Laser Eye Surgery Cost in Canada (2025): The Complete Guide

Imagine waking up with clear vision and no need for glasses or contacts. Laser eye surgery, commonly known as LASIK, makes this possible for thousands of Canadians each year. If you are considering LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures, one of your first questions is usually: how much does it cost?

This 2025 guide explains Canadian pricing by province, compares procedure types and their typical costs, and shows practical ways to pay for surgery, including how a Health Spending Account (HSA) can reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly.

What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A thin corneal flap is created, the underlying tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser, and the flap is repositioned to heal.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Surface treatment without a flap; the epithelium regenerates after the laser reshaping.
• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A keyhole approach where a small lenticule of corneal tissue is removed through a tiny incision.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): The natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens, similar to cataract surgery, typically for older patients or complex prescriptions.

Why consider it? Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with high satisfaction rates. The benefits go beyond convenience: improved vision quality, freedom during sports or outdoor activities, and the end of ongoing glasses or contact lens expenses.

Average Cost in Canada

Typical Canadian ranges in 2025:

• LASIK: About $2,000 to $3,000 per eye
• PRK: About $1,500 to $2,500 per eye
• Custom LASIK or premium upgrades: Often $2,000 to $4,000 per eye
• SMILE: Commonly $2,500 to $3,000+ per eye
• RLE: Often $4,000 to $5,000 per eye

Some providers advertise very low teaser rates for limited prescriptions or older technology. Most patients ultimately select modern, all-laser techniques and pay within the typical ranges above.

Cost by Province

Prices are broadly similar nationwide, with modest variation by market, clinic, and technology.

Comparing Procedure Types

What Factors Affect LASIK Eye Surgery Costs?

Type of Technology Used

1. Standard LASIK (microkeratome flap): Generally the most affordable.
2. Bladeless LASIK (femtosecond flap): Improves precision and safety; typically adds about $200 to $500 per eye.
3. Custom wavefront-guided LASIK: Uses detailed 3D mapping for a personalized treatment plan; often adds about $500 to $1,000 per eye and can improve night vision and overall sharpness.

Surgeon Experience and Reputation

Top-rated surgeons with extensive case volumes may charge 10 to 30 percent more than newer surgeons. The additional cost reflects experience, technology, and outcomes.

Prescription Strength

Higher degrees of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism may require more complex correction. Some clinics price tiers by prescription complexity

Location

Major metro areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary often carry higher operational costs. Smaller cities can be somewhat less expensive, though differences are not extreme.

What Is Included in the Package

Ask what the quoted price covers:

• Pre-operative consults and comprehensive diagnostics
• The surgical procedure
• Post-operative follow-up visits at typical intervals such as 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year
• Enhancements if needed Lifetime vision guarantee or similar programs

Potential additional costs:

• Prescription eye drops after surgery (approximately $50 to $100)
• Bandage contact lenses if required Protective eyewear or sunglasses
• Future enhancements where not included (commonly $500 to $1,500 per eye)

Is LASIK Covered by Insurance in Canada?

Provincial health plans (i.e. Government Health Insurance Plans) do not cover LASIK because it is considered elective and not medically necessary for most patients.

Insurance coverage exceptions

‍In rare circumstances, provincial plans may consider coverage for medically necessary vision surgery, such as severe keratoconus or corneal scarring when corrective lenses are no longer effective. Approval is not guaranteed and is assessed case by case.

Private insurance

‍Most private plans in Canada do not cover LASIK. However:

• Some plans may offer partial reimbursement through vision benefits
• Certain group plans may include LASIK discounts or partnerships with clinics
• Always review your policy details or contact your benefits administrator

Tax deductions

‍Even without insurance coverage, laser eye surgery may qualify as a medical expense on your Canadian income tax return (i.e. Medical Expense Tax Credit). Speak with your accountant or consult the CRA website for eligibility and documentation requirements.

How Health Spending Accounts Make LASIK More Affordable

Here is the good news. Although LASIK is not covered by provincial plans and rarely by private insurance, Canadian business owners and incorporated professionals can use a Health Spending Account (HSA) to pay with pre-tax dollars.

What is a Health Spending Account?

An HSA is a CRA-approved benefit plan that allows a corporation to reimburse eligible medical expenses as a tax-deductible business expense. The reimbursement you receive is non-taxable to you as an employee.

In practical terms, you convert an after-tax personal expense into a before-tax business expense.

How Much Can You Save with an HSA?

Example:

Without an HSA

• LASIK for both eyes: $5,000
• Paid with after-tax personal income
• At a 40 percent combined tax rate, you would need to earn $8,333 before tax to have $5,000 after tax
• Effective cost to you: $8,333

With an HSA

• LASIK for both eyes: $5,000
• Paid through your corporation as a business expense
• Fully deductible at the corporate level
• You receive a tax-free reimbursement
• Effective cost to you: $5,000 + applicable admin fees and taxes
• Tax savings: ~$3,333 in this example

That is an estimated 40 percent savings simply by using a Health Spending Account (HSA).

What Expenses Can HSAs Cover?

HSAs can reimburse a wide range of CRA-eligible medical expenses, including:

• Vision care: Prescription glasses, contact lenses, eye exams, LASIK, PRK, ICL
• Dental care: Cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, orthodontics, dentures
• Paramedical services: Physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, psychology
• Prescription medications: Any prescription dispensed by a licensed pharmacist
• Medical devices: Hearing aids, orthotics, mobility aids, medical alert systems
• Healthcare practitioners: Physicians, specialists, nurses, midwives
• Medical cannabis: With appropriate medical confirmation

For the complete list of eligible expenses, refer to CRA medical expense guidance.

Who Can Benefit from an HSA?

• Incorporated business owners, including solo owners with no employees
• Self-employed professionals who have incorporated
• Companies seeking tax-efficient health benefits for employees
• Family members on payroll, where spouses and children can be covered

How HSAs Work

1. Set up your HSA through a high-quality and reputable provider. Garrett Agencies works with established HSA providers and can assist you with this process.
2. Determine an annual allocation that fits your expected medical needs.
3. Pay for LASIK or other eligible medical expenses.
4. Submit receipts to your HSA provider.
5. Receive tax-free reimbursement from your business.

Your corporation deducts the expense, and you receive the reimbursement personally without tax implications when structured correctly.

LASIK and HSAs: A Strong Pairing

LASIK eye surgery is an eligible medical expense when performed by a qualified medical practitioner or licensed facility. HSAs allow you to:

• Convert after-tax spending into pre-tax business expenses
• Deduct the full procedure cost
• Include related costs such as consultation fees, surgery, follow-up visits, and prescribed eye drops

Beyond LASIK: Long-Term HSA Value

Once your HSA is in place, continue using it for your family’s ongoing eligible medical needs, such as dental care, prescription medications, therapy and counselling, vision care, massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic, hearing aids, and approved medical devices. Many business owners generate meaningful annual tax savings by funneling routine medical expenses through an HSA.

Learn more about HSA eligible expenses here.

Is LASIK Worth the Cost?

When compared to the long-term costs of glasses and contacts, LASIK often pays for itself within 10 to 15 years. Contact lenses, solutions, replacement frames, and prescription updates add up over time. More importantly, many patients value the lifestyle benefits most: no fogged lenses, fewer dry-eye issues from contacts, and convenience during sports and travel.

Financing Options

If you are not using an HSA, consider:

• Clinic payment plans: Many providers offer zero or low-interest options with predictable monthly payments.
• Personal credit or loan: Look for competitive rates and avoid carrying high-interest balances.
• Medical expense tax credit: Keep your receipts and speak to your accountant about claiming eligible medical expenses at tax time.

Next Steps and How Garrett Agencies Can Help

Laser eye surgery can be a life-changing investment in your vision and quality of life. Costs vary by province, clinic, and technology, but most Canadians pay about 4,000 to 6,000 in total for both eyes with modern LASIK. While provincial and private insurance rarely cover LASIK, a Health Spending Account can significantly reduce the effective cost for incorporated professionals and business owners.

Garrett Agencies specializes in setting up HSAs for Canadian businesses and professionals. We can help you determine whether an HSA is right for you and show you how to fund LASIK and other medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Ready to explore your options?

• Contact Garrett Agencies to discuss Health Spending Accounts
• Visit Garrett.ca/health-spending-accounts to learn more
• Discover how Canadian business owners are reducing medical costs with HSAs

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‍Disclaimer: LASIK costs and HSA regulations are subject to change. Prices listed reflect 2025 market research but may vary by clinic and individual circumstances. Always consult with qualified medical professionals about your vision correction options and with tax professionals about HSA eligibility and benefits. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice.