What Does LASIK Actually Cost in Medellín?
Let's break down the real numbers. Not the marketing range, not the "starting at" price — the actual cost of getting LASIK in Medellín including everything you'll spend.
Procedure Pricing
| Procedure | Medellín (per eye) | US Average (per eye) | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard LASIK (microkeratome) | $500-$800 | $1,800-$2,500 | 65-70% |
| Femto-LASIK (bladeless) | $700-$1,200 | $2,200-$3,500 | 60-70% |
| Wavefront-guided LASIK | $800-$1,400 | $2,500-$4,000 | 65-70% |
| PRK | $500-$900 | $1,500-$2,500 | 60-65% |
| SMILE | $1,000-$1,800 | $3,000-$4,500 | 60-65% |
| Cataract surgery (premium IOL) | $1,200-$2,500 | $3,500-$8,000 | 60-70% |
Total Trip Cost Calculator
Total Medellín trip: ~$2,750 for LASIK on both eyes including flights, hotel, meals, and transportation. US equivalent: $5,200+ for the procedure alone, no vacation included.
What's Included in the Procedure Price
Most Medellín clinics quote all-inclusive pricing that covers: pre-operative evaluation and diagnostic testing, the procedure itself, all medications (antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, artificial tears), 24-hour follow-up examination, 48-hour follow-up examination, and 1-week follow-up if you're still in the city. Some clinics also include a post-operative UV protection kit (sunglasses, sleep shields). Ask specifically what's included before comparing quotes.
Why the Price Is Lower (Not Worse)
The savings exist because of economic structure, not quality shortcuts. Colombian ophthalmologists earn competitive local salaries, clinic overhead costs are lower, and there's no insurance billing infrastructure adding 25-30% to every procedure. The laser platforms are the same machines. The surgical technique is the same technique. The cornea doesn't know which country it's in. For more on the economics of international pricing, see the Colombia Medical hub.
Ready to See Clearly?
Get a free LASIK consultation with a board-certified ophthalmologist in Medellín.
Chat on WhatsApp →