I've been investigating this, and I've found a site www.lasik-eyes.com which describes lasik surgery in Brasil at a reduced cost than here in the states.
From what they say, the people involved are experts in the field and have contributed significantly to the research and advancement of the procedures involved. Two in particular are Dr. Galvis and Dr Jose Barraquer.
The cost includes air fare, as well as a multi-day stay at a local resort to aid the short recuperation and to add to the experience, as well as the ease of checking on results with the doctors once it has been completed.
Has anyone either heard of this, or these doctors? And can their claims be confirmed or denied?
From what they say it sounds very promising - a trip to a foreign country to get surgery done by doctors at the top of their field with optimal equipment and then enjoy a short vacation, all at a cost less than just the surgery alone here in the U.S.
I've also heard some hubbub about Canadian surgery which seems comprable.

-Erich-

Erich,
Take a close look at the web site you are referring to, and you will notice that there is a lot of untruths and misinformation. Case in point is the heading:
"What your doctors don't want you to know" In that article, the doctor from the site has complete misinformation. Every single sentence is untrue. And to my knowledge they have not published results showing that they have better results then in the U.S. (although they imply throughout their site that this is the case)

We have discussed traveling to another city on this board at length. There are some major risks when you travel. After you have the surgery, there is anywhere from a 3-10% enhancement (retreatment) rate - so that means you may have to fly back and forth more than once. You may think you need an enhancement - get to South America - and have the LASIK surgeon disagree with the assessment of the doctor who has examined your eyes at home.
Plus - imagine the situation in which a complication occurs (which is uncommon but can happen.) Are you going to fly back and forth between South America so that your surgeon can take care of the complication.
I personally think that traveling increases the potential problems with LASIK. You only have one set of eyes, and I would take precious care of them if I were you

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami,FL

Ok, so after further insight it appears the procedure in Brasil would be against my best interests.
However I am still interested in obtaining the best techniques available of course.
In looking around it would seem that using an excimer laser and advanced keratome would be best, but I'm unsure as to where the technology has progressed to.
In your humble opinion, what sort of equipment should I look for? (on top of a spectacular surgeon of course)

-Erich-