From £1,100 per eye · complimentary assessment
Reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses with SMILE laser eye surgery.
If glasses and contact lenses have become a daily inconvenience, SMILE laser eye surgery may offer a lasting alternative. As a flapless form of laser vision correction, SMILE reshapes the cornea through a tiny keyhole incision to correct short-sightedness and astigmatism. By avoiding the creation of a corneal flap, the procedure is designed to preserve more of the cornea’s natural structure and may reduce the likelihood of dry eye compared with some traditional laser techniques.
At Harley Street Eye Centre, we believe effective laser vision correction begins with careful assessment and personalised treatment planning. With a strong commitment to transparency, clinical excellence and evidence-based care, we help patients make confident, considered decisions about their vision and treatment options.
SMILE, which stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a flapless laser procedure used to correct short-sightedness, also known as myopia, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, SMILE is performed through a small keyhole incision, making it a minimally invasive form of laser vision correction.
During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a thin, disc-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea, known as a lenticule. This lenticule is then gently removed through the small incision, reshaping the cornea so that light can focus more accurately onto the retina. As no flap is created, more of the cornea’s surface structure is preserved.
This flapless approach may offer advantages for suitable patients, including reduced disruption to the corneal surface, a lower likelihood of dry eye compared with some flap-based procedures, and good corneal stability. These qualities can make SMILE an appealing option for people with active lifestyles, those who play contact sports, or patients who may be more prone to dry or sensitive eyes.
SMILE may be suitable for people who are short-sighted, with or without astigmatism, and want to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. It may be particularly relevant for patients who would prefer a flapless laser procedure, including those with active lifestyles or concerns about dry eye.
SMILE may be considered if you:
Are short-sighted and want to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses
Have mild to moderate astigmatism
Have suitable corneal thickness and overall eye health
Experience dry or sensitive eyes, particularly with contact lens wear
Lead an active lifestyle or play contact sports, where avoiding a corneal flap may be beneficial
Prefer a minimally invasive laser option with a small incision and no flap creation
Suitability for SMILE depends on several factors, including your prescription, corneal thickness, corneal shape, eye health and visual goals. A detailed consultation at The Harley Street Eye Centre will help determine whether SMILE is appropriate for your eyes, or whether another option, such as LASIK, TransPRK or ICL, may be more suitable.
The best way to confirm your eligibility for SMILE is through a comprehensive laser eye surgery assessment. Generally, however, SMILE may be suitable for people who:
If you do not meet these criteria, it does not necessarily mean vision correction is unavailable to you. Following your assessment, your specialist will discuss the full range of options suited to your eyes, prescription, and circumstances, including LASIK, TransPRK, or ICL, where appropriate.
For patients who are not suitable for laser eye surgery due to a high prescription, thin corneas or other suitability factors, Implantable Collamer Lens surgery may be an alternative option. ICLs are soft, biocompatible lenses placed inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, to correct vision without reshaping the cornea.
As the cornea is not treated with a laser, ICL surgery may be suitable for some patients with higher levels of short-sightedness or corneal characteristics that make LASIK, SMILE or TransPRK less appropriate. It may also be considered for patients seeking a removable vision correction option.
Suitability depends on factors such as your prescription, eye anatomy, corneal health and overall eye health. During your consultation, your specialist will assess whether ICL surgery is appropriate for you and explain how it compares with laser vision correction options.
SMILE is a carefully planned laser eye procedure carried out following a detailed diagnostic assessment. Understanding each stage of treatment can help you feel prepared, informed and reassured before your procedure.
Eye scan and prescription mapping
Advanced diagnostic imaging is used to assess your eyes in detail, including your prescription, corneal thickness and corneal shape. This information helps guide precise treatment planning tailored to your eyes.
Lenticule creation
During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a thin, disc-shaped layer of tissue within the cornea, known as a lenticule. This step is computer-guided and performed without creating a corneal flap.
Lenticule removal
The lenticule is gently removed through a small keyhole incision. Removing this tissue reshapes the cornea, helping light focus more accurately onto the retina.
Recovery and aftercare
As SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap, recovery is often relatively quick for suitable patients. Many individuals can return to normal daily activities within a short period, although recovery times can vary.
Hear directly from patients whose lives were changed by surgeon-led care at The Harley Street Eye Centre.
Cadell
Laser Eye Surgery
“This surgery changed my life , it was like night and day. I was back to playing football like nothing happened.”
Joel
Laser Eye Surgery
“I literally woke up the next morning and could see , it was just like nothing had ever happened.”
Amira
Laser Eye Surgery
“My questions were answered. I felt a lot more comfortable and I didn’t feel like I was ever rushed or pressured into making the decision.”
Sharon
Laser Eye Surgery
“I thought that was it… And once I saw him — oh my God, it was like… I said to him, you’re like my guardian angel. Because I just felt safe. I actually felt safe in his hands.”
For suitable patients, SMILE laser eye surgery may offer several advantages over glasses, contact lenses and some other forms of laser vision correction. Potential benefits may include:
From your initial consultation through to aftercare, the team at The Harley Street Eye Centre aims to make the treatment process clear, supportive and tailored to your needs.
A short film walking you through assessment, surgery day and aftercare at our Harley Street facility.
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Getting started is straightforward. You can contact our clinic by phone, email or book your complimentary consultation online, and our team will guide you through the next steps.
Before your appointment, we may ask a few initial questions about your vision, prescription history, contact lens use and any eye health concerns. This helps us prepare for your consultation. Same-day appointments and flexible consultation availability may also be offered where possible.
02
You will meet with one of our experienced eye specialists for a detailed consultation to review your vision, prescription, eye health, lifestyle and visual goals, and determine whether SMILE may be suitable.
Using advanced diagnostic technology, including 3D corneal imaging, corneal measurements, prescription assessment, tear film analysis and eye health checks, we build a detailed understanding of your eyes and discuss SMILE or alternative options such as LASIK, Trans-PRK or ICL where appropriate.
03
Following your assessment, your specialist will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your prescription, corneal profile, eye health and visual goals. You will receive clear guidance on SMILE suitability, expected outcomes, limitations, procedure details, recovery, aftercare, costs and next steps to help you make an informed decision with confidence.
04
SMILE is usually a quick procedure and is performed using anaesthetic eye drops to keep you comfortable throughout. Most patients can return home shortly after treatment, with vision typically improving over the following hours and days. Your specialist will explain each stage of the procedure beforehand, so you know what to expect.
05
Following your procedure, we provide structured follow-up care to monitor healing, vision and recovery. This includes post-operative reviews, guidance on eye drops and aftercare, advice on returning to daily activities, and ongoing support from our clinical team throughout your recovery.
The cost of SMILE laser eye surgery depends on your prescription, the complexity of your treatment and your individual clinical needs. SMILE laser eye surgery at The Harley Street Eye Centre starts from £1,100 per eye. Flexible payment options, including 0% interest instalments, may be available where appropriate.
Your treatment fee includes:
A detailed cost breakdown will be provided during your consultation, so you have a clear understanding of your recommended treatment plan, what is included in your care and any costs to consider before proceeding.
Our team of experienced eye specialists combines decades of clinical expertise with a strong commitment to innovation, precision and patient-centred care. Founder and Medical Director, Mr Marwan Ghabra, is a highly experienced ophthalmic surgeon, medical leader and innovator with more than 30 years of clinical and surgical experience.
Mr Ghabra is widely recognised for his work in corneal disease, keratoconus, cataract surgery and advanced refractive procedures, with particular expertise in complex and high-risk cases.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, advanced technology plays an important role in the assessment, planning and delivery of SMILE laser eye surgery. Detailed 3D imaging and corneal mapping are used to assess your eyes carefully and guide personalised treatment planning.
We believe confidence in treatment begins with clear communication, careful assessment and honest clinical advice, supported by transparency, safety and high standards of care.
Every patient receives a personalised treatment recommendation based on their eye health, prescription, lifestyle and visual goals, with clear guidance on suitability, expected outcomes, limitations and alternatives to support informed decision-making.
Mr Marwan Ghabra is the Founder and Medical Director of The Harley Street Eye Centre, where he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering advanced, consultant-led eye care across a wide range of ophthalmic subspecialties, particularly in corneal disease and keratoconus.
He is the developer of the “Ghabra Technique”, an innovative approach to keratoconus management designed to address both anterior and posterior corneal irregularities. Alongside his private practice, he continues to manage complex surgical cases within the NHS, contributes to ophthalmic innovation and clinical research, and remains actively involved in education as a lecturer, mentor and international speaker.
Something specific on your mind?
We’re one call away on 0203 968 2030.
SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a flapless laser procedure used to correct short-sightedness and astigmatism. Instead of creating a corneal flap, the surgeon removes a small disc of tissue, called a lenticule, through a tiny keyhole incision, reshaping the cornea to correct your vision.
The main difference is that SMILE does not involve creating a large corneal flap. Instead, treatment is carried out through a small keyhole incision, preserving more of the cornea’s natural structure. This can mean a lower risk of dry eye and improved corneal stability, which is why SMILE is often favoured by people with dry eyes or active lifestyles.
Most patients find SMILE comfortable, as anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye. You may feel light pressure during the procedure, but it is not typically described as painful. Some mild irritation or watering can occur in the hours afterwards as the eye begins to heal.
The procedure itself is very quick, typically taking only a few minutes per eye. You should, however, allow additional time at the clinic for preparation, final checks and a short period of rest before heading home.
SMILE is generally suitable for adults aged 18 and over whose prescription has been stable for a period of time. Your specialist will confirm your suitability during your assessment.
SMILE has a strong safety record when performed by experienced surgeons following careful assessment. As with any procedure, there are some risks, which your specialist will discuss with you in detail. A thorough eligibility assessment helps ensure that SMILE is recommended only when appropriate and likely to be effective.
For suitable patients, the results of SMILE are intended to be long-lasting. The correction itself is permanent, although natural age-related changes to your eyes can still occur over time, such as the development of presbyopia or cataracts later in life. Your specialist will discuss realistic long-term expectations during your consultation.
SMILE is usually performed once per eye to achieve your correction. In a small number of cases, further treatment may be considered if additional adjustment is needed, depending on your corneal thickness and individual circumstances. Your specialist will advise on what is appropriate for you.
Recovery after SMILE is typically quick, with many patients noticing an improvement in their vision within the first day or two. As there is no corneal flap, healing time is often minimal, though your vision may continue to settle and sharpen over the following days and weeks.
Your laser eye surgery assessment is complimentary. An hour with our diagnostic team and a real conversation with the surgeon who would treat you. No obligation.
