Optilase’s FAQ list - all the Laser Eye Surgery questions you want answers to

You’ve finally made your mind up, you’re signing up to the unknown. Saying goodbye forever to your glasses and contacts, and moving over to the wonderful life that Laser Eye Surgery promises. But, there is a but. While you’re not afraid of the procedure, or even some possible side effects, you do have a LOT of questions. Good, you should have! You’re about to undergo surgery that will change your life, and dramatically improve your sight for the better. You should have questions, but the better news? Optilase, Ireland’s premier provider of Laser Eye Surgery, has all the answers.

And here’s why. In the past 20 years Optilase has looked after, and improved the sight of thousands of people across the Island of Ireland. We’ve answered countless questions about the treatment based on our experience and expertise and so we do really have all the answers. And here they are.

How will I know if I am suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?
In short, it’s impossible to really know without visiting us for an initial assessment. Generally though there are a number of factors that may make you unsuitable for laser vision correction - include prescriptions stronger than -10 or +5, or having a squint or a lazy eye. For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is necessary to wait for 6 months postpartum before starting your treatment.

Why Optilase?
If you’re looking for eye surgery but don’t know where’s the best place to get it, look no further. Call us a little biased, but we KNOW that you won’t find a better eye surgery provider than Optilase across the Island of Ireland.

Since 2003 Optilase has been well known as Ireland’s most trusted private eye surgery clinic, performing over 40,000 eye surgeries since its inception in the market - making it a household name that can be trusted.

Our Optilase consultants are among the best in the industry and are expertly qualified to deliver the best possible outcome. Our Consultant Team members are all registered with the Irish Medical Council. We’re proud to offer you the latest techniques for your eye surgery and because we use state-of-the-art equipment, our clinics and the experience and results we deliver, are second to none.

With no hidden costs or upselling, a lot of Optilase patients end up paying less than our published price. And that’s always a plus, especially when you are guaranteed to receive Ireland’s No.1 professional eye surgery experience with great results.

What will happen at my initial assessment?
Your journey with Optilase begins when you attend your initial assessment. One of our Laser Optometrists will meet with you and spend the next hour thoroughly examining and testing your eyes. You will find out if you are a suitable candidate, what treatment will be best for your eyes, and how much exactly it will cost. It’s important to note that you will not be able to drive after your assessment for at least 6-8 hours.

How long does the treatment take?
The laser vision correction itself takes around 7 minutes per eye. Between preparation, treatment and aftercare, you should expect to stay in the clinic for up to 2 hours on the day of your procedure.

Is the treatment painful?
The laser vision correction process itself is painless. Your eye is numbed using anaesthetic drops and you are offered diazepam to reduce anxiety and relax muscle tension. Depending on your treatment type, there can be some discomfort in the days after your treatment but this is generally temporary.

Is the treatment safe?
At Optilase, your safety is our No. 1 priority. We use the most advanced and safest laser technology and all of our Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Laser Optometrists, Laser Technicians and surgery nurses are highly experienced and fully accredited.

Is it long lasting or actually permanent?
Yes, long term follow up studies indicate that after the healing process is complete, eyesight remains stable. Some patients may develop the need for reading glasses as they age but this happens to most adults regardless of whether they get laser vision correction.

How long will I need to take off work?

This depends on the type of Laser Eye Surgery that is best for you. Once your eyes have been assessed we will be able to give you a better idea. It could be as little as 1-2 days or up to 7 days.

Will the surgery make my eyes look different?
No, there is no permanent change in the appearance of your eyes. The day after surgery your eyes should be white and clear. The healing process can take 4-5 days and during this time your eye may appear slightly red at times.

How long will it take for my eyes to heal?
For most of our patients, it takes one or two days for their new improved vision to settle. However, we do advise you to rest your eyes properly for the month following surgery.

What happens after my surgery?
You’ve had your surgery, and now it’s time to relax and let our medical team
explain everything about the aftercare programme. Believe us when we say that at Optilase, you’re in the best hands possible. The team will give you a post-operative information pack containing eye drops and a schedule of when to take them. This will also include our 24 hour patient helpline number should you need any more information.

Am I given any type of guarantee with my treatment?
Yes. Optilase offers a free Lifetime Care Guarantee as part of our ongoing commitment to patients and will provide you with a thorough aftercare programme for the 12 months following your Laser Eye Surgery procedure. Depending on individual cases, this may contain an average of four post-operative appointments to attend throughout the year.

After the first year of check-ups, you’ll be discharged from our aftercare programme, but don’t be a stranger – Optilase’s doors are always open if you’re ever unsure of anything or have any questions regarding the treatment.

Where are the Optilase Clinics located?
Optilase have a number of clinics nationwide on the Island of Ireland. You can find a full list here.

What are your opening hours?
We have flexible opening hours including weekends and late evenings. Please note that the services Optilase offers are deemed to be an essential service to the public and it’s Clinics remain open throughout Lockdown ( Note - This piece was published in Winter 2020)

What makes Optilase Ireland’s No. 1 Private Eye Surgery provider?
Optilase is Ireland’s only eye surgery provider to be rated as five star on both customer and clinical patient review websites. If you come to us for your eye surgery requirements, you’ll absolutely experience Ireland’s No.1 eye surgery care in every sense of the word.

If you’re looking for an eye surgery provider, it’s always good to go with a recommendation . Testement to the patient care and services we provide is the fact that many of our patients come to Optilase after a recommendation from a friend or family member. We have also had a large number of recommendations from GPs, Optometrists, Optical Chains and Ophthalmologists, proving that the experience that you get in Optilase really is thoroughly professional and market leading. And your results will speak for themselves!

Anything else I should know?
Laser Eye Surgery is a truly life changing experience, and if you decide to let Optilase take you on this journey, then we’re sure you’ll never look back. With clinics nationwide and flexible opening hours including weekends and late evenings, including Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork, Optilase’s experienced team will be delighted to welcome you for a free consultation.

We offer the flexibility of appointments at weekends and late evenings because our patients are always at the core of our business, and so we can build your consultation, treatment and after-care around your busy schedule.

Learn more at Ireland’s No.1 Eye Clinic today
Optilase are a proud, family-owned Irish business and are privileged to have some of the world’s leading Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Laser Optometrists and Medical Staff working on the Optilase team, all of whom are focused on providing the very best laser eye treatment available, using the latest and most sophisticated technology.

To date Optilase has performed over 50,000 eye surgeries since its inception in the market - making it a household name across Ireland that can be trusted. The company has Clinics all over Ireland, so no matter where you are across the country, you will have access to a premium Laser Eye Surgery experience. Check out our YouTube channel today for more on this procedure and other services that you may be interested in.

For more information on Optilase and the services we offer call +353 1 223 8821 now - you’ll never regret it and you’ll soon see the difference!

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At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
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Patient Reviews

amnnau
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amnnau
April 3, 2026

Got my PRK surgery with optilase couldnt be happier! I was cared for in each step even post surgery, give me a call or message if you need referral

Amy Phelan
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Amy Phelan
April 2, 2026

Had such an amazing experience with Optilase in Cork. Such a brilliant team, they all made me feel so relaxed and explained everything so well. They reassured me so much on the day of my surgery, and I never felt rushed with any questions. I would highly recommend Optilase to anyone even considering laser eye surgery. I am the most nervous and skeptical person and it’s truly the best thing I ever did, there is honestly nothing to be worried about!! I had zero pain whatsoever and my vision was clear by that evening and 100% perfect the next morning, it’s truly amazing! Wish I got it done years ago. I have so much freedom now without contact lenses or glasses, it’s so hard to believe my vision is fixed!!

Helen Sanfey
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Helen Sanfey
April 2, 2026

My experience has been amazing. Everything was super professional and I was handled with complete care. My vision is perfect now and has changed everything for me.

Chloe Kearney
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Chloe Kearney
March 5, 2026

Had a consultation done today couldn’t fault the team at optilase the were very informative answer all the questions I had very quick and professional would definitely recommend

Barry Neville
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Barry Neville
March 3, 2026

Very professional, and very customer focused

Timmy Kelleher
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Timmy Kelleher
February 18, 2026

I got the refractive lens surgery in December and from my first appointment to the last post op appointment I was looked after with great care, and I would recommend this company to anyone

Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
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Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
February 5, 2026

My glasses has always made me feel self conscious to the point of not wearing them. I had my free consultation for eligibility with Rachel who was helpful and really put me at ease about the entire procedure. Elizabeth in reception was friendly and welcoming throughout each visit helping me set up all my upcoming appointments and fit me in for my surgery to meet my schedule. The day of surgery I was brought upstairs for re-scans. Paul did these and he was extremely kind. He answered all my questions making me feel at ease. After I was then called by Fiona who was assisting Dr. Tom in my surgery. I met Dr. Tom who ran over the procedure and answered questions I had. Fiona then went through the things to be mindful of after surgery showing me the three different eye drops to be taken and then helped me prep for surgery. The surgery itself was so quick. I first laid down on the chair and they dosed my eyes in eye drops which were to stop infections and aesthetic to keep my eyes open. Dr. Tom and the team began. It was such a quick painless procedure I couldn’t believe it was finished so quick. Already getting up I felt I could see better although a little fuzzy. Fiona guided me to the dark area of the reception while I waited to go home. The girls in reception had already called my dad and he was on the way. Sitting there I could already read the signs on the wall (I couldn’t when I had come in). Paul and Fiona came and sat with me for a second in reception asking me how I was and how I got on which was so nice of them. My dad collected me and I put my sunglasses on. It was a sunny day and I’m going to be honest the car ride home for me was the hardest part. Fiona told me my eyes would become heavy when the eye drops wore off. I felt the light from the sun in the car ride home was harsh on my eyes and my eyes stung. This was instantly relieved when I got home and went to my room which was in complete darkness. The first two hours my eyes were a little sore and stingy. Then this all faded very quick. No stinging. No pain. Nothing. All great. My eyes improving more and more as the day went on. I was nervous about the eye drops but set them up on my table with an alarm and it’s so easy to just pop them in. My eyes were quite red with two red dots on each side. I rested up for the evening and I wore my dark glasses they provided for a lot of the evening to really rest my eyes and by that night my vision was very sharp it was amazing. I slept very well with my eye mask and not once did I have to take painkillers. My follow up appointment was with Michaela who was lovely and stated I have 20/20 vision and my eyes look good. She also said the redness is 100% normal and is just bruising of the eye from the suction. My experience has been amazing. I honestly can’t thank the staff enough. Each and every one of them were so nice and welcoming and the liking to answer all my questions. If you have any doubts at all; I wouldn’t. Get it done if you can. I wish I got it done sooner. Any questions or using a refer a friend find me on fb or instagram with the name above 😊

Laurence Lee
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Laurence Lee
November 25, 2025

It was the best decision I ever made,I can see better now than I ever did.

Teddy Sheehan
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Teddy Sheehan
November 20, 2025

Finished LASIK eye surgery yesterday. Unbelievable how crystal clear next day was. Bit nervous on day, but staff put me right at ease. Very professional, Clean, fast. Definitely should got it done years ago..

Lazer
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Lazer
November 19, 2025

I recently had my LASIK eye surgery done at Optilase and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel completely at ease. A special mention goes to Optometrist Dan, who was incredibly professional, patient, and reassuring throughout the whole process. Dan explained every step clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt confident before and after the procedure. The surgery itself was quick and comfortable, and my vision improvement has been amazing. I highly recommend Optilase and especially Dan for anyone considering LASIK. Excellent service, fantastic results, and a team you can truly trust.

manon Clairbaux
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manon Clairbaux
November 18, 2025

Nice and helpful team !

Endija Ozolina
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Endija Ozolina
November 13, 2025

From the day 1 I felt I was important client ! Carrickmines clinic is sooo clean & neat in every way On the day of the surgery I felt even more cared for and soothed while being a VERY anxious customer the staff & surgeon made me calm and also advised on a better future treatment then initially was thought , which I though was wonderful and showed they care Small downside 🫤 can’t reach directly clinic but when call the number given it’s going to main customer care ( which is also very helpful) But the reason for that is that they work the load between the clinics , which is understandable Overall , even if you’re the most scared person to do this - please TRUST you feel no pain and the gain is fare more worth, then few pre-stressful moments And the actual procedure is honestly less then 10 min

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