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LASIK Cost in Singapore: Price Ranges & What Affects It

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LASIK Cost in Singapore

Quick answer. In 2026, LASIK in Singapore typically costs around S$3,000-S$5,000 for both eyes at private clinics, with public hospitals (SNEC, NUH, TTSH) often lower at roughly S$2,000-S$3,600. Bladeless/Femto-LASIK sits at the upper end of LASIK pricing, ReLEx SMILE is usually pricier at about S$5,000-S$6,000, and ICL (an implant, not laser) is the most expensive at roughly S$7,000-S$16,000 for both eyes. Note: LASIK and other refractive surgery for short-sightedness are classified by MOH as elective/cosmetic, so MediSave generally cannot be used (with limited medically-necessary exceptions). This is general information, not medical advice.

Laser vision correction is one of the most common elective eye procedures in Singapore, but quoted prices range widely depending on the technology, the surgeon, and what each “package” actually includes. Below is a plain-English look at typical 2026 market ranges for the main procedures, what drives the price up or down, and the important fact that LASIK is generally not claimable from MediSave.

At a glance

Typical 2026 Singapore refractive surgery costs (both eyes; private clinics unless noted). Prices vary by clinic, surgeon and technology.
Procedure Typical cost (both eyes) Notes
Surface ablation (PRK / TransPRK / Epi-LASIK) ~S$3,500-S$4,600 Flapless; longer recovery than LASIK
Standard / advanced LASIK ~S$3,500-S$4,500 Flap-based laser correction
Bladeless / Femto-LASIK ~S$4,000-S$5,400 Laser-created flap; upper end of LASIK
ReLEx SMILE / SMILE Pro ~S$5,300-S$6,000 Flapless keyhole laser; generally pricier
ICL (implantable lens) ~S$7,000-S$16,000 Not laser; for high Rx or thin corneas; tiered by strength
Public hospital LASIK (SNEC / NUH / TTSH) ~S$2,000-S$3,600 Often lower than private clinics
Enhancement / re-treatment from ~S$1,800 per eye May be free within a package window

Typical LASIK price ranges in Singapore (2026)

Prices are usually quoted for both eyes, and most private clinics bundle the surgery, basic tests and standard follow-up reviews into a single package figure. As a rough guide for 2026:

  • Standard / advanced surface ablation (PRK, TransPRK, Epi-LASIK): about S$3,500–S$4,600 for both eyes at private clinics.
  • Bladeless / Femto-LASIK (flap created by laser instead of a blade): about S$4,000–S$5,400 for both eyes; the most popular flap-based option, at the upper end of LASIK pricing.
  • Public hospitals (SNEC, NUH, TTSH): often more affordable, roughly S$2,000–S$3,600 for both eyes depending on the procedure and institution.

Actual prices vary by clinic, surgeon seniority and the specific laser platform used, so always confirm a written quote after your suitability assessment.

How SMILE and ICL compare on price

Beyond conventional LASIK, two newer options are commonly discussed:

  • ReLEx SMILE / SMILE Pro is a flapless, keyhole laser technique. It is generally more expensive than LASIK, typically around S$5,300–S$6,000 for both eyes at private clinics.
  • ICL (Implantable Collamer/Contact Lens) is not a laser procedure at all — it places a permanent lens inside the eye and is often used for very high prescriptions or thin corneas where laser is unsuitable. It is the priciest option, broadly S$7,000–S$16,000 for both eyes, with the lens, anaesthesia, surgeon and medication fees usually bundled in.

A higher price does not automatically mean a better result for you — the right procedure depends on your eyes, not your budget.

What drives the price up or down

The spread between a S$3,000 and a S$6,000 quote usually comes down to a mix of:

  • Technology / laser platform: bladeless and SMILE generally cost more than surface ablation.
  • Surgeon experience and seniority: more senior or sub-specialised surgeons often charge more.
  • Pre-operative testing: corneal mapping, dry-eye and suitability assessments. Some clinics charge a separate suitability/evaluation fee (commonly around S$50–S$200) that may be waived or credited if you proceed.
  • Post-operative care: number of follow-up reviews and medications included.
  • Prescription strength and complexity: high myopia or astigmatism can shift you into a higher-priced tier (especially for ICL).

What's in the package vs add-on costs

Most private clinics quote an all-in package, but it pays to ask exactly what is and isn’t covered. Items often included: the surgery itself, standard pre-op tests, post-op medications (antibiotic, steroid and lubricating drops) and a set number of follow-up visits. Items that may be separate or extra:

  • The initial suitability evaluation or detailed screening fee.
  • Enhancement / re-treatment surgery if a top-up is needed later (this can run into four figures per eye, though some packages include a free enhancement window).
  • Additional consultations beyond the included reviews.

When comparing clinics, compare the total cost on the same basis, not just the headline figure.

Can you use MediSave or insurance?

For most people seeking LASIK to reduce short-sightedness, the answer is no. The Ministry of Health classifies laser vision correction for myopia as an elective/cosmetic procedure because the condition can be managed with spectacles or contact lenses — so MediSave generally cannot be used to pay for it.

Limited medically-necessary exceptions may exist — for example a large refractive imbalance between the two eyes, or genuine intolerance of glasses and contact lenses — where eligibility is assessed by a doctor. Most private insurance also excludes elective LASIK; check your specific policy. Because it is usually paid out of pocket, many clinics offer 0% instalment plans over 6–12 months.

Cost vs other refractive options

It helps to weigh upfront cost against the alternatives over time. Spectacles and contact lenses are cheaper to start but recur indefinitely; refractive surgery is a larger one-off cost. Among the surgical options, surface ablation and standard LASIK are the most affordable, bladeless LASIK and SMILE cost more, and ICL is the most expensive but can serve patients who aren’t laser candidates. The cheapest procedure is not automatically the best choice — suitability and surgeon matter more than price, and only a proper clinical assessment can tell you which option (if any) is right for your eyes.

Related guides

Sources

Last updated 21 June 2026. Prices are typical market ranges gathered from the cited sources and vary by clinic, doctor and individual case — they are not quotes. This guide is general information, not medical advice; always consult a qualified, MOH-accredited doctor before any treatment.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does LASIK cost in Singapore in 2026?

For both eyes, private-clinic LASIK typically runs about S$3,000-S$5,400, with bladeless/Femto-LASIK at the higher end. Public hospitals are often cheaper at roughly S$2,000-S$3,600. Final pricing depends on the clinic, surgeon and technology, so get a written quote after your assessment.

Why is SMILE more expensive than LASIK?

ReLEx SMILE is a newer flapless laser technique using a specific platform, and is usually priced higher than conventional LASIK - commonly around S$5,300-S$6,000 for both eyes. Whether it's worth the difference depends on your eyes and your surgeon's recommendation, not just the price.

Can I use MediSave for LASIK?

Generally no. MOH classifies LASIK for short-sightedness as elective/cosmetic since it can be managed with glasses or contacts, so MediSave usually cannot be used. Limited medically-necessary exceptions (such as a large difference between the two eyes or genuine intolerance of glasses and contacts) may be assessed by a doctor.

What's usually included in a LASIK package?

Most packages include the surgery, standard pre-op tests, post-op eye drops and a set number of follow-up reviews. The initial suitability evaluation, later enhancement surgery, and extra consultations may be charged separately, so confirm exactly what your quote covers.

Is the cheapest LASIK the best choice?

Not necessarily. The most suitable procedure depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and eye health, and the surgeon's skill matters a great deal. Choose based on a proper clinical assessment and surgeon experience rather than price alone.