In recent years, Vietnam has become a leading destination for advanced vision correction, attracting both domestic and international patients. Among the cutting-edge procedures now available, SMILE Pro stands out as one of the most precise, comfortable, and effective laser eye surgeries to treat refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism. As the next-generation evolution of the original SMILE technique, SMILE Pro combines high-speed laser technology, minimal invasiveness, and fast recovery — making it a popular choice for those seeking clear, unaided vision.
In this article, we explore everything you need to know about SMILE Pro surgery in Vietnam, including how it works, who it’s for, benefits, costs, recovery, and why Vietnam is emerging as a top location for this advanced treatment.
🧬 What is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Professional) is a flapless, minimally invasive laser eye surgery developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec, using the state-of-the-art VisuMax® 800 femtosecond laser system.
Unlike traditional LASIK or Femto-LASIK procedures, which involve creating a corneal flap, SMILE Pro creates a small incision of just 2–2.5 mm and removes a lenticule (a small disc of corneal tissue) to reshape the cornea and correct vision.
SMILE Pro is the upgraded version of ReLEx SMILE, featuring:
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Shorter laser time (as fast as 10 seconds per eye)
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More precise tissue removal
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Higher patient comfort
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Enhanced treatment planning through AI integration
👁️🗨️ Conditions Treated with SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro is ideal for patients with:
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Myopia (nearsightedness): Up to -10.00 diopters
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Astigmatism: Up to -5.00 diopters
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Stable vision prescription (no significant changes in the past 12 months)
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Sufficient corneal thickness
⚙️ How SMILE Pro Works: Step-by-Step
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Pre-Operative Exam:
A detailed assessment using topography, corneal thickness measurements, and a refraction test. The surgeon uses this data to program the VisuMax 800 laser. -
Lenticule Creation (10 seconds):
The femtosecond laser creates a tiny disc-shaped lenticule inside the cornea. -
Lenticule Removal:
Through a 2 mm incision, the surgeon extracts the lenticule, changing the shape of the cornea and correcting the refractive error. -
No Flap, No Stitch:
The cornea remains structurally stable, with minimal healing time and reduced dry eye risk.
✅ Key Benefits of SMILE Pro
Feature | Benefit |
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Minimally Invasive | 2–2.5 mm incision, no flap |
Painless and Fast | 10-second laser time, no discomfort |
No flap-related complications | No risk of flap dislocation post-surgery |
Reduced dry eye symptoms | Fewer corneal nerves are affected |
Rapid Recovery | Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours |
High precision | VisuMax 800 ensures micron-level accuracy |
📍 Why Choose Vietnam for SMILE Pro?
Vietnam has quickly become one of the top destinations in Asia for high-quality eye surgery, and SMILE Pro is now offered at select elite hospitals. Reasons to consider having SMILE Pro in Vietnam include:
1. World-Class Technology
Leading Vietnamese eye hospitals now use the Zeiss VisuMax 800, the same laser platform used in Germany, South Korea, and the United States.
2. Internationally Trained Surgeons
Vietnamese ophthalmologists are often trained in advanced eye centers in Japan, Singapore, and Germany and bring this expertise back home.
3. Affordable Pricing
While SMILE Pro can cost $3,500–$5,000 in Western countries, the same procedure in Vietnam ranges between $1,600 and $2,300, without compromising quality.
4. Medical Tourism Infrastructure
Vietnam offers English-speaking healthcare services, airport pickup, hotel coordination, and post-op follow-ups tailored for international patients.

SMILE Pro laser eye surgery in Vietnam—advanced, flapless vision correction with fast recovery and precision technology.
🏥 Where to Get SMILE Pro in Vietnam
⭐ DND International Eye Hospital – Hanoi
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First in Vietnam to introduce SMILE Pro with VisuMax 800
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Certified by Carl Zeiss Meditec
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English-speaking staff and international patient service
⭐ Saigon Eye Hospital – Ho Chi Minh City
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Offers SMILE and Femto-LASIK
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High-quality diagnostics and optical care
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Known for patient comfort and aftercare
⭐ FV Hospital Eye Department – Ho Chi Minh City
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Internationally accredited with French management
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Advanced refractive surgery center
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Support for overseas patients and medical travel coordination
💲 SMILE Pro Cost in Vietnam
Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
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Pre-operative eye exam | $30 – $60 |
SMILE Pro Surgery (both eyes) | $1,600 – $2,300 |
Post-operative medications & follow-ups | $50 – $100 |
Note: Prices may vary based on hospital, surgeon experience, and whether you need additional treatment like dry eye care or prescription glasses.
🕓 Recovery and Aftercare
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First 4 hours: Minor discomfort, watery eyes, light sensitivity
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Day 1: Vision starts to clear; most patients resume light activities
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Day 2–3: Can return to work and daily life
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1 week: Vision becomes significantly sharper
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1 month: Full stabilization of vision in most cases
Patients are advised to:
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Avoid rubbing eyes
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Wear protective glasses at night
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Use prescribed antibiotic and lubricating eye drops
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Avoid swimming or dusty environments for at least 2 weeks
👨⚕️ Who is a Good Candidate?
You may be eligible for SMILE Pro if:
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You’re 18 years or older
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You have a stable prescription
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You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding
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You don’t have eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus
🔄 SMILE Pro vs LASIK vs Femto-LASIK
Feature | SMILE Pro | Femto-LASIK | Traditional LASIK |
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Flap required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Incision size | 2 mm | ~20 mm | ~20 mm |
Dry eye risk | Very low | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Recovery time | 1–2 days | 2–4 days | 4–7 days |
Laser platform | VisuMax 800 | Zeiss/Femto | Excimer/Femto |
🌏 SMILE Pro for Medical Tourists
International patients coming to Vietnam for SMILE Pro often combine treatment with a vacation. Recovery is fast enough to enjoy sightseeing after 1–2 days. Popular destinations include:
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Ha Long Bay – Cruise and relax after your vision stabilizes
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Hoi An – Ancient town with peaceful atmosphere
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Da Nang beaches – Gentle climate for rest and recovery
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Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City – Convenient urban centers with top eye hospitals
📣 Patient Testimonials
“I had SMILE Pro done at DND Eye Hospital in Hanoi. The staff was so professional, and the whole procedure took less than 15 minutes. I could already see clearly the next morning. Highly recommend Vietnam for eye surgery!”
— Sarah M., Australia
“The price was amazing, and the technology was exactly like what I would get in Seoul or Tokyo. Vietnam’s surgeons are world-class.”
— Kenji S., Japan
✅ Conclusion
SMILE Pro eye surgery in Vietnam is one of the best decisions you can make for your vision and your wallet. Offering the latest VisuMax 800 technology, skilled surgeons, and affordable pricing, Vietnam has become a regional leader in refractive eye care.
Whether you’re a medical tourist or a local resident, choosing SMILE Pro means getting high-precision laser correction with minimal downtime — so you can see the world more clearly, sooner.
Ready to See Clearly with SMILE Pro in Vietnam?
Book your consultation with leading eye specialists and experience life without glasses — quickly, safely, and affordably.