Get world-class care at vetted and accredited hospitals in Thailand.
Save up to 80% with internationally trained surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities.
Bangkok has become a premier destination for laser vision correction, with internationally accredited eye centers offering LASIK, advanced SMILE Pro technology, and alternatives like PRK and ICL at prices 40-60% below Western countries. Thailand's specialized ophthalmology centers perform thousands of vision correction procedures annually using the latest femtosecond lasers from Carl Zeiss and Alcon, and patients from the US, UK, and Australia choose Thailand for immediate surgical dates without wait lists combined with vacation-worthy recovery in tropical settings.
Traditional LASIK costs $1,200-$1,500 in Thailand compared to $4,000-$6,000 per eye in the US, while advanced SMILE Pro (the newest bladeless technology) costs $2,800-$3,500 for both eyes. Surgery dates are available within 1-2 weeks at eye centers dedicated exclusively to refractive surgery, and the entire process from arrival to post-op clearance takes just 4-5 days, allowing patients to combine vision correction with a Bangkok vacation.
Please note that the prices provided are estimations and may vary based on various factors. Additionally, these prices do not include flights or accommodation.
All prices are in USD, unless otherwise indicated.
1. Comprehensive technology options for different eye conditions
Bangkok eye centers offer traditional LASIK, Femto-LASIK (bladeless), SMILE/SMILE Pro (flapless), PRK surgery (for thin corneas), and ICL implants (for extreme myopia). Bangkok's ophthalmology specialists evaluate each patient to recommend optimal technique for their specific corneal thickness, prescription strength, and lifestyle rather than forcing candidacy into available technology.
2. Cost savings of 50-70% for identical FDA-approved lasers
Femto-LASIK costs $1,600-$2,200 in Bangkok compared to $4,500-$6,000 per eye in the US. SMILE procedures cost $2,300-$2,800 at Bumrungrad versus $6,000-$8,000 in America. Even with flights ($800-$1,500), accommodation for 5 nights ($250-$600), and meals ($150-$300), total Bangkok trip cost of $3,400-$5,400 remains 50% below US surgery-only pricing.
3. Immediate surgical dates with high-volume refractive surgeons
Rutnin Eye Hospital and TRSC schedule consultations and surgery within 1-2 weeks, compared to 2-6 month wait times at major US chains. Thailand's ophthalmology centers perform 15,000-25,000 vision correction procedures annually with surgeons holding fellowship training from Johns Hopkins and Moorfields Eye Hospital. High surgical volume means refined techniques and expertise.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. The surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea's surface, uses an excimer laser to reshape underlying tissue based on your prescription, then repositions the flap which heals naturally without stitches. The entire procedure takes 10-15 minutes for both eyes under topical anesthetic drops.
LASIK treats myopia (nearsightedness) up to -10.00 diopters, hyperopia (farsightedness) up to +6.00 diopters, and astigmatism up to 6.00 diopters. Candidates need stable vision for 1+ years, adequate corneal thickness (typically 500+ microns), healthy corneas without disease, and realistic expectations. Most patients are 21-45 years old, though older candidates may qualify if presbyopia (age-related reading vision loss) is addressed.
Vision correction surgery serves patients tired of glasses and contacts, those in active professions or sports where glasses prove problematic, individuals with contact lens intolerance or dry eyes from lens wear, and people seeking independence from corrective eyewear for lifestyle or career reasons. Success rates exceed 95% for achieving functional vision, with 85-90% reaching 20/20 or better.
Traditional LASIK
Surgeon creates 20mm corneal flap using blade or laser, reshapes underlying tissue with excimer laser, repositions flap. Treats myopia up to -8.00 and astigmatism up to 3.00. Visual recovery within 24-48 hours, minimal discomfort. Best for standard prescriptions with adequate corneal thickness. Cost: $1,200-$1,500 both eyes.
Femto-LASIK (Bladeless LASIK)
Same as traditional LASIK but uses femtosecond laser instead of blade to create flap. Slightly more precise, better for higher prescriptions or thinner corneas. Recovery identical to traditional LASIK. Cost: $1,600-$2,200 both eyes.
No flap created. Laser creates small disc of tissue inside cornea, removed through 2-3mm incision. Preserves more corneal structure, much lower dry eye risk. SMILE Pro completes procedure in 8-10 seconds (3x faster than regular SMILE). Visual recovery 2-3 days. Best for active lifestyles, contact sports, military service. Cannot correct farsightedness. Cost: Regular SMILE $2,300-$2,800, SMILE Pro $2,800-$3,500 both eyes.
Removes corneal surface layer, reshapes underlying tissue, surface regenerates naturally over 3-5 days. No flap or incision. Best for thin corneas, military/law enforcement, maximum corneal strength needed. Longer recovery (7-10 days to functional vision), moderate discomfort days 1-3. Cost: $1,000-$1,400 both eyes.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
Surgical placement of permanent lens inside eye between iris and natural lens. For extreme myopia (-8.00 to -18.00) beyond laser range, very thin corneas, or reversible correction wanted. 15-20 minutes per eye, immediate vision improvement. Requires thorough evaluation and long-term monitoring. Cost: $4,500-$6,000 per eye.
TRSC specializes exclusively in refractive surgery and was Southeast Asia's first Carl Zeiss Meditec ReLEx Educational Center. Medical director Dr. Ekktet Chansue performed Thailand's first ReLEx SMILE procedure in 2011 and has completed over 25,000 SMILE surgeries.
Technology: SMILE Pro (VisuMax 800 laser), regular SMILE, Femto-LASIK, traditional LASIK, PRK surgery. SMILE Pro completes treatment in 8-10 seconds versus 28 seconds with regular technology.
Evaluation: Comprehensive 2-3 hour pre-operative screening including corneal topography, wave-front analysis, pachymetry (thickness measurement), and dry eye testing.
Pricing: Contact Konkai for current TRSC package pricing including all testing, surgery, medications, and follow-up appointments.
Bumrungrad's ophthalmology department serves 50,000+ patients annually with the refractive surgery section performing approximately 3,000 LASIK and SMILE procedures yearly. The hospital offers seamless referral for cataract surgery or glaucoma treatment if pre-operative screening reveals conditions requiring attention before vision correction.
Technology: LASIK, Femto-LASIK, ReLEx SMILE using Alcon Wavelight and Zeiss VisuMax lasers.
Advantages: 24/7 English-speaking staff, direct hospital-affiliated accommodation at Bumrungrad Residence ($80-$120 nightly), central Sukhumvit location near BTS Skytrain. JCI-accredited since 2002.
Packages: Pre-operative comprehensive eye examination, surgery for both eyes, post-operative medications, and follow-up appointments for 1 week. Contact Konkai for current package rates.
Rutnin Eye Hospital operates as Thailand's largest dedicated ophthalmology facility, performing over 100,000 eye procedures annually. The Rutnin-Gimbel LASIK Centre uses femtosecond laser technology with advanced corneal imaging to detect complex cases.
Technology: Femto-LASIK, traditional LASIK, PRK surgery for thin corneas, ICL implants for extreme myopia.
Specialization: Advanced diagnostic capabilities for complex cases, irregular astigmatism treatment, keratoconus detection. Comprehensive ophthalmology backup if complications arise.
Pricing: Contact Konkai for current Rutnin rates across different procedure types (traditional LASIK, Femto-LASIK, PRK vary significantly).
Day 1 - Arrival and Screening
Arrive in Bangkok, check into hotel near your chosen eye center. Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation takes 2-3 hours including visual acuity, corneal topography (mapping shape), pachymetry (thickness), wave-front analysis, dry eye testing, and dilated examination. Ophthalmologist reviews results and recommends optimal technique (LASIK, SMILE, PRK, or ICL) based on your anatomy and prescription. If you're an excellent candidate, surgery can be scheduled next day or day 3.
Pre-op instructions: Stop contact lenses 3 days before (soft) or 2 weeks before (rigid gas permeable). No eye makeup on surgery day. Arrange transportation since you cannot drive after.
Day 2-3 - Surgery Day
Arrive with no makeup, lotions, or perfumes. Actual laser treatment takes 10-15 minutes for both eyes, though you'll be at facility 1-2 hours for final measurements and post-op evaluation. Procedure uses topical anesthetic drops so you're awake and comfortable. Vision blurry immediately after, improving over next hours.
Rest at hotel remainder of day, using prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops every few hours. Most patients sleep well and wake with dramatically improved vision. Minimal discomfort with LASIK/SMILE (gritty sensation, light sensitivity).
Day 3 - Post-Op Day 1 Check
Return for healing evaluation and visual acuity testing. For LASIK and SMILE patients, vision often measures functional level (20/30 or better) allowing sightseeing. Ophthalmologist confirms drop schedule and addresses common temporary symptoms (glare, halos, dryness).
Day 4-5 - Final Clearance and Departure
Final examination confirms healing progresses appropriately. Receive clearance for air travel, instructions for continued drops (1-2 weeks), activity restrictions (no swimming 2 weeks, no contact sports 4 weeks), and guidance for follow-up with local optometrist at 1 month and 3 months. Leave with surgical records and post-op instructions for home eye care provider.
PRK patients need 7-10 day stays as protective contact lens is removed days 3-5 and vision must stabilize before flying.
The cost of LASIK surgery in Thailand typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,500 for both eyes, representing significant savings compared to Western countries. Standard packages include the pre-operative consultation, the surgery itself, essential medications, and follow-up care for the first week after the procedure.
The final cost varies depending on several factors, such as the technology used, surgeon's expertise, and hospital location. Premium procedures like ReLEx SMILE or custom LASIK typically cost an additional $500-1,000. Even with these additional costs, many patients find LASIK in Thailand provides excellent value, especially considering the long-term savings from no longer needing glasses or contact lenses. Most importantly, Thailand's leading eye centers maintain high standards of care while offering these competitive prices.
Total Bangkok vision correction trip: $3,400-$7,500 depending on procedure type and preferences. Budget breakdown for 4-5 day LASIK/SMILE trip:
Total Investment: $3,400-$6,800 for most LASIK or SMILE procedures. Even at high end, this undercuts US surgery-only costs by 40-50%. PRK with 7-10 day stay adds $300-$600 in extended accommodation/meals.
Pre-vetted facilities chosen by our team that meet our rigorous standards for quality and safety

Founded in 1964 by Professor Dr. Uthai Rutnin, Rutnin Eye Hospital is Thailand's first hospital specializing exclusively in ophthalmology. The hospital has more than 39 ophthalmologists trained at institutions in Thailand, Canada, and the United States covering all eye subspecialties. Recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS), Rutnin operates three operating theaters, a day surgery unit, and specialized pediatric eye center

TRSC International Eye and Vision Center is Thailand's first private LASIK center, founded in 1997 in Bangkok with over 28 years of experience in vision correction surgery. The center has performed over 100,000 successful eye surgeries with a 99.6% success rate. ISO 9001:2015 certified and named Thailand SMILE Ambassador Center 2023, TRSC received the ReLEx SMILE Top Contributor Award from Carl Zeiss Meditec for performing more than 25,000 SMILE procedures.

Bumrungrad International Hospital is a 580-bed tertiary care facility in Bangkok, treating over 1.1 million patients annually from 190 countries. Founded in 1980 and JCI-accredited since 2002, Bumrungrad offers comprehensive medical services across 47 specialty centers with over 1,200 physicians. The hospital is recognized by Newsweek as Thailand's top hospital and one of the world's best, known for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and advanced surgical procedures.

Praram 9 Hospital is a 300-bed private hospital in Bangkok that has been providing advanced healthcare since 1992. JCI-accredited since 2010, the hospital is recognized for complex medical procedures including kidney transplants, cardiac surgery, and brain surgery. Having performed over 1,000 kidney transplants, it ranks as Thailand's leading private hospital for this specialty and was named 9th among Thailand's top hospitals by Newsweek in 2025.
Traditional LASIK costs $1,200-$1,500 both eyes, Femto-LASIK $1,600-$2,200, SMILE $2,300-$2,800, SMILE Pro $2,800-$3,500. Including flights ($800-$1,500), accommodation ($200-$400 for 4 nights), and meals ($100-$200), total trip cost runs $3,400-$5,500, still 40-50% below US surgery-only pricing.
While most people notice an improvement in their vision within a day or two, it can take several weeks for your vision to stabilize completely.
Plan 4-5 days for LASIK or SMILE: pre-operative evaluation (day 1), surgery (day 2-3), and 2 post-operative check-ups before flying home. PRK requires 7-10 days since vision recovery takes longer.
LASIK surgery boasts high satisfaction, with up to 96% of patients achieving their desired vision correction. It offers a quick recovery and the potential for 20/20 vision, surpassing alternatives like PRK or lens implants in recovery speed and efficacy. Success varies by individual factors.

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