WE’RE HONOURED TO BE MEMBERS OF THESE PRESTIGIOUS PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS
WHAT OUR PRK PATIENTS EXPERIENCE
Be self-reliant with PRK
You hate your glasses and LASIK is not an option
“Dr Russell and the team go above and beyond to ensure you are comfortable and well informed for your surgery pre and post.” – Carlita Glode
Eyes – be free!
If your vision is making you feel like you’re missing out on life, all you need is the courage to correct it. PRK eye surgery offers the same visual results as LASIK and can be perfect for full-on lifestyles.
1Healthline. 2021. PRK vs. LASIK: Differences, Pros, Cons, and What to Expect. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik#efficacy> [Accessed 28 June 2021].“I received absolute personable and extremely professional attention. I’m still pinching myself and only wish I’d met Matthew and his colleagues years ago! Thank you, thank you!” – Lee Shekleton
Eyes – be free!
If your vision is making you feel like you’re missing out on life, all you need is the courage to correct it. PRK eye surgery offers the same visual results as LASIK and can be perfect for full-on lifestyles. 2Healthline. 2021. PRK vs. LASIK: Differences, Pros, Cons, and What to Expect. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik#efficacy> [Accessed 28 June 2021].
“I received absolute personable and extremely professional attention. I’m still pinching myself and only wish I’d met Matthew and his colleagues years ago! Thank you, thank you!” – Lee Shekleton
Isn’t it time you ditched the specs for good?
Perhaps you’ve always taken your glasses and contact lenses in your stride, but wouldn’t it be amazing to get on with life without having to consider them first?
“I could not recommend VSON more. I had an exceptional experience – the staff were VERY friendly, kind, patient with my nerves and very respectful. The follow-up appointments were helpful, and there was plenty of convenient availability. I would highly recommend booking a consult – it changed my life.” – Kelay Lay
Isn’t it time you ditched the specs for good?
Perhaps you’ve always taken your glasses and contact lenses in your stride, but wouldn’t it be amazing to get on with life without having to consider them first?
“I could not recommend VSON more. I had an exceptional experience – the staff were VERY friendly, kind, patient with my nerves and very respectful. The follow-up appointments were helpful, and there was plenty of convenient availability. I would highly recommend booking a consult – it changed my life.” – Kelay Lay
Shape the life you want
An easing sense of freedom and convenience should make you feel victorious – nothing will get in your way.
PRK laser eye surgery aims to give our patients the confidence to accomplish their goals and even set more challenging ones in the future. Many wish they’d done it sooner.
Shape the life you want
An easing sense of freedom and convenience should make you feel victorious – nothing will get in your way.
PRK laser eye surgery aims to give our patients the confidence to accomplish their goals and even set more challenging ones in the future. Many wish they’d done it sooner.
HOW LASER EYE SURGERY IN BRISBANE WORKS
Enjoy a life free from glasses and contact lenses in 3 easy steps

Reach out
Chat us up, give us a call or book an appointment online. We make it easy to get in touch with us.

We’ll meet
Visit our clinic in Fortitude Valley for a free assessment that will give you a complete understanding of your laser surgery options.

Enjoy life
After a procedure that’s over before you know it, you’ll have the life-changing freedom that eye surgery brings.
3Healthblog.uofmhealth.org. 2021. Pros and Cons of LASIK: Are the Risks Worth the Cost?. [online] Available at: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/eye-health/pros-and-cons-of-lasik-are-risks-worth-costTHE BENEFITS OF PRK
Dr. Matthew Russell explains how you feel after PRK
PHOTO-REFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY EXPLAINED
What you need to know about PRK
Before laser eye surgeons were changing people’s lives with LASIK, they were performing a version of the laser eye surgery called photorefractive keratectomy. PRK eye surgery delivers long-term results that are the same exceptional quality as LASIK. If you depend on glasses or corrective lenses to see clearly, but you have been told you do not qualify for LASIK surgery, photorefractive keratectomy is a wonderful alternative.
4Brian S. Boxer Wachler, 2017, PRK laser eye surgery: How it differs from LASIK, All About Vision, US https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/prk.htmAfter PRK eye surgery you should be able to…
- take advantage of high definition vision, free from glasses or corrective lenses
- go about your daily life without the inconvenience of corrective eyewear
- notice how much more enjoyable work and leisure are without glasses or contacts
- engage in a wide variety of contact sports or physically demanding occupations
- enjoy more freedom and live life to the fullest.5Hossein Ziaei, MD, Marzieh Katibeh, MD, MPH, Maryam Sabbaghi, MD, Mehdi Yaseri, PhD, and Armen Eskandari, MD, 2012, PMID: 23264864, Vision Related Quality of Life in Myopia; Photorefractive Keratectomy versus Nonsurgical Optical Correction, Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3520590/#!po=78.5714
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding with photorefactive keratectomy PRK, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
- You’re 18 years or older
- You haven’t experienced any significant changes in your vision prescription in the past six months to a year
- You’re in good health and do not have any serious eye conditions
- Your corneas are too thin or unusually shaped, or you are prone to dry eye problems
- You’re at a higher risk of flap-related complications because of your occupation or normal activities (e.g., you are a professional athlete or a first responder).
- Take our online laser eye surgery self-test to get a preview of your PRK suitability
Your visual results and well-being depend on the expertise of your Brisbane laser eye surgeon. Dr. Russell offers:
- Experience. Dr. Russell has done more than 20,000 vision procedures.
- A genuine investment in your health and well-being. Dr. Russell will be candid with you and recommend what he feels is right for your needs and goals. If he does not believe you would benefit from PRK eye surgery, he can recommend a suitable alternative.
- A caring and personable demeanour. Dr Russell will examine your eyes, take the time to give you the best medical advice about your options, and answer all of your questions.
- Leading technology. Dr. Russell uses technology that can make your treatment safer, more comfortable, and more precise.6VSON | Laser Eye Surgery Brisbane. 2021. What is the best laser eye surgery technology?. [online] Available at: <https://vson.com.au/what-is-the-best-laser-eye-surgery-technology/> [Accessed 28 June 2021].
PRK and TransPRK are similar to LASIK in that they use laser energy to reshape the cornea to treat refractive errors permanently.
PRK vs LASIK
One key difference is that LASIK involves the creation of a corneal flap, and PRK eye surgery does not. With traditional PRK, an excimer laser is used to carefully reshape the cornea tissue and its curvature.
TransPRK
At VSON, we go one step further again with TransPRK (transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy) by SCHWIND.
Unlike with conventional surface laser methods like LASEK, Epi-LASIK, and PRK, with TransPRK the eye is not touched with any instrument.7Adib-Moghaddam S, Haydar AA, Razi-Khosroshahi M, Soleyman-Jahi S, Tefagh G, Grentzelos MA, Arba-Mosquera S, Kymionis GD. Predictors of Visual Acuity Improvement and Supernormal Vision After Refined Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy. J Refract Surg. 2019 Dec 1;35(12):771-780. doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20191025-01. PubMed PMID: 31830293.
Instead, the SCHWIND AMARIS laser removes the epithelium (the outer layer of the cornea), without suction, flap, or blade, and without the use of blunt alcohol. This touch-free procedure is non-invasive, safe, and gentle to the eye.8Eye-tech-solutions.com. 2021. SCHWIND TransPRK – the no-touch laser eye treatment. [online] Available at: <https://www.eye-tech-solutions.com/transprk#:~:text=Unlike%20with%20conventional%20methods%20like,and%20gentle%20to%20the%20eye.> [Accessed 28 June 2021]. Discover more about TransPRK here.
The healing process takes slightly longer from PRK than LASIK because the thin corneas’ surface cells need to regenerate.9All About Vision. 2021. PRK vs. LASIK. [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/en-gb/vision-surgery/prk/> [Accessed 28 June 2021].
After the procedure, we position a bandage contact lens over the eye to let the cornea heal. Sometimes, we prescribe medicated eye drops to help you recover as well. Your vision should be good enough to resume work, driving, and the rest of your normal activities within a week of the surgical procedure.
Book a free assessment today. You can book online or call us to arrange an appointment. Assessments are free and suitable candidates all meet with highly sought-after LASIK, PRK and TransPRK surgeon, Dr. Matthew Russell before they commit to laser eye surgery.
WHO CAN LASER EYE SURGERY HELP?
Find the laser eye surgery option right for your age. We offer unique solutions for each stage of life

Tired of missing out because you need glasses and contact lenses to see clearly?
Do your glasses prevent you from looking your very best?
We know how it feels to have glasses and contact lenses get in the way of what you most want out of life. That’s why we offer a free assessment in Brisbane to help you make an informed choice about laser eye surgery.
After you’ve had our assessment, you’ll enjoy the clarity and confidence you need to know – without a doubt – if laser surgery is right for you.

Do your glasses make you look years older than you actually feel?
Life needn’t go downhill the second you hit some magic number. Why spend half a lifetime in reading glasses when a 20-minute treatment can get you out of them?10All About Vision. 2021. Refractive Lens Exchange (Lens Replacement Surgery). [online] Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/refractive-lens-exchange.htm> [Accessed 21 June 2021].
These days, people in their 40s and 50s are living as actively as their kids. That’s why we offer specific treatments for ageing eyes whether you need a corneal transplant, laser surgery, or have dry eyes.
Book an assessment in Brisbane, and we’ll guide you towards the right treatment for you.

Seeking to ditch your lifetime of glasses and contact lenses for good?
Armed with varifocals, bifocals, reading specs, contact lenses, and everything else – it can sometimes feel like you’re carrying around a pharmacy in your pockets or purse.
We appreciate how you’ve probably got better things to do than have to worry about your declining vision. Visit us for a free assessment, and you too can join the hundreds of thousands that experience spectacle-free vision from morning till night regardless of age.11Mayo Clinic. 2021. LASIK surgery: Is it right for you?. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751> [Accessed 28 June 2021].
AS SEEN ON INSTAGRAM
Brisbane performer Jordan Malone (@jordanmalone_) talks about her laser surgery at VSON
THE LAZY PERSON’S WAY TO LEARN EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISION CORRECTION
Tired of Googling your way to understanding vision correction? We’ve got you covered! This “all-in-one” guide to vision correction options in Queensland will answer every question you have. Even the ones you didn’t think to ask! Best of all, it’s only a click away.
WHICH LASER EYE TREATMENT IN BRISBANE TICKS YOUR BOXES?
Every type of laser eye surgery aims to achieve freedom from glasses, the only difference is eligibility and convenience
Quality | SmartSight | LASIK | TransPRK | PRK |
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Recovery time | Fastest (1 day) | Fast (1 day) | Less fast (3-4 days) | Least fast (5-7 days) |
Eligibility |
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Cost | Find out here | Find out here | Find out here | Find out here |
Procedure | All laser treatment without a flap | All laser treatment | All laser treatment – no touch | Mainly laser treatment |
Advantage |
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History | Surgeons first performed lenticule extraction in 200715https://eandv.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40662-014-0003-1 | First performed 1991 | First performed 2007 | First performed 1987 |
Learn more |
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LASER EYE SURGERY…
Educate yourself further about laser eye surgery
A guide to LASIK, what it can treat, as well as all the need-to-know details on this refractive surgery. Click here for more information.
A direct comparison of PRK eye surgery vs LASIK eye surgery including the pros and cons of each and which uses a femtosecond laser. Click here for more information.
An informative article on PRK eye surgery, what the procedure is used for and how it is performed including how it affects your corneal tissues and corneal nerves. Click here for more information.
A WebMD article and explanation of LASIK eye surgery. Click here for more information.
They say ‘you are what you eat’. Like any aspect of the body, whether it’s the state of your joints, your brain, your digestion, or your eye health. A healthy and balanced lifestyle plays an important role. Both in warding off disease and even the effects of ageing that some may think are inevitable. Though we can’t eat good vision, we can ensure our diet contains all the vital nutrients and compounds. Click here to read more about laser eye surgery in Auckland and find out more about foods for eye health.
If you have to deal with the hassle of corrective lenses, ditching them for perfect eyesight sounds like a dream come true. The best way to achieve that goal is through eye laser surgery. There are a few different laser procedures to choose from, three of the most common being PRK, LASIK, and SMILE. Even if you think your eyes are too difficult to correct with surgery, this may not be the case. Click here to find out about SMILE laser eye surgery and the incision lenticule extraction SMILE technique, as well as the other treatments available.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Dr. Matthew Russell
MBChB, FRANZCO
Laser eye and cataract surgery specialist
With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.
Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.
I understand that medical and surgical eye care is a serious undertaking. I take the time to address whatever questions and concerns you might have. I believe everyone’s eyes are unique and require a customised solution tailored to your needs and goals.
My combination of education, training and experience positions me to provide optimal results for patients of all ages. I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.