SMILE Pro vs LASIK in Vietnam: Cost, Differences And Which Is Right for You?
Medical disclaimer: ZensiaCare is a medical concierge and care coordination service. We do not diagnose, treat, prescribe or promise medical outcomes. All medical decisions are made by licensed healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities.
SMILE Pro vs LASIK Cost in Vietnam
For international patients, refractive eye surgery in Vietnam can cost up to 70% less than comparable procedures in some overseas markets, depending on the procedure, provider, and country of comparison.
Vietnam offers a range of vision correction options, from Standard LASIK and Femto LASIK to SMILE and the latest SMILE Pro technology. Approximate costs in Vietnam include:
| Eye Surgery | Vietnam (VND) | Approx. USD | Approx. AUD |
| Standard LASIK | VND 15–25 million | US$575–960 | A$800–1,335 |
| Femto LASIK | VND 27–45 million | US$1,035–1,720 | A$1,440–2,405 |
| SMILE / ReLEx SMILE | VND 40–46 million | US$1,530–1,760 | A$2,140–2,460 |
| SMILE Pro | VND 45–60+ million | US$1,720–2,300+ | A$2,405–3,210+ |
Approximate conversions use around VND26,100 per US$1 and VND18,700 per A$1. Exchange rates fluctuate. Published hospital prices can also change according to promotions and treatment packages.
What Is the Difference Between SMILE Pro and LASIK?
SMILE Pro and LASIK both aim to correct refractive errors, but they use different surgical approaches.
LASIK creates a corneal flap before an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. It is a well-established refractive surgery technique and remains a common option for suitable patients.
LASIK Eye Surgery
SMILE Pro uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule inside the cornea. The lenticule is then removed through a small incision, without creating a traditional LASIK flap. Current SMILE Pro systems such as ZEISS VisuMax 800 are available at Vietnamese eye-care providers.
SMILE Pro Eye Surgery
The difference is therefore not simply about which technology is newer. The appropriate procedure depends on your individual eye condition.
Who May Be Suitable for SMILE Pro or LASIK?
SMILE Pro and LASIK may be considered for adults who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses because of refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism. Suitability depends on factors such as prescription stability, corneal thickness and shape, and overall eye health.
A patient may have a prescription that appears suitable for laser eye surgery but still require further assessment before treatment. The ophthalmologist will typically evaluate the cornea, refractive error and overall condition of the eyes before recommending SMILE Pro, LASIK or another vision-correction option.
For international patients, it is particularly important not to choose a procedure based only on the advertised price or the newest technology. The right procedure is the one that is clinically appropriate for your eyes.
More Treatments: Cataract Surgery in Vietnam
How Long Should You Stay in Vietnam for LASIK or SMILE Pro?
For international patients, staying in Vietnam for around 5–7 days can be a practical option for an uncomplicated LASIK or SMILE Pro procedure. This allows time for the initial eye examination, surgery, early recovery and a follow-up appointment before returning home.
Vision may improve within the first 1–2 days, but the eyes can continue to stabilise over the following weeks. Your ophthalmologist should confirm when you are fit to fly based on your eye condition and follow-up results.
Where Can International Patients Have Laser Eye Surgery in Vietnam?
Vietnam has several major destinations for international patients seeking eye care, but Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are two of the most practical options.
Hanoi – A Convenient Choice for Medical Care and Culture
Hanoi has established ophthalmology providers offering refractive procedures including LASIK, Femto LASIK and SMILE-based technologies. The city can also suit international patients who want to combine their healthcare journey with cultural experiences such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and nearby destinations.
Ho Chi Minh City – A Major Healthcare and International Travel Hub
Ho Chi Minh City offers a large private healthcare sector, international airport connectivity and a wide range of accommodation and transportation options. Several providers in the city offer refractive surgery, including SMILE Pro and Femto LASIK. Current published prices from Mắt Sài Gòn, for example, list both SMILE Pro and Femto LASIK in Ho Chi Minh City.
The best location is not necessarily the city with the lowest advertised price. It should be the location where you can access an appropriate provider and complete the required examination and follow-up.
What Are the Benefits of Having Eye Surgery in Vietnam?
For a suitable patient, laser vision correction can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses and make everyday activities more convenient.
For international patients, Vietnam adds another potential advantage: you may be able to combine high-quality healthcare with a comfortable stay and significant cost savings compared with treatment in countries such as Australia or the US.
What Are the Risks of SMILE Pro and LASIK?
Like any surgical procedure, SMILE Pro and LASIK carry potential risks and side effects. Some patients may experience temporary dry eyes, blurred or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, glare or halos during recovery. More serious complications are less common but can occur.
Your suitability should therefore be assessed before surgery, and the ophthalmologist should explain the expected benefits, limitations and potential risks based on your individual condition. The lowest price should never be the main factor when choosing an eye-care provider. Travelling for surgery means you are managing your recovery in a foreign country.
If you travel alone, you may need to deal with transportation, communication, medication, follow-up appointments and unexpected symptoms while your vision is still recovering. That is why the quality of the entire medical journey matters — not just the surgery itself.
SMILE Pro & LASIK Eye Surgery in Vietnam: How ZensiaCare Can Help
ZensiaCare is Vietnam’s first dedicated medical concierge service for international patients, supporting international patients considering SMILE Pro and LASIK eye surgery in Vietnam. Our Eye Surgery Medical Concierge Service helps coordinate your journey from pre-operative screening to surgery and post-operative follow-up, including eye examinations such as pachymetry and corneal topography and access to qualified ophthalmologists experienced in refractive surgery.
Depending on the selected provider, treatment may be performed using ZEISS VisuMax for SMILE Pro or WaveLight for LASIK. ZensiaCare can help confirm the actual laser technology used, arrange your screening before you book your flight, coordinate appointments and provide airport transfers, transportation, medical interpretation and medical document translation. Our Case Managers can also support you on the day of surgery and coordinate follow-up examinations.
A typical journey may include screening on Day 1, surgery on Day 2 and a post-operative check on Days 3–4, with a planned stay of around 5–7 days, depending on the ophthalmologist’s advice and your recovery.
Not every patient is suitable for laser vision correction. Your eligibility will be determined by the treating ophthalmologist based on factors such as corneal thickness, corneal shape, refractive error, dry-eye condition and overall eye health.
Considering SMILE Pro or LASIK in Vietnam? ZensiaCare can help coordinate your eye-care journey from screening to follow-up.
Beyond Eye Care, ZensiaCare also coordinates Dental Care, IVF & Fertility, Cosmetic Surgery and Comprehensive Health Check-ups for international patients travelling to Vietnam.
Let ZensiaCare help coordinate your healthcare journey. Contact ZensiaCare to discuss your needs, explore suitable care options and get started with your SMILE Pro or LASIK journey in Vietnam.
Written by Dr. Quy Nguyen
Learn more about Medical Tourism in Vietnam
FAQ
How much does SMILE Pro cost in Vietnam?
SMILE Pro in Vietnam typically costs around VND 45–60+ million, depending on the provider, treatment package and individual case.
How much does LASIK cost in Vietnam?
Standard LASIK typically costs around VND 15–25 million, while Femto LASIK is approximately VND 27–45 million based on the indicative prices discussed in this article.
Is SMILE Pro better than LASIK?
Neither procedure is universally better. The most suitable option depends on factors such as your refractive error, corneal condition, eye health and the ophthalmologist’s assessment.
How quickly can I recover from LASIK or SMILE Pro?
Many patients experience significant visual improvement within the first day or two and can return to normal activities relatively quickly. However, vision can continue to stabilise over the following weeks.
Can international patients have LASIK or SMILE Pro in Vietnam?
Yes. International patients can seek refractive eye surgery in Vietnam, but they should allow enough time for the initial examination, treatment and required follow-up before returning home.
How long should I stay in Vietnam after eye surgery?
For an uncomplicated case, around 5–7 days can be a practical planning estimate. The actual duration should follow the clinic’s examination and follow-up schedule.
