SMILE® Pro

SMILE Pro is a flapless micro laser eye surgery for your eyes.


SMILE Pro is the latest keyhole surgery that is a one step, one laser procedure. My highly accurate femtosecond laser, The Visumax 800, producing 1 billion laser pulses per second is used to create a precise lens-shaped disc within the cornea, otherwise known as a lenticule. Taking only 10 seconds to create, the lenticule is then removed through a tiny keyhole incision of 2mm to change the shape of the cornea and correct your spectacle error.


I have access to The Visumax 800 laser, developed in Germany by Carl Zeiss Meditec, which is the world’s most advanced and fastest femtosecond laser and is used by hundreds of reputable laser eye surgeons throughout the world.

This keyhole technology for the correction of near sightedness and astigmatism is the first of its kind and is the only vision correction laser capable of performing this particular surgery with a proven track record of over 10 million cases worldwide. Other Eye Institutes in Perth with untrained laser surgeons but rather corneal transplant surgeons dabbling in other forms of lenticule extraction surgery have a cheaper version laser machine that has no track record in the medical literature and has a highly suspect safety profile- hence the reason why many Eye Institutes and other surgeons will charge more for the procedure. The upcharge is usually to discourage a patient to undergo this untested lenticule extraction technology and because the surgeons are untrained and unskilled in sophisticated laser eye surgery techniques. My Visumax 800 femtosecond laser machine is the only lenticule extraction laser that can treat near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism.

What is SMILE Pro and how does it work?

SMILE Pro at a Glance

SMILE Pro Steps:

SMILE Pro - What to expect

What are the added advantages of SMILE Pro laser eye surgery?

SMILE Pro - What to expect

  • SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a less invasive keyhole version of LASIK.
  • SMILE PRO employs the same laser, The Visumax 800 that is used in LASIK to create the flap.
  • In SMILE Pro laser eye surgery, only one laser is used for the entire procedure.
  • SMILE Pro is completely flapless negating any flap complications.
  • In SMILE Pro I creates a keyhole pocket incision approximately 2mm wide in the periphery of the cornea and then removes a lens shaped disc or lenticule from the central cornea which causes a flattening of the cornea.
  • SMILE Pro is completely painless and invisible to the patient.
  • SMILE Pro is bladeless. At no stage is any sharp instrument used.
  • SMILE Pro is more comfortable for patients as they do not hear, smell or see the laser.
  • Visual recovery, in general, is within a few days.
  • Patients can normally return to work, take a shower or apply makeup shortly after surgery.
  • Driving and sports activities are possible within a few days.
  • SMILE Pro can be used to treat higher prescriptions than what is possible with LASIK.
  • SMILE Pro can be used in patients with Dry Eye Syndrome.
  • Within a few hours, the 2mm incision is sealed by surface cells.
  • The lenticule removed creates a flattening within the cornea and this leads to focusing of the vision.
  • Minimally invasive with only a small 2 mm incision.
  • No flaps, thus reducing the risk of flap complications and incidence of dry eyes.
  • As it is odourless and invisible, it creates a comfortable and stress-free patient experience.
  • Visual recover is fast and within 3 days after surgery.
  • SMILE Pro has excellent visual outcomes with high predictability.
  • Interesting treatment option also for athletes engaging in contact sports, flight crews, military and rescue personnel as no flaps are created.
  • Odourless, noiseless and painless.

SMILE Pro has all the advantages of LASIK but with added benefits.


We will always recommend SMILE Pro surgery if patients are suitable to have either SMILE, LASIK or PRK.


The reason being is that our outcomes with SMILE Pro is extremely accurate and consistent.


Much less dry eye is induced by SMILE Pro and the need for future enhancements are significantly reduced.

Once in the treatment room you will be positioned under the Visumax 800 laser so I can correct your vision. You will only feel some mild pressure as the laser painlessly create the lenticule in 10 seconds. You will then feel some slight movement with your eye as I carefully and meticulously remove the lenticule through the tiny 2mm keyhole.


After surgery there is usually no need to wear eye shields, as with other procedures. Within minutes you are free to pop your non-prescription sunglasses on and spend the remainder of the afternoon resting.


You will be given medicated drops to use for 2 weeks and we will arrange an appointment for you to return and see us for your 1st day post operative check.


48 hours after surgery you are able to return to all activities including swimming and contact sports, now that is something to SMILE about! All other eye surgeries have restrictions for up to 4 weeks after surgery, that is why so many people are choosing SMILE.

Frequently Asked Questions about SMILE Pro laser eye surgery:

If you are considering SMILE laser eye surgery, you probably have many questions.


Some of the most frequent ones are addressed here. This information is not intended to replace consultation with your eye surgeon.

  • Who is eligible for SMILE laser eye surgery?

    SMILE laser eye surgery is used to correct near-sightedness, astigmatism, or both. As with other Laser Vision Correction methods, you will first need to undergo a detailed eye examination to determine by our clinical optometrist and myself to determine whether you are a suitable candidate or not. I consider many factors during your consultation, which includes the nature and degree of your spectacle error, the curvature and thickness of your cornea. Your profession and hobbies are also important. SMILE is a more appropriate option for anyone engaged in contact sports, flight crews as well as military and rescue personnel.

  • How long does the procedure take?

    The entire procedure takes about 8 minutes for both eyes to be complete. The laser part itself takes only 10 seconds and is completely painless.

  • There are no flaps with PRK either. How does it differ from SMILE?

    With PRK, the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) is manually removed after applying alcohol to the cornea. The exposed deeper layers of the cornea are then lasered using an excimer laser. PRK has the disadvantage of pain and a long healing process with stabilisation of visual acuity takes longer than SMILE Pro. PRK is not recommended for the treatment of severe near-sightedness as it can cause an opacification of the cornea. SMILE laser eye surgery also requires no flap. The recovery period and experience is similar to LASIK which is much more comfortable than PRK.

  • How do I prepare for my surgery?

    If you wear contact lenses, most surgeons recommend switching to glasses a few weeks before surgery. You are advised not to apply makeup, lotions or perfume the day you have surgery. Also, it is suggested that you arrange to have someone bring you home afterward.

  • Does it hurt?

    The procedure is completely painless. Anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye but gentle pressure might be felt.

  • What happens after surgery?

    After surgery, you will need a driver to take you home to rest. A protective bandage or eye shield is placed over the eye to avoid rubbing it. You can also just wear normal non-prescription sunnies.  Eye drops are typically prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation and to aid in the healing process. It is customary to have a post-operative examination the next day by myself or our clinical optometrist. Further examinations are usually scheduled for the following weeks or months.

  • When can I return to my normal activities?

    Every healing process is different. In most cases, visual acuity is very good one or two days after the operation, and stabilizes within one week. Normally, you will be able to drive, work and participate in sports without glasses or contact lenses just a few days following treatment.

  • Is it safe?

    Complications following SMILE surgery are very rare, but cannot be completely ruled out. I will discuss these with you.

  • What does it cost?

    The cost of SMILE laser eye surgery at Crystal Eye and Laser Centre is $7200.  Most insurance companies do not cover the procedure costs but certain health insurers cover the whole cost or part of the cost on certain plans.

My Mission Statement:

I am dedicated to providing the best clinical expertise and the highest standard of care.

This is on a personal and professional level, to give all my patients of all ages the best opportunity for a lifetime of healthy eyes and excellent vision.


Over the past 20 years I have had the absolute pleasure of helping tens of thousands of patients of various ages improve and maintain their vision. Helping patients to free themselves from the burden of glasses and contact lenses is my passion.

To perform microsurgery on the eyes requires exceptional surgical skill and acumen. To perform all types of eye surgery and any other ocular surgery at a world class level requires expertise along with access to state of the art and the world’s best equipment. For this reason I have spent a total of 17 years training and perfecting my surgical armamentarium and spared no cent to acquire the best and most advanced diagnostic, surgical and laser equipment in the world to provide my patients with world class care.

I understand that getting surgery, especially on your eyes, is a serious decision and can cause anxiety in some. Your eyes are unique, and you should demand a bespoke solution tailored to your lifestyle, visual requirements and goals. That is why I offer the most thorough and intense medical examination and consultation that any patient will ever go through. During your consultation we will meet, and I can take the time to answer all your questions and talk through any concerns you have.

I am passionate about transforming people’s lives by transforming their vision. I look forward to spending time with you at our stunning and state of the art clinics in Booragoon and Craigie to see whether you could gain exceptional vision and eye health
MBChB, DipOphth, FCOphth, FRANZCO, MMed (Ophth), FRCSI, FEBO, GradDip(RefCatSurg), MMed(RefCatSurg), FWCRSVS

Why Choose Me?

More than 20 years of ophthalmological experience
Tens of thousands of satisfied patients
A professional team dedicated to the best outcome for your eyes
Exceptional reviews and word of mouth recommendations