{"product_id":"eye-surgery-in-reading","title":"Eye Surgery (LASIK \u0026 Lens) in Reading | Compare Costs Abroad | Dr.Visor","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n*,*::before,*::after{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\n.dv-hero{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0A1030 0%,#122060 100%);padding:56px 40px 48px;position:relative;overflow:hidden;margin:-20px -20px 0}\n.dv-hero::after{content:'';position:absolute;right:-60px;top:-40px;width:320px;height:320px;border-radius:50%;border:60px solid rgba(79,168,245,0.07)}\n.dv-eyebrow{font-size:11px;font-weight:700;color:#4FA8F5;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:14px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif}\n.dv-hero h1{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:36px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;line-height:1.25;max-width:620px;margin-bottom:18px}\n.dv-hero h1 em{font-style:normal;color:#4FA8F5}\n.dv-hero-sub{font-size:15px;color:#aac4e8;max-width:520px;margin-bottom:32px;line-height:1.6;font-family:Arial,sans-serif}\n.dv-cta{display:inline-block;background:#4FA8F5;color:#0A1030;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;padding:14px 32px;border-radius:4px;text-decoration:none;font-family:Arial,sans-serif}\n.dv-note{display:inline-block;margin-left:16px;font-size:13px;color:#5a7aaa;font-family:Arial,sans-serif}\n.dv-cost-strip{background:#fff;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;border-top:1px solid #E8E4DD;padding:28px 40px;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);margin:0 -20px 32px}\n.cost-item{text-align:center;padding:0 16px;border-right:1px solid #E8E4DD}\n.cost-item:last-child{border-right:none}\n.cost-item .loc{font-size:11px;color:#888;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.8px;margin-bottom:6px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif}\n.cost-item .price{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030}\n.cost-item .price.highlight{color:#1A6FBF}\n.cost-item .label{font-size:11px;color:#aaa;margin-top:2px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif}\n.cost-item .save{display:inline-block;background:#EAF4FF;color:#1A6FBF;font-size:10px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 8px;border-radius:20px;margin-top:4px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dv-hero\"\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"dv-eyebrow\"\u003eEye Surgery (LASIK \u0026amp; Lens) • Reading • 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ch1\u003eEye Surgery (LASIK \u0026amp; Lens) in Reading.\u003cbr\u003eUp to \u003cem\u003e70% less\u003c\/em\u003e abroad.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"dv-hero-sub\"\u003eReading patients pay £2,600 on average locally. The same procedure at a verified clinic abroad costs significantly less, all-inclusive. Dr.Visor handles everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.drvisor.com\/pages\/get-quote\" class=\"dv-cta\"\u003eBook Free Assessment\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"dv-note\"\u003eNo obligation • Response within 24 hours\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dv-cost-strip\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cost-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"loc\"\u003eReading\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"price\"\u003e£2,600\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"label\"\u003eavg. local price\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cost-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"loc\"\u003eIstanbul\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"price highlight\"\u003e£900\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"label\"\u003eall-inclusive\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"save\"\u003eSave 65%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cost-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"loc\"\u003ePrague\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"price highlight\"\u003e£1,200\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"label\"\u003eall-inclusive\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"save\"\u003eSave 53%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cost-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"loc\"\u003eBudapest\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"price highlight\"\u003e£1,100\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"label\"\u003eall-inclusive\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"save\"\u003eSave 57%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cost-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"loc\"\u003eWarsaw\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"price highlight\"\u003e£1,050\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"label\"\u003eall-inclusive\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"save\"\u003eSave 59%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 16px;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003eEye Surgery in Reading: Why Patients Choose Treatment Abroad\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.75;color:#2A2A2A;margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003eReading residents seeking refractive eye surgery face limited NHS provision, with the health service only offering cataract procedures with waiting times of 3 to 18 months. Private eye surgery in Reading costs between 1,800 to 3,500 pounds per eye, making corrective procedures a significant personal investment. Many patients are exploring overseas options to access advanced techniques at a fraction of UK private fees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.75;color:#2A2A2A;margin-bottom:24px;\"\u003eReading patients travelling for eye surgery discover substantial cost savings without compromising clinical standards or safety. Istanbul, Budapest, and Prague offer established eye surgery centres with internationally trained surgeons and modern facilities, typically charging 700 to 1,400 pounds per eye all-inclusive. The combination of lower costs, shorter waiting times, and minimal travel distance from London Heathrow makes medical tourism an increasingly practical choice for vision correction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:32px 0 16px;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003eCost comparison: Reading vs abroad (2026)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003cth style=\"background:#0A1030;color:#fff;padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.5px;\"\u003eDestination\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth style=\"background:#0A1030;color:#fff;padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.5px;\"\u003eCost\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth style=\"background:#0A1030;color:#fff;padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.5px;\"\u003eSaving\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#FAFAFA;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#0A1030;\"\u003eReading (private)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;color:#333;\"\u003e1,800 to 3,500 pounds per eye\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;color:#888;\"\u003eLocal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#0A1030;\"\u003eIstanbul, Turkey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#1A6FBF;\"\u003e700 to 1,400 pounds per eye\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#EAF4FF;color:#1A6FBF;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 8px;border-radius:20px;\"\u003esave 60-70%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#FAFAFA;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#0A1030;\"\u003eBudapest, Hungary\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#1A6FBF;\"\u003e850 to 1,600 pounds per eye\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#EAF4FF;color:#1A6FBF;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 8px;border-radius:20px;\"\u003esave 55-65%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#0A1030;\"\u003ePrague, Czech Republic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#1A6FBF;\"\u003e900 to 1,700 pounds per eye\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#EAF4FF;color:#1A6FBF;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 8px;border-radius:20px;\"\u003esave 50-60%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#FAFAFA;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:#0A1030;\"\u003eWarsaw, Poland\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#1A6FBF;\"\u003e750 to 1,500 pounds per eye\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#EAF4FF;color:#1A6FBF;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 8px;border-radius:20px;\"\u003esave 60-70%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#888;margin:0 0 24px;font-style:italic;\"\u003eAll-inclusive pricing typically covers surgeon fees, facility use, pre-operative assessment, procedure, and follow-up care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:32px 0 16px;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003eTypes of eye surgery (lasik \u0026amp; lens) treatment available\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 24px;padding:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #F0EDE8;font-size:14px;color:#2A2A2A;list-style:none;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:#4FA8F5;margin-right:8px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003eLASIK: laser reshaping of the cornea for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism correction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #F0EDE8;font-size:14px;color:#2A2A2A;list-style:none;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:#4FA8F5;margin-right:8px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003eLASEK: surface-based laser eye surgery with minimal corneal removal, suitable for thin corneas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #F0EDE8;font-size:14px;color:#2A2A2A;list-style:none;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:#4FA8F5;margin-right:8px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003eSMILE: minimally invasive lenticule extraction technique with rapid visual recovery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #F0EDE8;font-size:14px;color:#2A2A2A;list-style:none;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:#4FA8F5;margin-right:8px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003eReLEx SMILE: advanced SMILE variant offering enhanced precision and reduced dry eye symptoms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #F0EDE8;font-size:14px;color:#2A2A2A;list-style:none;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:#4FA8F5;margin-right:8px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003eICL implantable lenses: phakic intraocular lenses for high prescriptions and severe refractive errors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #F0EDE8;font-size:14px;color:#2A2A2A;list-style:none;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:#4FA8F5;margin-right:8px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003eRefractive lens exchange: surgical lens replacement for presbyopia and extreme refractive errors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:32px 0 16px;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003eGetting to your clinic from Reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.75;color:#2A2A2A;margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003eReading patients have convenient access to London Heathrow, located 40 miles west of the town centre and reachable within 90 minutes by train or car. From Heathrow, flights to Istanbul depart regularly with a journey time of 3 hours 50 minutes, whilst Budapest services require just 2 hours 20 minutes. This proximity to a major international hub significantly reduces travel complexity and cost for patients seeking overseas eye surgery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.75;color:#2A2A2A;margin-bottom:24px;\"\u003eMost Reading patients planning eye surgery abroad should allow 7 to 10 days for their trip, accounting for pre-operative consultations, the procedure itself, and initial post-operative recovery. Train travel from Reading town centre to Heathrow takes approximately 50 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day. Many patients arrange their surgery during annual leave, with the option of remote post-operative follow-up appointments via video consultation with overseas providers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:32px 0 16px;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003eHow Dr.Visor works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:16px;margin:0 0 32px;\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #E8E4DD;border-radius:4px;padding:20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#0A1030;color:#4FA8F5;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;text-align:center;line-height:28px;margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch4 style=\"font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003eFree remote assessment\u003c\/h4\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#666;margin:0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003eSubmit photos or scans. A treatment plan and cost estimate is returned within 24 hours, at no charge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #E8E4DD;border-radius:4px;padding:20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#0A1030;color:#4FA8F5;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;text-align:center;line-height:28px;margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch4 style=\"font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003eClinic match\u003c\/h4\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#666;margin:0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003eDr.Visor recommends verified clinics based on your case, budget and preferred destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #E8E4DD;border-radius:4px;padding:20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#0A1030;color:#4FA8F5;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;text-align:center;line-height:28px;margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch4 style=\"font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003eBooking and travel\u003c\/h4\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#666;margin:0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003eDeposit secured, appointment confirmed. Pre-travel brief covers accommodation, transfers and what to expect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #E8E4DD;border-radius:4px;padding:20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#0A1030;color:#4FA8F5;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;width:28px;height:28px;border-radius:50%;text-align:center;line-height:28px;margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e4\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch4 style=\"font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003eTreatment and aftercare\u003c\/h4\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#666;margin:0;line-height:1.5;\"\u003eYour patient coordinator remains reachable throughout. Post-operative guidance and follow-up are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:32px 0 8px;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #E8E4DD;\"\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ch3 style=\"font-size:15px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eWhy is eye surgery not available on the NHS in Reading?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:0;line-height:1.65;\"\u003eThe NHS primarily funds eye surgery for medical conditions such as cataracts, with refractive correction (LASIK, LASEK, lens implants) classified as cosmetic or elective. This policy applies across England, including Reading, leaving private and overseas treatment as the main options for vision correction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ch3 style=\"font-size:15px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eHow long does recovery take after LASIK or SMILE eye surgery?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:0;line-height:1.65;\"\u003eMost patients experience functional vision within 24 to 48 hours, with full visual stabilisation occurring within 3 to 6 months. You should avoid strenuous activity and water exposure for the first week, making it feasible to return to work within several days of travelling back to Reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ch3 style=\"font-size:15px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eAre eye surgery results permanent?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:0;line-height:1.65;\"\u003eLASIK and SMILE results are permanent, with the corneal reshaping lasting indefinitely. However, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia may develop over time, and refractive errors can occasionally progress slightly in younger patients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ch3 style=\"font-size:15px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eWhat is the difference between LASIK and SMILE eye surgery?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:0;line-height:1.65;\"\u003eLASIK uses a corneal flap and two laser passes for reshaping, whilst SMILE creates a small incision and uses one laser to extract a lenticule of tissue. SMILE typically results in less dry eye and faster healing, though both techniques achieve excellent visual outcomes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8E4DD;padding:18px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ch3 style=\"font-size:15px;font-weight:700;color:#0A1030;margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eCan I have both eyes treated on the same day if I travel from Reading?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:0;line-height:1.65;\"\u003eYes, most surgeons perform bilateral (both eyes) treatment on the same day, allowing you to complete your procedure and begin recovery during your overseas stay before returning to Reading within one week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#0A1030;padding:36px;text-align:center;border-radius:4px;margin-top:32px;\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 8px;\"\u003eReady to explore your options from Reading?\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size:14px;color:#aac4e8;margin:0 0 20px;\"\u003eFree assessment. Clinic matched within 24 hours. No obligation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.drvisor.com\/pages\/get-quote\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#4FA8F5;color:#0A1030;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;padding:14px 32px;border-radius:4px;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eBook a Free Assessment →\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why is eye surgery not available on the NHS in Reading?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The NHS primarily funds eye surgery for medical conditions such as cataracts, with refractive correction (LASIK, LASEK, lens implants) classified as cosmetic or elective. This policy applies across England, including Reading, leaving private and overseas treatment as the main options for vision correction.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How long does recovery take after LASIK or SMILE eye surgery?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Most patients experience functional vision within 24 to 48 hours, with full visual stabilisation occurring within 3 to 6 months. You should avoid strenuous activity and water exposure for the first week, making it feasible to return to work within several days of travelling back to Reading.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Are eye surgery results permanent?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"LASIK and SMILE results are permanent, with the corneal reshaping lasting indefinitely. However, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia may develop over time, and refractive errors can occasionally progress slightly in younger patients.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE eye surgery?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"LASIK uses a corneal flap and two laser passes for reshaping, whilst SMILE creates a small incision and uses one laser to extract a lenticule of tissue. SMILE typically results in less dry eye and faster healing, though both techniques achieve excellent visual outcomes.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I have both eyes treated on the same day if I travel from Reading?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, most surgeons perform bilateral (both eyes) treatment on the same day, allowing you to complete your procedure and begin recovery during your overseas stay before returning to Reading within one week.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Dr.Visor","offers":[{"title":"Book Free Assessment","offer_id":54719651971401,"sku":"DV-EYE-READING","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.drvisor.com\/products\/eye-surgery-in-reading","provider":"Dr.Visor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}