Quick answer
LASIK in China typically costs $1,100–$1,800 per eye — about $2,200–$3,600 for both eyes, roughly half of US pricing. Quotes in China are always given per eye, so compare like with like when you read a price. Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in Guangzhou ranks #1 in China for ophthalmology and performs 20,000+ refractive surgeries a year; Beijing Tongren Hospital ranks #2. Surgery is a same-day outpatient procedure, and a typical trip covers evaluation, surgery and a first follow-up in 5–7 days.
Who this is for
Typically a good fit if
- Age 18 or over with a stable prescription — a change of less than 0.50D in the past 12 months
- Myopia roughly -1.00D to -12.00D, hyperopia +1.00D to +6.00D, or astigmatism up to ±6.00D
- Corneal thickness adequate for the planned procedure — most centres look for 480–500μm or more
- No active eye disease, corneal scarring or severe dry eye
- Able to stay in China for 5–7 days and attend a first follow-up before flying home
May not be suitable if
- Under 18, or a prescription that is still changing
- Very high myopia or thin corneas — ICL or another approach is usually assessed instead
- Severe dry eye, active eye infection or corneal scarring
- Pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of surgery
- Unable to avoid swimming, contact sports or eye rubbing in the first weeks of recovery
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes corneal topography, pachymetry and refraction to confirm candidacy.
Treatment Options
Treatment includes LASIK, SMILE and other laser vision correction techniques, typically as a same-day outpatient procedure.
What the Treatment Involves
- Arrival and assessmentDay 1Hotel check-in, initial consultation and the full scan set — manifest refraction, corneal topography and tomography, pachymetry, pupil measurement, dry-eye assessment and a dilated fundus exam.
- Surgeon evaluation and consentDay 2–3The surgeon reviews your scans, confirms candidacy, agrees which technique suits your eyes, and takes surgical consent.
- SurgeryDay 2–3Both eyes are typically treated in one session as a same-day outpatient procedure under topical anaesthetic drops. No general anaesthetic and no overnight hospital stay.
- First follow-up and travel clearanceDay 4The surgeon checks flap or lenticule position and the corneal surface. Most surgeons prefer 2–3 days of observation before you fly.
- Early recoveryDays 2–7Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, sunglasses outdoors. No eye make-up, swimming, eye rubbing or contact sports.
- Return to functional visionWeeks 2–4Most patients reach functional vision for driving and work. Drop frequency is gradually reduced and dry eye is monitored.
- StabilisationMonths 3–6Vision stabilises and the final prescription is confirmed. Any enhancement is evaluated, and care is handed back to your own ophthalmologist at home.
Typical Costs in China
Prices are reference ranges; final quotes come from the hospital after case review.
What Each Hospital Charges
| Hospital | LASIK (per eye) | SMILE (per eye) | PRK (per eye) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University | $1,100–$1,500 | $2,150–$2,700 | $900–$1,300 |
| Beijing Tongren Hospital | $1,400–$1,800 | $2,500–$3,000 | $1,100–$1,500 |
| Aier Eye Hospital Group | $1,100–$1,500 | $2,200–$2,800 | $950–$1,300 |
Indicative ranges for international self-pay patients, shown per eye, including standard pre-operative evaluation and initial follow-up. Surgeon seniority, prescription complexity and laser platform affect the final quote — always request a written itemised quote before committing.
Top Hospitals for LASIK & Vision Correction
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does LASIK cost in China?
Quotes in China are per eye. LASIK typically runs $1,100–$1,800 per eye — about $2,200–$3,600 for both eyes — versus $4,000+ for both eyes in the US. SMILE generally costs more at $2,200–$2,800 per eye, and PRK less at $950–$1,300 per eye. The final quote depends on the hospital, surgeon seniority and the laser platform.
Which hospital is best for LASIK in China?
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou ranks #1 in China for ophthalmology in the Fudan Hospital Specialty Reputation Ranking and performs 20,000+ refractive surgeries a year. Beijing Tongren Hospital ranks #2 and is the leading option in the north.
How long do I need to stay in China for LASIK?
Plan for 5–7 days in a single trip: assessment and scans on day 1, surgery on day 2–3, and a first follow-up with travel clearance on day 4. Flying within 24 hours of surgery is discouraged, and most surgeons prefer 2–3 days of observation first.
Am I a suitable candidate for LASIK?
Most Chinese eye hospitals look for age 18 or over with a prescription stable for 12 months, myopia of roughly -1.00D to -12.00D, adequate corneal thickness (typically 480–500μm or more), and no active eye disease or severe dry eye. Candidacy is confirmed by a pre-operative assessment that takes 2–3 hours.
Can I fly home after LASIK in China?
Yes, once your surgeon clears you. Flying within 24 hours of the procedure is generally discouraged — most surgeons prefer 2–3 days of observation and a first follow-up before you travel.
What is the difference between LASIK, SMILE and PRK?
LASIK creates a corneal flap with a femtosecond laser and reshapes the cornea underneath; SMILE removes a thin lenticule through a 2–4mm incision, which means no flap and less dry eye; PRK is surface ablation with no flap at all, preferred for thin corneas. Your corneal thickness, prescription and dry-eye status decide which is suitable.
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