Dubai is rapidly emerging as a leading destination for vision correction. Each year, thousands of patients travel to the United Arab Emirates in pursuit of clearer eyesight, and the wider medical tourism landscape reflects this momentum. The UAE’s inbound medical tourism market was valued at approximately USD 722 million in 2024 and is projected to continue expanding at double-digit growth through 2033.
This demand is fuelled by increasing international confidence in Dubai’s healthcare system. For medical tourists seeking LASIK or other laser eye procedures, Dubai offers compelling advantages: top eye hospitals, internationally trained and English-speaking ophthalmologists, seamless travel connectivity, and excellent international patient services.
Pricing is also a major factor. According to recent cost analysis by Medical Travel Market, the cost of LASIK surgery in Dubai can vary depending on the clinic with high-end clinics charging in the range of AED 9,000 to AED 12,000 for both eyes, allowing patients to choose based on their needs, expectations and budget.
In the sections that follow, you’ll learn what LASIK involves, how to determine whether it’s the right time for surgery, typical LASIK costs in Dubai, and how to choose the best eye hospital in Dubai for your care. This guide also highlights top LASIK clinics in Dubai that regularly serve international patients.
Types of LASIK Eye Surgery
Before choosing a laser eye surgery clinic in Dubai, it helps to understand the options available:
- Standard LASIK (or “micro-keratome LASIK”): A flap is created in the cornea and then an excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).
- Femto-LASIK (or “bladeless LASIK”): The flap is created using a femtosecond laser instead of a blade, offering greater precision and often fewer complications. As one UAE analysis notes, advanced technology raises price but may also improve safety and outcomes.
- ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A newer, flap-less technique where a small lenticule is removed via a tiny incision. Some Dubai centres offer it alongside LASIK.
Always consult with a qualified Ophthalmologist to understand the most appropriate treatment option for you.
When to do LASIK Eye Surgery
Ideal candidates for laser eye surgery are those whose vision prescription has stabilised for at least 1–2 years, are over 18 years of age, have healthy corneas and no active eye disease. Other considerations for patients are:
- Ensure your general health is good (no uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease, severe dry eye).
- If you’re planning the surgery abroad, schedule adequate time for pre-operative assessment, the procedure, and at least a few follow-up days to monitor healing.
- Post-surgery you may be advised to avoid swimming, heavy dust exposure, or air-travel in the first 24 – 48 hours; so plan your travel accordingly.
LASIK Cost in Dubai
Cost is one of the key decision making factors for international patients considering laser eye surgery in Dubai:
- A 2025 review of the UAE market by Medical Travel Market highlights that LASIK pricing in Dubai varies depending on the technology used, the surgeon’s expertise, and the reputation of the hospital or clinic.
- Standard LASIK costs in Dubai generally fall within the following ranges:
- Lasik for one eye – AED 4,000 to AED 6,000
- Lasik for both eyes – AED 9,000 to AED 12,000
While some promotional offers online advertise prices starting from AED 2,995, these should be interpreted with caution. It’s important to always check what exactly is included. Such offers may exclude essential components like comprehensive diagnostic tests, which are critical for ensuring a safe and effective treatment plan.
Finding Ophthalmologists in Dubai
When researching the best ophthalmologist Dubai has to offer, it is important to consider several factors that can influence outcomes and overall patient experience:
- Accreditation: Ensure the clinic or hospital is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) or the relevant Dubai health authority. It is also useful to review the ophthalmologist’s international training, board certifications and professional memberships.
- Experience: Ask how many LASIK or advanced refractive procedures the ophthalmologist performs each year, their complication rates and how long they have been practicing in Dubai.
- Technology: Confirm which laser platforms are used (for example, femtosecond or wavefront-guided systems) and whether essential diagnostic tests such as corneal topography and dry-eye evaluation are included in the quoted price.
- International patient support: For international patients, services such as English-speaking staff, interpretation if needed, transparent pricing, assistance with travel arrangements and a clear post-operative follow-up plan can make the process easier and more reassuring.
Best Eye Hospitals in Dubai
Here are some of the top hospitals and clinics in Dubai for LASIK surgery (refractive surgery):
1. Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
A UAE-based extension of the trusted ophthalmology legacy of Moorfields Eye Hospital London, Moorfields Dubai delivers international standard eye care supported by decades of expertise. If you are looking for credible brand, established reputation and excellent aftercare, Moorfields Dubai is an excellent choice. Moorfields also have a branch in Abu Dhabi and the multidisciplinary team includes expert eye doctors covering a wide spectrum of eye conditions for adults and children.
2. Medcare Hospital Dubai
Medcare offers advanced ophthalmology services, including LASIK and refractive surgery within a fully integrated hospital setting. With strong clinical infrastructure, emergency backup and dedicated international patient support, Medcare provides a safe and seamless experience for both adults and children. Medcare is easily accessible for visitors in Dubai with clinic locations in prime locations such as Jumeirah, JBR, Sheikh Zayed Road and more.
3. Quirón Salud Dubai
Part of the Spain based Quirónsalud, this hospital is seeing steady growth in international patient demand, including medical tourists seeking refractive surgery in Dubai. For LASIK patients, the appeal comes from being treated in a broader hospital environment with established European clinical governance. Quirónsalud operates the largest private hospital network in Spain. The Dubai ophthalmology clinic includes sub-specialty eye care consultants focused on treating a comprehensive range of adult and pediatric eye conditions.
4. Barraquer Eye Hospital Dubai
The Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre, a specialist Spanish eye hospital legacy, was established in 1941 in Barcelona, focusing exclusively on ophthalmology. The group operates 160+ clinics across Spain, serving more than 7 million patients annually.
Barraquer UAE Eye Hospital opened in 2021, its first international hospital and a notable regional reference center for patients seeking specialized eye care. The Dubai medical team is led by 7 senior European-trained ophthalmologists from Spain, covering refractive, cornea, cataract, glaucoma and retina services, including care pathways for children. Designed as a dedicated Spanish eye hospital model in the UAE, the hospital includes comprehensive surgical support, multiple operating theatres and laser suites offering specialized refractive care.
Get Lasik Eye Surgery in Dubai
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