Laser Eye Surgery| Dr Brendan Cronin

Dr Brendan Cronin is a highly experienced ophthalmologist in Brisbane, specialising in laser eye surgery and advanced vision correction options. With years of expertise, Dr Cronin offers patients access to the latest laser eye surgery procedures, including LASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange, and Implantable Contact Lenses. All procedures are performed at Focus Vision, located at 87 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane — a clinic known for its state-of-the-art technology and personalised care.

Whether you are tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, struggle with blurred vision, or want long-term freedom from corrective eyewear, Dr Cronin provides safe and effective solutions tailored to your eyes.

A woman wearing a bikini and blue snorkel mask smiles while swimming in clear, bright blue water. Thanks to vision correction, her arms are outstretched as she floats on the surface, enjoying the sunny day.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a precise medical procedure designed to correct common vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The most popular form of laser refractive surgery is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis).

The LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea so that light rays focus correctly onto the retina, producing sharp, clear vision. A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap, while a computer-controlled excimer laser gently reshapes the underlying tissue to correct refractive errors. The process is quick, pain-free, and typically requires only local anaesthetic eye drops.

Laser eye surgery is FREEDOM to do what you want, where you want, without glasses or contact lenses.

Take The Suitability Test!

Laser Suitability Quiz

A close-up of a blue eye with long, curled eyelashes looking upward against a white background, showcasing fair skin and well-defined lashes—ideal for illustrating LASIK or vision correction options.

Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

Choosing laser vision correction offers numerous benefits for patients who want to reduce or eliminate their dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Some of the key advantages include:

Clear, natural vision without the need for spectacles
A fast healing process, with most patients resuming normal activities within days
High success rates for correcting poor vision and impaired vision
Long-lasting results with minimal need for further surgery
The ability to return to activities such as driving, sports, or work without visual limitations

For patients seeking freedom from visual aids, laser surgery offers a reliable and permanent solution.

Laser eye surgery means no longer having to buy glasses or contact lenses.

Different Vision Correction Options Available in Brisbane

At Focus Vision, Dr. Cronin offers a wide range of vision correction options tailored to various eye conditions and individual patient needs. These include:

LASIK Surgery:

The most well-known type of laser eye treatment uses a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser for precise reshaping of the cornea. Suitable for patients with a stable prescription for glasses and otherwise healthy eyes.

TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy):

A no-flap technique that removes the corneal surface layer using a laser beam. It is ideal for patients with thin corneas or those who play contact sports, as it avoids corneal incisions and flap-related complications.

CLEAR (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):

Also known as SMILE, this minimally invasive method uses a keyhole surgery approach with a small incision to remove a tiny piece of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea. It is less invasive, preserves the underlying tissue, and allows for rapid recovery.

Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL):

Sometimes called implantable contact lenses, ICL surgery places a thin, biocompatible lens behind the iris without altering the cornea. It is ideal for patients unsuitable for LASIK, particularly those with high prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eyes.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is like Cataract Surgery:

Similar to cataract surgery, this procedure replaces the natural lens with a premium intraocular lens (IOL). RLE is often recommended for patients over 50 who want to correct both distance and near vision, reducing the need for reading glasses.

These advanced vision correction procedures offer tailored solutions for patients, tailored to their age, lifestyle, and visual needs.

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The LASIK Procedure Explained

The LASIK laser eye surgery procedure is quick and effective. The steps include:

Application of local anaesthetic eye drops to ensure comfort during the surgical procedure
Use of a femtosecond laser to create a thin corneal flap
Gentle reshaping of the cornea with a computer-controlled excimer laser
Replacement of the flap without stitches, allowing natural healing
Scheduling of a follow-up appointment to monitor recovery

Thanks to precision technology, the procedure is extremely safe, with high success rates in correcting blurry vision and enabling patients to see both distant and near vision objects clearly.

Advanced Technology for Precise Results

Dr Cronin uses the latest generation of laser eye treatment technology at Focus Vision. The combination of the Alcon Wavelight Plus systems ensures precise correction of even the smallest visual imperfections.

This technology provides multiple benefits, including:

Safer outcomes with less risk of damaging underlying tissue
Reduced side effects such as glare or halos
Faster recovery and clearer vision for most patients
Improved accuracy in correcting poor vision, impaired vision, and blurry vision

Because of this advanced equipment, Dr. Cronin can treat a wider range of patients and achieve excellent vision outcomes.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

Not everyone is eligible for laser surgery. Suitability depends on your medical history, eye health, and lifestyle needs. Key factors include:

A stable glasses prescription for at least 12 months, preferably 24 months.
You must be over 18 years of age.
Good overall eye health with no untreated cataract surgery or corneal disease
Willingness to follow the aftercare plan, including anti-inflammatory eye drops and follow up appointments
Ability to safely resume activities such as driving or playing contact sports once recovery is complete

Patients with certain conditions may require alternative procedures such as ICLs or RLE. Dr Cronin conducts a thorough eye assessment before recommending the best vision correction options.

Cost of Laser Eye Surgery in Brisbane

The cost of laser refractive surgery and lens surgery should be simple, open and transparent. Dr Cronin’s prices are listed below.

TransPRK – $3500 per eye
LASIK – $4250 per eye
CLEAR / KLex Small Incision Lenticule Extraction – $4250 per eye
Implantable Contact Lens Surgery – $7000 per eye (including the anaesthetist)
Refractive Lens Exchange – $6000 per eye

While Medicare does not cover laser eye surgery, some private health insurance plans may provide partial coverage. The team at Focus Vision also offers flexible financing options, making advanced vision correction options more accessible. For example BUPA, Navy health, Medibank Private and Defence healthy will sometimes pay for laser eye surgery and LASIK.

What to Expect After Surgery

Most patients go home the same day and notice clearer distance vision within 24–48 hours. Recovery is supported with anti-inflammatory eye drops and care to protect the healing corneal tissue. A follow-up appointment with your eye surgeon ensures that your eyes are healing well and that the treatment is effectively correcting your vision problems.

For many, LASIK eye surgery means no longer needing to wear glasses or wear contact lenses, bringing lasting freedom and improved quality of life.

Book Your Free Assessment

Considering laser eye surgery? Dr Brendan Cronin will assess your eyes, explain the laser eye surgery cost, and recommend the best option for your needs. With advanced technology and years of experience, he helps patients achieve safe, long-term vision correction.

📞 Call (07) 3239 5005 today to book your free assessment and take the first step towards clear, natural sight. This assessment will be with an optometrist at Focus Vision.

Take the very quick suitability test and we will get in touch with you:

Suitability Test Contact Focus Vision

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old for laser eye surgery?+

There is no strict upper age limit, but once you reach your mid-40s (presbyopia), standard LASIK may not be the best option. For patients over 50 or 60, Dr. Cronin often recommends Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), which fixes both distance and near vision and prevents future cataracts.

What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE (CLEAR)?+

LASIK creates a corneal flap, while CLEAR (a SMILE-equivalent procedure) is "keyhole" surgery that removes tissue through a tiny incision without a flap. CLEAR is often better for patients involved in contact sports or those prone to dry eyes, as it affects fewer corneal nerves.

I’ve been told my corneas are too thin for LASIK. Can you help?+

Yes. Dr. Cronin specializes in TransPRK (surface laser) and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses). These procedures are specifically designed for patients with thin or irregular corneas who are unsafe candidates for LASIK.

Can I have laser eye surgery if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?+

No, you must wait. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can fluctuate your prescription. We recommend waiting at least 3 months after you finish breastfeeding to ensure your vision has stabilized before booking your scan.

Does laser eye surgery hurt?+

The procedure itself is painless due to numbing drops. You may feel a sensation of pressure for about 20 seconds, but no sharp pain. Post-surgery, LASIK/CLEAR patients feel "gritty" for about 4 hours. TransPRK patients may experience 3-6 days of moderate discomfort as the surface heals.

How long do the results of laser eye surgery last?+

The reshaping of your cornea is permanent. However, your eyes can still change naturally with age (presbyopia) in your 40s. A small percentage of patients (under 3%) may need a minor "enhancement" procedure years later to fine-tune the vision.

How soon can I swim or wear makeup after LASIK?+

You should avoid getting water in your eyes (swimming, saunas) for 2 weeks to prevent infection. Eye makeup (mascara/eyeliner) should be avoided for 1 week.

What types of laser eye surgery are available in Brisbane with Dr Cronin?+

Dr Brendan Cronin performs bladeless LASIK, no-touch TransPRK (no-flap for thin corneas and sports), SMILE/CLEAR (keyhole or flapless LASIK), plus ICL implants or refractive lens exchange. Dr Cronin uses Alcon Raytracing LASIK technology for extreme precision with LASIK outcomes.

Am I a candidate for laser eye surgery in Brisbane Queensland?+

Ideal if 18+, stable prescription for 12-24 months, healthy eyes. Free Brisbane optometrist assessment at Focus Vision. Alternatives (ICL/RLE) for high prescriptions/thin corneas.

How much does laser eye surgery cost in Brisbane with Dr Brendan Cronin?+

LASIK/SMILE: $4250 per eye; TransPRK: $3500; ICL $7000 (including your anaesthetist), RLE $6000 per eye all-inclusive package fee)