Laser Eye Surgery - where to start and what you need to know...

Procrastination is something that many of us suffer from - whether it’s something you do before going to the dentist, having a minor procedure looked after or suffer from before taking the final steps to start something life changing like Laser Eye Surgery, you’re in good company. But when it comes to your sight, there really is no excuse to suffer with glasses, contacts and bad sight - what if now was the time to stop thinking, research more and finally make up your mind one way or the other? Optilase are Ireland’s No.1 Private Eye Clinic, and for the past 20 years they have been the most trusted eye surgery provider in Ireland.

Has Lockdown made you notice just how bad your sight is, or yearn more for a lifestyle free of glasses, contacts and constant care that comes with bad vision? The team at Optilase have unsurprisingly seen a surge in the number of potential patients calling to find out more about Laser Eye Surgery during Lockdown as people might have a little more time on their hands to think about essential services like Laser Eye Surgery. So if you’re interested in booking a free consultation with their team, or have thought about having the treatment soon, there really is no time like the present. Call the team at Optilase today!

And as the most trusted private clinic network in Ireland, it’s fair to say that they know a thing or two about how Laser Eye Surgery could really change your life.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about the popular procedure and find out if you might be ready for the positive change that Laser Eye Surgery will have on your sight and on your life in general, then read on. Optilase has all the info you need on where to start and on what you need to know.

Start at the start - what you need to know about Laser Eye Surgery
More than a little hesitant about the surgery? Don’t be, with more than 20,000 people in Ireland and the UK opting for Laser Eye Surgery each year and 30 million people around the world successfully treated, it’s one of the most common elective medical procedures.

So just what is the procedure, and when might you need it? Well, Laser Eye Surgery can be used to correct reading impairments in ageing eyes – a condition known as presbyopia. It can also be used to treat long-sightedness, short-sightedness, and astigmatism. Anybody over the age of 18 is a potential candidate for treatment and there is no upper age limit. In fact, there have been patients in their 90s who have been successfully treated. It really is a very effective surgery as 20/20 vision is attainable after your procedure - so is there a catch? Well the answer is no, but you do need to be a suitable candidate. But don’t fret - while it’s true that not everybody is suitable for Laser Eye Surgery, around 80% of consultations for the surgery are successful, which is very encouraging. So what are you waiting for? Now’s the time to find out more!

Before and after your surgery
It’s only natural to have some concerns going into any type of surgery, but let us reassure you that you are in the best hands possible when you have your Laser Eye Surgery with Optilase.

A good way to alleviate any pre-surgery jitters is always to determine what part of the journey makes you feel the most anxious, something that you can discuss when you come to Optilase for your free consultation.

But what exactly happens at your free consultation? Well first of all it’s a chance for you to address any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure, but also a great chance for you to get to know the team who will be looking after you and get a little more comfortable as you learn more about the process. A Laser Optometrist will carry out a series of eye examinations to determine your suitability, and then will explain in detail the processes involved, answering any questions you may have. The whole assessment takes about one hour to complete.

The team at Optilase want every patient to feel prepared and knowledgeable about their procedure after the consultation, but don’t worry if you have any further questions you can have a chat with your surgeon at the next meeting which is the pre-operative consultation.

After meeting with your Surgeon - you are ready to go. Worried about a long and complicated surgery? Don’t be. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out that it usually takes an Ophthalmic surgeon about three to five minutes to treat each eye, depending on the treatment method selected. Optilase’s highly trained surgeons use the industry's leading technology, ensuring a fast procedure in the hands of some of the World’s best eyecare teams.

But just what can you expect after surgery? Phillip McGlade, CEO of Optilase tells us, first of all not to worry about the appearance of your eyes after surgery, ‘It’s a common known myth that the appearance of your eyes can be different after surgery. This isn’t the case. The day after surgery your eyes should be white and clear and overall the healing process can take 4-5 days - during this time your eye may appear slightly red at times, but don't let that alarm you it’s perfectly normal and is only temporary.’

But what can you expect next - and just what can you do to help your sight in terms of aftercare? Phillip says that it’s important to let your eyes settle for up to a month after surgery, ‘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. Good aftercare is vital but don’t worry, our medical team will explain everything about our 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.

The Optilase Lifetime Care Guarantee
Lifetime Care Guarantee is something that money can’t buy. It’s peace of mind, and continuous care all rolled into one. Optilase offers a free Lifetime Care Guarantee as part of their 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 your treatment.

Learn more at Ireland’s No.1 Eye Clinic today
If you’re looking for eye surgery but don’t know where’s the best place to get it, look no further. With years of experience, treating thousands of patients across Ireland, we’re certain 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’s not only well known, but is also well thought of and trusted.

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.

And as the leading Laser Eye Surgery providers in Ireland, they will have all of the answers to the questions you may have.

Get in touch with the team in Optilase today
Optilase has Clinics, all over the Island of Ireland, including four Clinics in Northern Ireland.
For more information on Optilase and to book your free consultation +353 1 223 8821 now, and we promise - it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!

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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

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

Paula Kenneally
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Paula Kenneally
November 12, 2025

I recently got laser eye surgery. What a difference it has made! Dan O Brien was absolutely excellent. He was incredibly helpful and insightful. He took the time to explain everything thoroughly and patiently answered all of my questions, which really put me at ease. I felt very well looked after throughout the whole process. Highly recommend!

Pamela Patton
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Pamela Patton
November 12, 2025

My experience of Optilase has been incredible. Such a life changing experience. From the initial consultation through to the surgery and follow up appointments I was so impressed with the level of care and attention to detail. Every step was carefully explained, I felt at ease the whole time and so excited about the process and end result. Walking into the post op appointment the following morning and having better than 20/20 vision has only ever been a dream for me. The team in Optilase made this possible for which I am very thankful. Freedom from glasses and contact lenses has transformed my life!

Bridgena Coll
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Bridgena Coll
November 12, 2025

Excellent staff and service 100%

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