SMILE corrects short-sight and astigmatism through a tiny keyhole incision, without creating a corneal flap, correcting your focusing so you rely less on glasses or contact lenses.
What is SMILE?
SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (a lenticule) within the cornea, which is removed through a tiny 2 to 4 mm incision to reshape the eye. Because there is no corneal flap, it is minimally invasive.
Who is SMILE suitable for?
SMILE is well suited to people with short-sight (myopia), with or without astigmatism, and is popular with those in active or contact-sport lifestyles or who are prone to dry eye. It does not currently treat long-sight. A full assessment confirms whether your prescription and corneas are suitable.
Recovery after SMILE
Vision usually improves over a few days as the small incision heals, with less post-operative dryness than flap-based laser for many people. Most return to normal activities within a few days.
SMILE cost
Precision Vision London lists SMILE from £2,550 per eye, or from £5,100 for both eyes (our arithmetic: it says to double the per-eye price), and says every price is all-inclusive — the consultation and diagnostics, the procedure, medications, protective eyewear, 12 months of follow-ups and any enhancement within the first year. It performs SMILE on the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser, and Dr Radwan Almousa carries out the procedure. Precision Vision London’s laser consultation is free, with a £100 holding fee refunded when you attend and meet its eligibility checks. Other clinics set their own prices. See our SMILE cost guide for the full breakdown and our London laser eye surgery cost page for the clinic, at 22A Harley Street.
Source: Precision Vision London pricing page, read 23 October 2026; its consultants’ corrections of 15 and 16 October 2026.
Not sure whether SMILE or a lens-based option is right for you?
The lens-based alternative if you are over 45
Laser reshapes the cornea and does not stop age-related focusing loss (presbyopia) or future cataracts. If you are over 45, refractive lens exchange replaces the natural lens with a multifocal implant — correcting distance, intermediate and near vision and preventing future cataracts. Sapphire Eye Care, the clinic group we work with across the south of England, lists refractive lens exchange from £4,300 per eye; Precision Vision London lists it from £3,150 per eye. Compare lens replacement (RLE).