Services
LASIK Eye Surgery Melbourne
Expert LASIK assessment in Melbourne's northern suburbs with Dr Ross MacIntyre. Pre- and post-operative care at our Bundoora consulting rooms; surgery performed at a conveniently located laser surgical suite.
LASIK in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs
For patients in Bundoora, Epping, Greensborough, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Mill Park, South Morang, and Whittlesea looking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses, Northern Eye Consultants offers comprehensive LASIK assessment, and all pre- and post-operative care, at our consulting rooms within Northpark Hospital, Bundoora. Surgery is performed at a conveniently located laser surgical suite.
LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most commonly performed elective surgical procedures in the world, with an outstanding safety record and a high rate of patient satisfaction. It permanently reshapes the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — using an excimer laser to correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. Most patients achieve 6/6 vision or better and notice dramatically improved vision within 24 to 48 hours of surgery.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK, and identifying this at a thorough pre-operative assessment is essential for patient safety and optimal outcomes. Dr MacIntyre assesses each patient individually and recommends the procedure — or alternative — that best matches their anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle.
Your LASIK Specialist — Dr Ross MacIntyre
Refractive surgery assessments and procedures at Northern Eye Consultants are performed by Dr Ross MacIntyre, a specialist ophthalmologist with subspecialty fellowship training in corneal and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, one of the world's leading ophthalmology training centres.
Dr MacIntyre is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO) and a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a staff specialist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where he trains registrars and fellows and provides public eye care. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of corneal and refractive surgery, including LASIK, PRK, SMILE, phakic IOL implantation, refractive lens exchange, and corneal transplantation.
Patients from across Melbourne's northern suburbs — including Bundoora, Greensborough, Epping, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Hurstbridge, Thomastown, and Mernda — are welcome to attend for a refractive surgery assessment.
The LASIK Procedure
In LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates a thin, hinged flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap is lifted, and an excimer laser precisely reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the refractive error. The flap is then carefully repositioned, where it adheres naturally without sutures. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye and is performed under topical anaesthetic eye drops.
Recovery is rapid — most patients notice significantly improved vision within the first day and can return to desk work within two to three days. Final vision stabilises within the first few weeks.
For patients who are not suitable for LASIK, Dr MacIntyre offers a full range of alternatives including PRK (surface laser, no flap), SMILE (fully flapless femtosecond laser), and lens-based procedures including phakic IOL and refractive lens exchange.
Pre-Operative Assessment
No laser eye surgery should be performed without a thorough pre-operative assessment. At Northern Eye Consultants, this includes corneal topography and tomography (detailed corneal mapping to screen for keratoconus and other ectatic conditions), corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry), dry eye evaluation, wavefront aberrometry, pupil size measurement under dim light, and a full dilated eye examination.
If you wear contact lenses, you will need to stop wearing them before your assessment — soft lenses for at least one week, and rigid gas-permeable lenses for four or more weeks — as contact lenses can temporarily alter corneal shape and affect measurements.
A referral from your GP or optometrist is required to attend for a specialist refractive surgery assessment. For further information, visit our Refractive Surgery page or contact our rooms on 03 9466 8822.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I suitable for LASIK eye surgery in Melbourne?
To be suitable for LASIK, you generally need to be 21 or older, have a stable prescription for at least 12 months, adequate corneal thickness, and no corneal disease such as keratoconus or significant dry eye. A comprehensive pre-operative assessment with Dr MacIntyre — including corneal topography, pachymetry, and wavefront analysis — is required to determine your individual suitability.
How much does LASIK cost in Melbourne?
LASIK is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia. Costs vary depending on the technology used and the degree of prescription correction required. The pre-operative assessment consultation may attract a Medicare rebate. Dr MacIntyre will provide a full fee estimate at your assessment appointment.
What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE?
LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser, then reshaping the underlying cornea with an excimer laser. SMILE is a newer, fully flapless procedure where a small disc of corneal tissue is removed through a tiny incision. SMILE may suit patients with dry eye or contact sport requirements, while LASIK offers a slightly faster visual recovery. Both produce excellent results; Dr MacIntyre will recommend the most appropriate option based on your eye measurements.
What if I am not suitable for LASIK?
Not every patient is suitable for LASIK, and this is identified at the pre-operative assessment. Excellent alternatives include PRK (surface laser treatment, preferred for thinner corneas or contact sport athletes), SMILE (flapless laser correction for myopia and astigmatism), phakic IOL implantation (for high prescriptions or thin corneas), or Refractive Lens Exchange (ideal for patients over 45 with presbyopia). Dr MacIntyre will discuss all appropriate options with you.
Ready to Explore LASIK?
Contact Northern Eye Consultants to arrange a refractive surgery assessment with Dr MacIntyre. A referral from your GP or optometrist is required.