I Was Told I Wasn’t Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery — Should I Recheck?
I Was Told I Wasn't Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery — Should I Recheck?
If you were assessed for laser eye surgery years ago and told you weren't a suitable candidate, you're not alone. Many patients hear this and assume the door is permanently closed.
But the reality is: eye surgery technology has advanced significantly, and what wasn't possible beforemay be an option today.
Why People Were Previously Told They Were Ineligible
In the past, limitations often included:
- Thin corneas
- Higher prescriptions
- Significant astigmatism
- Early presbyopia (age-related near vision changes)
- Dry eye concerns
At the time, laser options were more limited, and safety always comes first. But technology doesn't stand still and now there is an option for every individual.
What Has Changed?
Modern refractive surgery now offers more personalised, flexible options than ever before.
SMILE uses a very small incision and preserves more corneal structure, making it suitable for patients who were previously ruled out due to corneal thickness or dry eye concerns.
Presbyond® is designed for people over 45 who were told laser surgery wouldn't help their near vision.
It corrects:
- Distance vision
- Intermediate vision
- Near vision
—all while maintaining good depth perception.
For patients with:
- Very high prescriptions
- Thin corneas
- Complex visual needs
IPCLs offer a lens-based solution that doesn't reshape the cornea at all. The lens is placed inside the eye and works alongside your natural lens. This type of preocedure is also reversible.
What If I Was Told "No" for a Good Reason?
That advice may still be valid — or it may simply be outdated.
Eyes change. Technology evolves. And what matters most is current measurements and modern options, not an assessment from years ago.
A fresh screening allows us to:
- Reassess your eye health
- Review updated technology
Do I Need to Commit to an Appointment?
Not at all.
You can start by completing our free self-test online, then we'll book you in for a FREE Laser Eye Screening.
👉 Take our free laser eye surgery self-test
Bottom Line
Being told you weren't eligible in the past doesn't mean the answer is still no today. With advances like SMILE, Presbyond®, and implantable contact lenses, more people than ever have safe, effective options for vision correction.
The only way to know is to reassess with today's technology.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
Our most popular procedures
What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The best care, the best treatment and the best doctors.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Everything was done with care and the doctor explained everything in detail. My surgery was a success and my sight has significantly improved – I no longer use glasses.”
N.N.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“All I can say is WOW! I feel like I have new eyes.
Thank you just doesn’t even began to say how grateful I am. Your hole team is an absolute pleasure to be around. You guys rock”
S.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The service is excellent and the doctors are experts in their fields. I felt relaxed and confident that I was in great hands. Staff are warm, friendly and very helpful.”
F.W.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I would refer Dr Beatty to anyone interested in LASIK or PRK eye surgery. The entire experience was really pleasant with his and his staff’s professional advice and care before, during and after the surgery.
I am very thankful to be able to look at the world and go about my day to day activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.”
P.M.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Best money spent ever. I am so happy with the results after I had LASIK done.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“BEST decision and results after I had my LASIK done by Doctor Beatty!”
A.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I will definitely recommend Dr Beatty. I am so happy with my LASIK.”
R.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr Daemon McClunan and the entire staff at Atlantic Eye Centre, Foreshore are beyond AMAZING. The medical care I received from Dr McClunan was outstanding and the staff was always friendly and professional.”
M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
