LASIK & SMILE Eye Surgery in China — World-Class Vision, Half the Cost
Precision laser vision correction at major Chinese ophthalmic centers. Board-certified surgeons, latest Zeiss/Alcon platforms, and 50-70% savings.
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Laser Vision Procedures
The right technique depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, and lifestyle — our surgeons match you to the ideal procedure.
SMILE
Minimally invasive 3mm incision using a femtosecond laser — no flap, faster recovery, ideal for active lifestyles and dry-eye sufferers.
Femto-LASIK
All-laser LASIK using a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, followed by excimer reshaping. Rapid visual recovery within hours.
PRK / TransPRK
Surface ablation option for thinner corneas or patients in contact sports / military roles. Slightly longer recovery but excellent long-term stability.
ICL (Implantable Lens)
For very high myopia or thin corneas: a biocompatible lens is placed behind the iris. Fully reversible and preserves corneal tissue.

A Short, Well-Supported Trip
- Day 1 — Comprehensive eye exam, pachymetry, corneal topography.
- Day 2 — Surgery (10-15 min per eye), short observation.
- Day 3 — Follow-up exam with your surgeon.
- Day 4+ — Fly home; remote follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months.
See the World Clearly — Starting Next Month
Send us your current prescription and we’ll return a preliminary candidacy assessment and itemised quote within 24 hours.
Start Your AssessmentLASIK & Vision Correction in China: what international patients should know
Last updated:
Quick answer
LASIK, femto-LASIK, SMILE and ICL lens implants are all available in China, often within large hospital eye departments. Most patients need five to seven days in the country, covering a full pre-operative eye exam, the procedure and follow-up checks. Suitability depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and shape, which a surgeon must measure.
Typically a good fit if
- Your prescription has been stable for at least a year.
- You are over 18 and have healthy eyes with no active infection or inflammation.
- You want an all-inclusive package that bundles the pre-operative workup and follow-up visits.
- You can stay five to seven days for the exam, procedure and early checks.
May not be suitable if
- Your corneas are too thin or show signs of keratoconus. In some cases, ICL is an alternative; your surgeon decides.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have uncontrolled autoimmune disease or severe dry eye.
- Your prescription is still changing.
- You expect guaranteed 20/20 vision. Results vary between individuals.
How it works, step by step
- 1Send your prescription
Your latest glasses or contact lens prescription and any previous eye history.
- 2Full pre-operative exam
Corneal topography, thickness, dilated exam and other tests to confirm candidacy and choose a procedure.
- 3Procedure
SMILE, femto-LASIK or ICL, usually done in a day, with each eye taking minutes.
- 4Early follow-up
Checks at around day one and between day five and seven before you fly home.
- 5Records for home
A copy of your surgical record and laser settings, plus follow-up at one, three and six months with your local eye doctor.
Typical costs
| Procedure | China | United States |
|---|---|---|
| SMILE (both eyes) | $2,000 – $3,200 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| ICL lens implant (both eyes) | $4,500 – $6,500 | $8,000 – $10,000 |
Femto-LASIK in China typically costs $1,500 – $2,600 for both eyes. Compare itemised quotes, since some providers price lasers, drops and follow-up separately.
Reference ranges for planning only, in USD. Final quotes are issued by the treating hospital after reviewing your records, and depend on your diagnosis, procedure, room type and length of stay. See also our pricing overview.
Hospitals to look at
Runs a high-volume LASIK program, described in our news coverage
Major ophthalmology department
Specialist eye hospital
Large eye-care network
Listed for general information about each hospital's published strengths. Inclusion is not a partnership, endorsement or referral claim, and availability must be confirmed with the hospital for your case.
Questions to ask your care team
- Am I a better candidate for SMILE, LASIK or ICL, and why?
- Will the surgeon who examines me also operate?
- What is included in the price: workup, follow-up visits, enhancements, drops?
- What is your enhancement policy if I need a touch-up?
- How do I get my full surgical records?
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to stay for LASIK or SMILE in China?
Plan five to seven days: a full exam on arrival, the procedure, and checks at around day one and between day five and seven. ICL patients sometimes need a day or two longer if each eye is done on a different day.
Can I fly home right after eye surgery?
Flying within 24 to 48 hours is generally considered safe, but it is better to wait for your day five to seven check. Cabin air is very dry, so bring preservative-free artificial tears.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
Neither is universally better. SMILE uses a small incision instead of a flap, and LASIK can treat a wider range of prescriptions. A good surgeon chooses based on your measurements.
What if I need an enhancement later?
A small number of patients need a touch-up. Ask for the enhancement policy in writing, and keep your full surgical records.
Sources and further reading
- National Eye Institute: Refractive errors
- LASIK in China vs Korea vs Japan
- Q&A with a LASIK surgeon
- A hospital LASIK program for students
General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. SinomedTrip coordinates appointments and travel; licensed hospitals and clinicians make all medical decisions.




