SMILE Laser Eye Surgery at Blue Fin Vision®
Life Without Glasses with SMILE in London, Hertfordshire & Essex
From Only £2,750 per eye
What Is SMILE?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive, flapless laser procedure that corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism through a tiny 2-4mm incision – reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
The procedure takes 10-15 minutes per eye, with most patients noticing significant improvement within 24-48 hours.
Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not create a corneal flap. Instead, a femtosecond laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea, which is removed through a micro-incision. This preserves more corneal nerves, reducing the risk of dry eye.
Our lead consultant has performed over 55,000 vision correction procedures with complication rates three to five times below UK averages (independently audited through the National Ophthalmology Database).
Is SMILE Right for You?
SMILE typically suits patients aged 21-45 seeking a minimally invasive option. It is particularly suited to those with:
- Short-sightedness (myopia) up to approximately -10.00 D
- Astigmatism up to approximately 5.00 D
- Concerns about dry eye (lower risk than LASIK)
- Active lifestyles (no flap-related risks)
- Thin or dry corneas unsuitable for LASIK
SMILE does not currently treat long-sightedness (hyperopia). If you are long-sighted, LASIK or PRK may be more suitable – your consultant will advise.
What Happens Next
- Complete your suitability check: Answer a few quick questions about your prescription, eye health and vision goals – takes under two minutes.
- Consultant-led review: Our ophthalmologists review your information alongside any existing prescription or scan data.
- Personalised recommendation: You receive a clear explanation of whether SMILE is suitable, what to expect, and transparent pricing.
- Complimentary in-person consultation: If you wish to proceed, we arrange a consultation at your nearest Blue Fin Vision® clinic. No obligation, no pressure.
What to Expect
Before Surgery
Your complimentary consultation includes corneal topography, pachymetry (thickness measurement) and detailed prescription assessment. Your consultant explains the procedure and answers all questions. Formal consent follows UK refractive standards, including a seven-day cooling-off period.
During Surgery
The procedure takes 10-15 minutes per eye using the VisuMax femtosecond laser:
- Preparation: Anaesthetic drops numb your eyes – you feel no pain
- Lenticule creation: The laser creates a precise lens-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea
- Micro-incision: A small 2-4mm incision is made in the cornea
- Lenticule removal: Your surgeon gently removes the lenticule, reshaping the cornea and correcting your vision
After Surgery
You’ll rest in a private, en-suite recovery room before going home the same day. We provide:
- All post-operative drops included
- A three-course meal for you and your companion
- A celebratory bottle of champagne
- Structured follow-up appointments
- Direct access to our team for any concerns
Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours, with vision continuing to stabilise over the following weeks.
Recovery and Results
- Days 1-2: Mild discomfort possible, vision improving – use prescribed drops
- Days 3-7: Most patients return to normal activities with good functional vision
- Weeks 2-4: Vision continues to stabilise
- Months 1-3: Final visual outcome achieved – many patients reach 20/20 or better
SMILE typically offers faster comfort recovery than surface procedures (PRK/LASEK) and lower dry eye risk than LASIK.
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery in London, Hertfordshire & Essex
Premium SMILE Eye Surgery
Access consultant-led SMILE at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic. Located in London, Hertfordshire and Essex, we offer complimentary consultations with no obligation to proceed.
Consultant-led expertise
Your named consultant performs every consultation and procedure personally
Minimally invasive
Small incision, no flap - reduced dry eye risk and faster corneal stability
Patient-centred care
Every step of your treatment is supported by our dedicated team, ensuring a comfortable and informed experience
Contact us at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, Hertfordshire or Essex, to book your SMILE laser eye surgery
Patient Experience
“I woke up to already have impeccable vision. It was less than 12 hours later, and I went in for my check up and was reading better than 20/20 on my right eye and at 20/20 on my left eye.
The surgery is somewhat of a miracle. The fact I’ve been afforded perfect sight at the age of 30 having been wearing glasses all day every day for a decade is the stuff of miracles.
Would recommend – 5 stars!!”
Verified Patient Review – Available on Doctify and Instagram above
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for SMILE?
Blue Fin Vision® is recognised by leading authorities in private healthcare and luxury wellness, including listings in the Spear’s 500 Health & Wellness Index 2025 and the Tatler Address Book. This recognition reflects documented outcomes, a consultant-led clinical model, and hundreds of verified five-star patient reviews.
What sets Blue Fin Vision® apart:
- Consultant-led care: Your named consultant performs every consultation and procedure personally
- Complimentary consultations: Full diagnostic assessment at no cost, with no obligation to proceed
- VisuMax femtosecond laser: Advanced technology for precise, minimally invasive lenticule extraction
- Transparent, audited outcomes: NOD-published surgical data with complication rates significantly below national averages
- 540+ verified five-star reviews: Independently collected on Doctify, with zero negative feedback on any platform
- Comprehensive aftercare included: All follow-up appointments, medications and ongoing support included in the price
- CQC-regulated facilities: Full compliance with UK clinical governance and RCOphth-aligned protocols
- Locations across London and the South East: Harley Street, Chase Lodge Hospital, Chelmsford and Hatfield
SMILE is an elective procedure not funded by the NHS. Blue Fin Vision® provides complimentary consultations to assess your suitability.
Other Laser Options
SMILE not right for you? We offer a full range of laser procedures:
- LASIK – fastest recovery, treats long-sightedness too
- PRK – surface treatment for thinner corneas
- LASEK – no-touch surface treatment
- PresbyMAX® – for reading vision loss (ages 40+)
- PRESBYOND® – ZEISS blended vision for presbyopia
Your consultant will recommend the best option for your prescription and eye health.
Your Journey to Clear Vision
Take the next step towards clear vision with a complimentary consultation at Blue Fin Vision®. Our consultant-led team will assess your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and confirm whether SMILE is the right option for you.
Complimentary consultations available across London, Hertfordshire, and Essex.
Our Clinic Locations
Book Your Consultation Now
Complete the form below to request a consultation. We’ll review your details, assess your suitability for treatment, and answer any questions you may have.
SMILE FAQs
What is SMILE laser eye surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced, minimally invasive laser procedure that corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not create a flap. Instead, a femtosecond laser creates a small disc of tissue within the cornea, which is removed through a tiny 2–4mm incision.
How does SMILE differ from LASIK?
SMILE uses a much smaller incision than LASIK, cutting fewer corneal nerves and resulting in reduced dry eye symptoms. There is no flap, eliminating flap-related complications. SMILE currently treats short-sightedness and astigmatism only, while LASIK can also correct long-sightedness.
Am I suitable for SMILE?
You may be suitable if you are aged 22 or over, have a stable prescription for at least 12 months, and have short-sightedness between -1.00D and -10.00D with astigmatism up to 3.00D. SMILE is not currently available for long-sightedness or presbyopia. Your consultant will confirm suitability during your assessment.
What are the benefits of SMILE?
SMILE offers reduced dry eye compared to LASIK, excellent corneal stability due to the small incision, rapid recovery similar to LASIK, and no flap-related risks. It is particularly popular among athletes, military personnel and those with dry eye tendencies.
What happens during the SMILE procedure?
Anaesthetic drops numb your eyes. The ZEISS VisuMax laser creates a thin disc of tissue within the cornea and a small incision in approximately 23 seconds. Your surgeon removes the tissue through the incision, and the cornea heals naturally. Both eyes are treated in approximately 15–20 minutes total.
Does SMILE hurt?
SMILE is not painful. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but no pain. Afterwards, mild grittiness or foreign body sensation typically lasts only a few hours and is easily managed with lubricating drops.
What is recovery like after SMILE?
Most patients notice significantly improved vision within 24 hours and can return to work within 1–2 days. Dry eye symptoms are typically milder and shorter-lived than after LASIK. Full visual stabilisation occurs over 1–3 months.
What results can I expect from SMILE?
Over 95% of SMILE patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with satisfaction rates exceeding 95%. Results are permanent with excellent long-term stability and reduced dry eye symptoms compared to LASIK.
What are the risks of SMILE?
Common temporary effects include mild dry eye and slight visual fluctuation during healing. Rare complications include incomplete tissue extraction, which may require additional treatment. SMILE avoids all flap-related complications such as displacement and epithelial ingrowth.
What if I need an enhancement after SMILE?
If enhancement is needed, options include surface ablation (PRK) or thin-flap LASIK. Enhancement is slightly more complex than after LASIK but achieves excellent outcomes. Enhancement is included in your Blue Fin Vision® treatment package where clinically appropriate.
