There’s nothing like getting a bargain. Whether it’s finding a designer label in a sale or discovering a rare antique in a junk shop, knowing you’re saving money is a great feeling. So it’s not surprising that over the last few years, there has been a growth in the so-called medical tourism industry, with more and more people going abroad to get surgical procedures done more cheaply.
You’ve probably heard stories of people saving thousands by going abroad for laser eye treatments or cosmetic surgery. However, you might not be aware of the greater number of stories that detail the down side and many drawbacks of medical tourism.
Read on to find out more about the cost of laser eye surgery here in the UK, and why it’s worth paying more to ensure the safest possible results.
The cost of laser eye surgery in the UK
The UK has higher wages and living costs than some other areas of the world, and treatments such as laser eye surgery may therefore be more expensive here.
At Optegra, our LASIK and LASEK treatments cost £1,795 per eye, whilst our innovative SMILE surgery costs £2,250 per eye. We appreciate that for many people this is a big investment, but in terms of the treatment provided, you’ll get a lot of value for the price paid.
You’ll experience world-class treatment in one of our dedicated eye hospitals. As well as that, you’ll get comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, including follow-up appointments and a dedicated phone line should you have any concerns or issues in the months after treatment.
If you haven’t got the money to pay it all upfront, we offer a range of finance options. You could choose to pay with a 10% deposit, and repay over 12 or 24 months interest-free. Alternatively, pay a 20% deposit to repay over 48 months with no interest, making each monthly payment just £29.91.
If you can’t pay a deposit right now, don’t worry. We provide options with no deposit required, and you can repay over 12, 24, 36 or 48 months with an interest rate of just 9.9% APR. To find out more, see the full details of our laser eye surgery prices.
The cost of laser eye surgery abroad
It is certainly possible to get laser eye surgery abroad for less than the prices in the UK, but what you need to consider is your safety, as well as the various associated costs.
At Optegra we offer a fixed price that includes all of your treatment from start to finish. If you travel abroad, then as well as the cost of your treatment, you’ll also need to pay for flights, accommodation, transport and food. Many people think they can get the whole thing done in a couple of days, but the reality is very different. It is strongly recommended that in the days immediately after treatment you take it easy and try to strain your eyes as little as possible. You may also need assistance during your trip, so if you bring a family member or friend, you’ll be paying for them too.
All of this may still work out cheaper if you’re willing to cut your stay short and risk travelling when you should be resting. But what about the risks of complications? Although there are some excellent surgeons in many countries around the world, nothing beats the assurance of choosing a provider closer to home, where you can be assured of high standards. Here at Optegra, we’re regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). All of our surgeons are also NHS trained and Fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists or equivalent organisations, so you can trust that you’re in a safe pair of hands.
The risk of complications
With any type of surgery, complications are possible, and healing doesn’t always go as planned. Here at Optegra, our surgeons carry out follow-up appointments with patients to catch any potential problems early. But if you develop complications and your surgeon is on the other side of the world, what happens then?
You really can’t gamble with the health of your eyes. You have to ask yourself: are the risks of permanent damage and discomfort really worth the small amount of money you might save by travelling abroad?
Laser eye surgery you can trust
Here at Optegra, we offer exceptional levels of care, world class treatment methods and fantastic facilities in our dedicated eye hospitals. To see for yourself, come down to one of our free open evenings, meet our team and get answers to any questions you might have. We look forward to meeting you!
