Laser eye surgery is the most popular elective surgery worldwide and successfully treats 30 million people every year. From the first surgery performed on a living patient in 1988, the technology has developed at breakneck speed and the market is currently worth 1.6 billion USD, growing year on year, thanks to excellent success rates—it corrects up to 97% of refractive errors—and patient satisfaction of 96%, which is the highest rate for any elective procedure. The Czech Republic stands proud as a pioneer in the field, having been at the cutting edge of ophthalmic surgery for over a century.
Eye-opening innovation
Eye surgery has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic. In 1905, Dr. Eduard Zirm carried out the first corneal transplant in a hospital in Olomouc in the east of the country. The operation was a success and paved the way for surgeons around the world to master his method and restore sight to thousands of patients with corneal disease. His surgical technique remained the gold standard for decades.
It is not just surgery where the Czech Republic has shown itself to be a trailblazer, however, as Czech scientists are responsible for some of the greatest technological inventions in ophthalmology as well. In 1961, Otto Wichterle, a Czech chemist, revolutionised the field when he created the first soft hydrogel contact lens using a homemade machine on his kitchen table. His discovery changed the lives of millions and created a thriving new industry. In 1965, Bausch & Lomb acquired the manufacturing rights and began mass producing his contact lenses. Thanks to Wichterle’s scientific breakthrough (which remained relatively unchanged until recently), over 140 million people around the world wear contact lenses and the industry is now valued at over 10 billion USD with no sign of a slowdown in growth.
Strong scientific legacy leads to a brighter future
These early advancements and successes have been steadily built on over the decades. The Czech Republic now has some of the best eye hospitals in the world located in Prague and Brno. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, has also joined their ranks. These clinics boast world-renowned surgeons and cutting-edge tech such as the VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser, which is currently the fastest and most advanced laser available, reducing operating time to a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 10 seconds per eye! Czech universities and industry also continue to push the frontiers of ophthalmic R&D. Medicem, a Czech biomedical company, is currently developing a revolutionary new ‘bioanalogic’ intraocular lens (IOL) which accommodates changes that occur as the eye ages. It will be a game changer for our ageing population.
Czech eye surgeons are true visionaries
Our head surgeon is one of the most acclaimed doctors in the field with many accolades under his belt. He was the first surgeon to perform ReLEx SMILE surgery in the Czech Republic and one of the first surgeons in the world to perform the procedure to correct long-sightedness (it is primarily used to correct short-sightedness and astigmatism). He and his team have now carried out more ReLEx SMILE procedures than any other clinic on the planet! Another feather in his cap is that he was the first eye surgeon to perform cataract surgery using the state-of-the-art FemtoMatrix robotic laser. The entire surgical team has carried out more than 210,000 successful eye surgeries. The high quality of laser eye surgery here is a draw for both locals and foreigners alike. The Czech healthcare system covers the cost of many procedures for Czech nationals, so Czech citizens can easily access treatment. In recent years, the country has also become a mecca for foreigners looking for affordable treatment. As a result, surgeons perform a high volume of procedures, allowing them to hone and finesse their skills. This high throughput also means that Czech clinics are able to negotiate preferential contracts with market-leading IOL and laser manufacturers such as Zeiss and Alcon, which allows them to be first in line to access new products at reduced rates.
Czech Republic offers more bang for your buck
Countries such as the US, UK and Germany have well-deserved reputations as centres of excellence for eye surgery, but this comes at a price which is prohibitive for many people. This is where the Czech Republic comes into its own. Without compromising on surgical skill, safety and cutting-edge tech, it offers excellent results at an attractive price point which is financially accessible for the many and not just the few. There is more good news for our British clients, as the NHS can reimburse patients undergoing cataract surgery abroad. With surgery costing up to 50% less and zero waiting time for treatment, it’s little wonder that so many Brits opt to undergo vision correction procedures here. When researching eye surgery abroad, you will see that the Czech Republic may not be the cheapest option, but suspiciously low-cost treatment often indicates clinics are cutting corners and not just eyes! This can put your sight at risk and is definitely not a price worth paying. Countries like Turkey or India may be less costly, but you lose the peace of mind that comes with undergoing treatment within the EU, safe in the knowledge that surgeons and clinics must adhere to strict rules, regulations and codes of practice. Affordability coupled with quality is what sets the Czech Republic apart from other medical tourism destinations.
Let Praga Medica open your eyes to a life with crystal-clear vision
Since 2010, we have helped restore 20/20 vision to countless patients in your situation. We partner with the top-reviewed eye surgeons in the country, who practise in state-of-the-art facilities with the most advanced technology available, so you can be sure you are in the safest of hands. Call us to find out how we can help you ditch those glasses for good! Our experts can provide you with a free medical evaluation within 48 hours, so you can enjoy perfect vision in next to no time. Check our patient feedback to see how our patients’ lives have changed for the better.