Flap-free, cutting-edge procedure
VisuMax SMILE Pro - The most advanced laser vision correction
A VisuMax SMILE Pro is the most advanced laser eye surgery, quickly and gently correcting short-sightedness and astigmatism.
The result: sharp vision and a quick return to your usual, active life – without glasses or contact lenses.
Minimally invasive, eye-friendly procedure
Low risk of dry eye
Fast recovery, short procedure
8 seconds of laser treatment time
Thanks to the exceptionally fast VisuMax SMILE Pro laser technology, the laser treatment itself takes just 8 seconds per eye.
Gentle, flap-free procedure
No corneal flap needs to be created: the procedure is performed through a tiny opening of approximately 2 mm.
Quick return to everyday life
Thanks to the minimally invasive technology, recovery is fast, and patients can return to their usual daily activities within days.
Gentle, flap-free procedure
In a FEMTO laser procedure, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea and the vision correction takes place beneath it, whereas SMILE Pro requires no flap and is performed through an opening of just a few millimetres.
FEMTO treatment
20 mm flap
SMILE Pro treatment
2 mm incision
Sharp vision at a reduced price
HUF 100,000 off VisuMax SMILE Pro laser eye surgery
We are now making the most advanced VisuMax SMILE Pro laser vision correction even more accessible. We are offering this ultra-fast, flap-free procedure at a significant discount with extra benefits, so you can make a confident decision towards a life without glasses and contact lenses.
- Treatment fee: now HUF 449,000 / eye instead of HUF 499,000 / eye
- Free suitability assessment
- Free mandatory follow-up examinations
- Complimentary premium sunglasses
- Unique 10-year retreatment guarantee
Who is VisuMax SMILE Pro laser eye surgery right for?
SMILE Pro is ideal for those looking for a gentle, modern alternative to glasses or contact lenses, for whom a fast recovery is important.
We recommend it if:
- Turned 18
- You are short-sighted between -1 and -10 dioptres
- You have astigmatism (cylinder) of up to -5 dioptres
- There has been no change in visual acuity in the past year.
- You lead an active life (sport, travel) and want a quick return to everyday life
- You want to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses
- You are prone to dry eyes or want to minimise this risk
- You do contact sports and don't want to give them up for months
When do we not recommend VisuMax SMILE Pro treatment?
For safety reasons, there are situations in which SMILE Pro is not the right solution. In these cases, our doctors will help you find an alternative.
Most common reasons for exclusion:
- Long-sightedness (plus dioptres)
- Some autoimmune diseases
- Certain wound healing problems
- Severe blurred vision
- Presence of cataracts
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding period
- Irregularly shaped cornea
- Previous herpes infection of the eye
- Severe dry eye problem
- You only wear reading glasses
If you are not sure whether SMILE Pro is right for you, a thorough eye examination will give you a clear answer. In many cases, several procedures may be suitable, all of which are available at our clinic.
Process
Step by step: how VisuMax SMILE Pro vision correction works
For information about each step, click on the step title.
At the first appointment, a detailed, gentle examination will be performed to ensure that we offer you the best solution. Our clinic is located on Bécsi út, where we welcome you in a discreet and premium environment.
Period: ≈ 60–90 minutes
More information
The suitability assessment will include the following:
- Corneal map (topography) of the individual irregularities of the ocular surface.
- Accurate measurement of diopters and cylinders, corneal thickness check.
- Tear film and pupil examination (pupil dilation with eye drops).
- Front segment with slit lamp and fundus examination (pupil dilation with eye drops).
- Medical consultation: discussing results, answering questions.
Practical information:
- It is recommended to remove soft contact lenses 3 days before the examination, and hard lenses 3 weeks before.
- Blurred vision may occur for 2-3 hours due to dilation; avoid driving during this period.
- Bring your previous eye tests with you, if you have any.
Outcome:
- A clear yes/no decision on SMILE treatment, or an alternative recommendation.
- Personalized treatment plan and timing.
The procedure is performed by an experienced ophthalmologist using anaesthetic eye drops. Most patients feel no pain, at most a slight sensation of pressure.
More information
Steps in brief:
- Preparation, disinfection, placing an eyelid speculum.
- Activate eye tracking; the system tracks even the slightest eye movement.
- Laser treatment: the laser creates the fine layer of tissue needed for the correction inside the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny 2-millimetre opening.
- Rest, short observation, homecoming with an escort.
Please note this:
- Do not use makeup, perfume, or hair products containing alcohol for 3-4 days before surgery.
- We recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before and 48 hours after surgery.
- Bring quality sunglasses due to light sensitivity.
- Arrange for transportation home.
Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within 24–72 hours, and sharpness continues to stabilise shortly afterwards.
Period: ≈ 24-72 hours
More information
- Tearing, stinging, and sensitivity to light may occur for a few hours — this is normal.
- Rest with your eyes closed for 3–4 hours after surgery.
- Use the eye drops prescribed by your doctor according to protocol.
- Don't rub your eyes.
- Screen: with short segments, frequent blinking, artificial tears.
- Driving: after the next day's check-up, with medical approval.
- Work: most people return to office work within 1–2 days.
Sports and hygiene:
- Easy walking the next day; intensive sports after about 1 week.
- Swimming/sauna: usually recommended after 3–4 weeks.
- Eye make-up: usually safe after 2–3 weeks.
(Of course, everyone heals at a different rate, so always follow your doctor's instructions.)
You can count on our team even after the surgery! We will accompany you throughout your entire recovery and answer your questions so that you feel calm and safe.
Period: ≈ 1-3 months
More information
Mandatory follow-ups:
- 24-hour control: We check the start of healing on the first day.
- 1 week: we look at the development of vision and regeneration.
- 2 months: checking the stabilization of visual acuity.
- 6 months: long-term outcome, final examination.
Follow-up:
Dry eyes may occur temporarily, but are usually milder and easily managed with artificial tears. The result typically stabilises quickly, and we will answer all your questions throughout the process.
SMILE Pro is an internationally recognised procedure with US FDA approval and European CE marking. More than 10 million treatments have been performed worldwide by thousands of experienced surgeons, providing a strong professional track record and reliability.
Results
VisuMax SMILE Pro laser eye surgery results
SMILE Pro is one of the gentlest forms of modern laser vision correction, with proven results worldwide. Most patients notice a significant improvement within days of the procedure, and vision stabilises shortly afterwards.
According to clinical studies
For most patients,
within 1–2 days
a significant improvement in vision is noticeable
What did our patients experience after treatment?
Life without glasses and contact lenses
Sharp everyday vision, often within just 1–2 days.
A gentler experience for your eyes
Less discomfort during recovery and a lower risk of dry eye.
A quick return to normal life
Work, driving and active pursuits can be comfortably resumed within a short time.
“The recovery was surprisingly quick. I was back to my normal life within a few days, and I can finally see clearly without glasses.”
— Our patient's feedback —
At Saint James Vision and Aesthetics Center, not only technology but also care is top-notch. Our doctors and the entire team work every step of the way to ensure you enjoy clear vision safely and with satisfaction.
Your guarantee of sharp vision
Unique 10-year retreatment guarantee
At Saint James Vision and Aesthetics Center we are the first in Hungary to offer a 10-year retreatment guarantee for our laser eye surgeries. If your vision is worse than expected after surgery or deteriorates in the following years, we will perform the correction free of charge.
Personalized treatment
How does VisuMax SMILE Pro laser eye surgery work?
SMILE Pro differs from other laser treatments in that the correction takes place inside the cornea, without significantly “disturbing” its surface. This exceptionally gentle approach contributes to faster recovery and helps preserve the eye’s natural stability.
Zeiss VisuMax 800 - The most advanced femtosecond laser
During the treatment, a high-precision femtosecond laser (the VisuMax 800, manufactured by Carl Zeiss AG) creates a thin, lens-shaped layer of tissue within the cornea, which is removed through a tiny opening. This allows the eye’s refractive error to be corrected precisely without major intervention on the surface.
Focus on safety
Safety and potential risks
VisuMax SMILE Pro is a safe, modern laser vision correction procedure used worldwide. As with any medical procedure, temporary side effects may occur, but in most cases they are mild and easily managed.
At Saint James Clinic, every step follows strict professional protocols, so you can feel safe throughout the entire process.
Occasional, temporary symptoms may include:
- Dry eyes or tearing
- Sensitivity to light, glare at night
- Short-term foreign body sensation
- Slight blurring in the first few days of recovery
What we do for safety:
- Modern diagnostic and laser equipment
- Experienced ophthalmologists who have performed thousands of surgeries
- Strict hygiene and surgical protocols
- Regular check-ups until full recovery
If you have any questions or concerns, our doctors will discuss your options in detail. It is important to us that you make your decision with complete safety and confidence.
Prices and financing
Transparent treatment prices, without hidden costs
VisuMax SMILE Pro price and financing options
HUF 449,000 / eye
- The price includes the suitability test, surgery and mandatory check-ups.
Discounts:
- For our rural patients 5000 HUF travel allowance
- With student ID 10,000 HUF extra discount we cover the cost of the surgery
Financing
At Saint James Vision and Aesthetics Center, it is important to us that treatment can be planned financially, which is why we offer several financing solutions:
Instalment payment
Our clinic offers flexible instalment payment plans
Health fund settlement
Available for the full amount
For detailed information, see Instalment payment menu.
About us
Our doctors and team - professional experience, personal care
At Saint James Clinic, SMILE treatment is performed by experienced consultant ophthalmologists with thousands of successful procedures behind them. Alongside precision, empathy and personal attention are core values for us.
Dr. Kristóf Perényi, chief physician and clinic director
An ophthalmologist who graduated from Semmelweis University and runs the clinic based on domestic and international experience. During his training abroad, he mastered the most modern laser vision correction techniques.
Its mission is to provide a safe, natural vision experience to all its patients.
Security and support throughout the entire process
The key to success is not only the expertise of the doctor, but also the cooperation of the entire team – from assistants to coordinators to colleagues performing follow-up examinations. This is how we ensure that all our patients feel safe and supported at every step of the process.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions about VisuMax SMILE Pro
We have gathered the most important questions that may arise about SMILE Pro laser vision correction. The answers below give a brief overview – if you have any further questions, please call or write to us.
Is SMILE Pro surgery painful?
No. The procedure is performed using anaesthetic eye drops, so it is painless. Most patients feel at most a slight sensation of pressure, but no pain.
What happens if I blink during the procedure?
A special device gently holds your eyelids open, so you don't need to blink. The modern eye-tracking system monitors even the smallest movements, so the treatment can be performed safely.
How is SMILE Pro different from other treatments?
One of the main differences of SMILE Pro is that the vision correction takes place inside the cornea, without significantly disturbing its surface. Unlike other procedures, no large flap needs to be created, so the procedure can be gentler on the eye.
Do you operate on both eyes at the same time?
Yes, both eyes are treated during the surgery, which avoids a temporary difference between the two eyes and speeds up recovery.
How should I prepare for the surgery?
Contact lenses should be removed (soft lenses: 10 days, hard lenses: approx. 3 weeks before the procedure). Do not wear makeup, false eyelashes or perfume on the day of the surgery. Bring sunglasses with you.
What happens during surgery?
You lie comfortably while a holder keeps your eyelids open. The laser performs the correction inside the cornea, which takes only a few seconds. Meanwhile, the doctor keeps you informed at every moment to help you relax.
How long does the surgery take?
The entire procedure usually takes 15–20 minutes for both eyes.
When will I be able to see clearly after surgery?
Vision may improve just a few hours after the procedure, and most patients notice a significant improvement within 1–2 days.
Are there any discounts?
Yes. We provide a travel subsidy of HUF 5,000 for patients from rural areas, and a HUF 10,000 discount on the price of laser treatment for students.
What should you pay attention to after surgery?
Do not rub your eyes, and avoid water and make-up during the initial period. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors is strongly recommended. Use the eye drops prescribed by your doctor exactly as directed.
When are the check-ups?
The first check-up is due the next day, then after 1 week, 2 months and 6 months. If necessary, the doctor may deviate from this.
Book an appointment
Take the first step towards insight with us.
The first step of VisuMax SMILE Pro treatment is a thorough, gentle suitability assessment. It is completely painless and gives you a clear answer as to whether the procedure is right for you.
Online appointment booking for suitability assessment
Complete an online suitability assessment
We provide the opportunity to complete an online suitability test, during which you can find out which type of treatment is the most ideal choice for you.
The test will take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
- Bécsi út 68-84, 1034 Budapest
- recepcio@stjameshospital.hu
- +36 1 788 2927
Contact
Location and approach
Saint James Vision and Aesthetics Center is located at 1034 Budapest, Bécsi Street 68-84. You can find it in an easily accessible location.
Whether you are coming from Budapest or from another part of the country, we welcome you in a discreet and premium environment, in comfortable and relaxed conditions.
Access and parking:
- Private parking in the clinic's underground garage (prior arrangement by email or phone required; parking is chargeable)
- Easily accessible by public transport (bus and tram stops nearby)
- We provide detailed guidance and travel assistance for those arriving from outside the city.
