Dr Peter Ring summarises the advantages of PRK, LASIK and SMILE
We’ll guide you towards the best vision correction treatment option for your needs and lifestyle

LASIK
LASIK is a precision laser procedure that is 100% blade-free. It can restore vision for people who suffer from myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.
The procedure takes 10-15 minutes, and the recovery is extremely quick.
Thanks to LASIK, over 30 million people worldwide are now experiencing life without glasses or contact lenses.
Due to its success, it continues to be one of the most frequently performed elective surgeries in the world.

SMILE ™
SMILE is an advanced, minimally invasive and flapless procedure. The procedure is performed with a femtosecond laser and is 100% blade-free.
This keyhole technique allows rapid recovery and visual freedom for people who have myopia and astigmatism. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes, and visual recovery is rapid.
SMILE is the most significant advancement in laser eye surgery in the last decade. We are pleased to offer it to our patients.

PRK
PRK is a laser procedure using only an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Unlike LASIK, where we create a flap, PRK instead gently removes the surface cells, exposing the layer underneath, allowing this to be reshaped and corrected.
If your eyes are not well suited to LASIK or SMILE due to thin corneas or previous refractive surgery, then PRK is the preferable option. This procedure still allows you to experience the freedom that comes with vision correction.
Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts
Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.
Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts
Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.
Discover how laser eye surgery gives you visual freedom – free from the restraints of glasses and contacts
There has never been a better time to choose visual freedom!
At Eye Institute, we understand that your eyes are as unique as you are. This is why all our laser surgeries are individually customised, effective and incredibly safe. You can be certain to get the best visual outcome for your eyes.
Our immaculate, state-of-the-art facility offers a world-class suite of the most advanced laser surgery options, including LASIK, SMILE® and PRK.
As the first specialists to introduce Laser Eye Surgery to New Zealand in 1992, we have changed thousands of people’s lives. We continue to lead the way in vision correction with our high level of expertise and dedication to quality. You can expect to receive premium care every step of the way.
SMILE® is a registered trademark of Carl Zeiss Meditec.
Come and meet our eye experts, and take the first step towards changing the way you see the world.
Laser eye surgery, also called laser vision correction, is eye surgery that involves using a laser to change the shape of the surface of your eye (the cornea) to remove any focusing error, just like wearing a pair of glasses contact lenses.
Advantages
- Freedom from glasses or contact lenses
- High success rate
- Treats short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism
- Safe
- Painless procedure
Disadvantages
- Possible dry eye
- Possible under or overcorrection
Dry eye is reasonably common but generally resolves within the first 4-6 weeks of having a procedure, with drops.
Under or overcorrections may need further laser enhancement to refine.
LASIK can involve some flap related problems, which we can resolve.
Laser vision correction options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be
Our industry-leading experts are here to guide you every step of the way

Dr Nick Mantell
MB ChB
Dr Mantell is a specialist in refractive and cataract surgery. He has restored the vision of thousands of people in his 17-year career.

Dr Peter Ring
MBChB
Dr Ring is an expert in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.

Dr Shanu Subbiah
MBChB MRCOphth FRCOphth
Dr Subbiah is a cataract, corneal and laser surgery specialist.

Dr Adam Watson
MB ChB
Dr Watson specialises in treating many aspects of the eye, including the face, eyelids, tear drainage system and the cornea.
Dr Nick Mantell
MB ChB
Dr Mantell is a specialist in cataract surgery. He has restored the vision of over 8,500 people in a 17-year career.
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Dr Peter Ring
MB ChB
Dr Ring is an expert in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.
LEARN MORE
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Dr Shanu Subbiah
MBChB MRCOphth FRCOphth
Dr Subbiah is a cataract, corneal and laser surgery specialist.
LEARN MORE
Dr Adam Watson
MB ChB
Dr Watson specialises in treating many aspects of the eye, including the face, eyelids, tear drainage system and the cornea.
LEARN MORE