home the next day (3 hours). Great on all counts , but fantastic if you are into water sports.

  • reno on 16/10/2016 - 17:05

    Would u consider ortho k?
    Alternative procedure =)

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