Wellington Eye Centre

optometrist — Te Aro · Wellington

About Wellington Eye Centre

Wellington Eye Centre is a laser eye surgery clinic led by ophthalmologist Dr Andrew Logan, who was the first eye surgeon in New Zealand to perform LASIK surgery in 1995 and remains at the cutting edge of ophthalmology today. The clinic is proud to house some of the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment in Australasia, including the VISUMAX® 800 femtosecond laser — the first of its kind installed in New Zealand.

The centre offers three laser eye surgery treatments: SMILE, LASIK and PRK, with the team working alongside each patient to determine the right option for their individual needs. Wellington Eye Centre was also the first laser clinic in New Zealand to perform the SMILE procedure in 2014, and continues to use the latest generation of VisuMax technology for faster, more precise treatment.

All laser vision correction procedures are offered at a clear, fixed price per eye, which includes the medical assessment and twelve months of post-operative care within New Zealand. For patients concerned about upfront cost, the clinic offers 12 months interest-free finance through GEM Visa and Q Card. Every patient journey begins with a free initial suitability assessment at the Wellington or Napier clinic, or over the phone for those living elsewhere in New Zealand.

Wellington Eye Centre: Laser Eye Surgery with Dr Andrew Logan

Wellington Eye Centre has built its reputation on being at the forefront of laser eye surgery in New Zealand, led by ophthalmologist Dr Andrew Logan — the first eye surgeon in the country to perform LASIK surgery, back in 1995. Three decades on, Dr Logan continues to stay at the cutting edge of ophthalmology, and the clinic is proud to house some of the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment in Australasia.

A History of Firsts

Wellington Eye Centre was the first laser clinic in New Zealand to perform LASIK in 1995, and later became the first in the country to perform SMILE laser eye surgery in 2014. More recently, the clinic became the first in New Zealand to install the VISUMAX® 800 femtosecond laser, upgrading from the previous VisuMax® 500. This latest generation of laser technology is recognised globally for its precision and accuracy, offering reduced laser time and a more comfortable patient experience while lowering the chances of complications.

Three Treatment Options

The clinic offers three distinct laser eye surgery treatments: SMILE, LASIK and PRK. SMILE is currently used to correct short-sightedness, including when combined with moderate astigmatism, and can only be performed using the VisuMax femtosecond laser. The procedure is minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision, with the laser correction itself taking around 10 seconds and offering a fast visual recovery.

LASIK, meanwhile, corrects a broader range of refractive errors — hyperopia (long-sightedness), myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism — through a quick two-step process. Creating the corneal flap takes just 7-8 seconds, while the corneal shaping stage takes between 5 and 40 seconds depending on the patient's prescription. It remains the most common laser eye surgery performed worldwide.

Transparent, Fixed Pricing

Wellington Eye Centre prices its laser vision correction procedures on a simple, fixed per-eye basis, which includes both the initial medical assessment and twelve months of post-operative care within New Zealand. For patients who find the upfront cost a barrier, the clinic offers 12 months interest-free finance through GEM Visa and Q Card, alongside other finance options that may be available depending on individual circumstances.

Finding the Right Treatment for You

Every patient's journey starts with a free initial suitability assessment, available at the Wellington or Napier clinic, or over the phone for patients living elsewhere in New Zealand. During this assessment, the team works with each patient to determine which of the three treatments — SMILE, LASIK or PRK — best suits their individual eyes and lifestyle needs.

Who Laser Eye Surgery Suits

Most people who wear glasses or contact lenses are suitable candidates, with less than 10% of people assessed found unsuitable. However, certain conditions — including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, a history of corneal herpes simplex, keratoconus, or unstable or uncontrolled diabetes — may rule someone out, as does pregnancy. Because eyes continue developing until around age 20, the clinic doesn't perform laser correction on patients younger than their 20s, and those aged 65 to 85 are generally advised to wait until cataract surgery, at which point remaining focusing errors can often be corrected with laser treatment.

What Patients Say

Patient reviews consistently highlight the clinic's communication, professionalism and the life-changing impact of clearer vision. Reviewers have singled out staff members by name — including Dr Logan, nurse Josie, and optometrist Shannon — for making the process feel safe, comfortable and well explained from start to finish.

Visiting Wellington Eye Centre

Located on Level 4 of 148 Cuba Street in Te Aro, Wellington Eye Centre offers a straightforward path to clearer vision, backed by decades of pioneering laser eye surgery experience and some of the most advanced technology available in Australasia.

Signature items

  • VISUMAX® 800 Laser
  • SMILE Surgery
  • LASIK Surgery
  • Free Laser Assessment
  • Fixed-Price Procedures
  • Interest-Free Finance

Menu

Eye Conditions Addressed

  • Keratoconus — Progressive corneal condition
  • Pterygium — Growth on the surface of the eye
  • Blepharitis — Inflammation of the eyelids
  • Cataracts — Clouding of the eye's lens
  • Dry Eyes — Chronic dry eye condition
  • Glaucoma — Eye condition affecting the optic nerve
  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction — Dysfunction of the eyelid's oil-producing glands

Laser Eye Surgery Procedures

  • SMILE — Minimally invasive laser correction for short-sightedness, including with moderate astigmatism, using the VisuMax femtosecond laser; laser correction takes around 10 seconds with fast visual recovery
  • LASIK — Corrects hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism via a two-step procedure — flap creation takes 7-8 seconds, corneal shaping takes 5-40 seconds depending on prescription
  • PRK — One of three laser eye surgery treatments offered, recommended based on individual suitability

Frequently asked questions

Who is suitable for laser eye surgery?
Most people who wear glasses or contacts are suitable — less than 10% assessed are found unsuitable. Certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, keratoconus, uncontrolled diabetes, or pregnancy may rule it out.
Is laser eye surgery permanent?
The change in cornea shape is permanent, but it doesn't prevent natural age-related vision changes over time.
Am I too young or too old for laser eye surgery?
Correction isn't performed before a person is in their 20s, as eyes continue developing until then. Those aged 65-85 are often advised to wait until cataract surgery.
Is my prescription treatable?
Most prescriptions are treatable with current laser technology, provided there is sufficient corneal thickness and a healthy eye.
What laser treatments are offered?
SMILE, LASIK and PRK.
How much does laser eye surgery cost?
Procedures are offered at a fixed price per eye, including the medical assessment and 12 months of post-operative care.
Are finance options available?
Yes, 12 months interest-free finance is available through GEM Visa and Q Card.

Tips

  • {"body":"Available at the Wellington or Napier clinic, or over the phone if you live elsewhere in NZ.","title":"Book a free suitability assessment first"}
  • {"body":"The right treatment depends on your individual prescription and eye health.","title":"Ask about SMILE vs LASIK vs PRK"}
  • {"body":"12 months interest-free is available through GEM Visa and Q Card.","title":"Consider interest-free finance if cost is a barrier"}
  • {"body":"Certain conditions and pregnancy may affect eligibility for laser eye surgery.","title":"Check the exclusion list before booking"}

Good to know

  • {"payments":"12 months interest-free finance available through GEM Visa and Q Card"}