With SMILE, you can safely and comfortably break free from your glasses and contact lenses

This advanced flap-free, low-invasive procedure is perfect for those with active lifestyles

With SMILE, you can safely and comfortably break free from your glasses and contact lenses

This advanced flap-free, low-invasive procedure is perfect for those with active lifestyles

After SMILE, what could stop you living your best life?

END YOUR RELIANCE ON GLASSES AND CONTACTS FOR GOOD

SMILE suitability criteria

SMILE corrects nearsightedness, astigmatism, or both. As with other laser treatments, you must first undergo a comprehensive eye exam to know if you are a good candidate. There are many important factors, such as the nature and severity of the abnormality, the curvature and the thickness of the cornea. Your profession and hobbies are also important.
SMILE can also be an interesting option for contact sports patients, pilots, military personnel and security personnel.

How SMILE works

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an innovative eye laser treatment (also known as the Relex SMILE method) and is very comfortable and stress-free for the patient.
In this flapless procedure, a lenticule, a small piece of tissue, is removed through an extremely small opening in the cornea. This minimally invasive surgical method promotes rapid recovery and reduces the risk of dry eyes. In short, SMILE offers precise vision correction with maximum patient comfort.

Advantages and disadvantages of SMILE

The recovery after SMILE is extremely fast . Soon after the procedure you can work, shower or apply make-up again. Sports and driving are often possible the day after the treatment.
Minimally invasive and gentle with a very small incision
No flap, which reduces the risk of dry eyes
A very comfortable and stress-free experience for the patient
Fast recovery and recovery within the first days
High accuracy, predictability and quality of vision in general
Interesting treatment for patients who practice contact sports, pilots, military, security personnel
Odourless and noiseless silent treatment

SMILE risks

Smile laser eye surgery is eye surgery. The chance that complications will occur is extremely rare , but since it concerns an intervention, the chance is never 0%. We like to compare it with the risks during a car journey: the chance of an accident decreases as the driver has more experience, is safe and has a well-controlled car, and respects all the rules. It is the same with laser eye surgery : the chance of a complication is already very low, and it decreases even more with more experience and with better and well-controlled equipment.

SMILE options and alternatives

Of course, there are alternatives for every treatment, including SMILE. Other laser treatments on the cornea are usually, or often, also possible. For higher degrees of myopia, we do not like to perform LASEK, but FemtoLASIK is often a good alternative. You can also choose presbyond if you are older than 45 years.
Instead of treating the cornea, you can also treat at the level of the lens.
For example, you can opt for an ICL implant, or a lens replacement operation.
All options are explained in detail during a thorough preliminary investigation.

SMILE steps

The Relex SMILE eye laser treatment takes 15 minutes, and the laser treatment itself takes only 9 seconds per eye.
After laser treatment is completed, we recommend going home immediately to rest. There may be moderate discomfort for the first three hours, but recovery is generally rapid. The use of antiseptic and moisturizing eye drops immediately after the procedure is essential for a smooth recovery process.
We welcome you for a checkup appointment as early as the next day. After that, you only need to come for a checkup after 1 month and after 1 year. Although the healing process may vary from person to person, vision is usually quite good after one to two days. In most cases, you can then drive, work, or play sports without your glasses or contact lenses.

SMILE results

When we look at our results to date with SMILE, we see that in 91% of cases we have an accuracy of +/-0.5 dioptres, and in 100% of cases an accuracy of +/-1.0 dioptre. Our average error was -0.28 dioptres.
We also see that the result of the treatment is super stable: we do not see any relapse of the effect over the various years.

Discover if you can be free from glasses and contact lenses

The best way to find out if laser eye treatment is right for you is to have a free assessment. We'll examine your eyes and get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and laser vision correction options

BOOK A FREE ASSESSMENT

Three easy steps to free yourself from glasses and contacts

Start your journey today to see if you’re suitable

How-it-works-1-Frank-Goes-JR-Goes-Eye-centre-Antwerp

get in touch

Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. The first step is to find out if laser eye surgery can help you. You can take a self test, call us or use our online calendar to book a free assessment.

How-it-works-Y-2-Frank-Goes-JR-Goes-Eye-centre-Antwerp

We’ll meet

We will answer your questions during your free assessment and give you a clear and honest recommendation based on your lifestyle and needs. You will feel confident understanding the best treatment option for your unique eyes.

How-it-works-Y-3-v3-Frank-Goes-JR-Goes-Eye-centre-Antwerp-Recovered

Enjoy your freedom

After treatment, everyone tells us how surprised they are by how quickly their lives changed. They also mention that they wish they had done it years earlier! When people say yes to eye treatment, they are saying yes to a new life, free from the limitation of glasses and contacts!

Affiliations and memberships

We are proud to be or to have been a part of these professional bodies

What our patients say…

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“My experience with Dr. Goes and the team at Goes Eye Center was nothing short of incredible. From start to finish, the ICL surgery process was smooth and successful. I can't recommend Dr. Goes and his team enough, Thank you!”

P.H

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Antwerp's best ophthalmologist for smooth, informed eye treatments. You'll be pleasantly surprised and fully supported with any questions you may have.”

G.G

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Top-notch team, great communication and smooth procedure. Highly people-oriented and knowledgeable!”

S.R

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Ik ben onder de indruk van mijn nieuwe perfecte zicht na de ICL-operatie bij Goes Oogcentrum! De snelle en pijnloze procedure, samen met het geruststellende en competente personeel, leidde tot een levensveranderende ervaring. Dr. Goes Jr is een professional en legde elke stap duidelijk uit. Ik beveel het team van Goes Oogcentrum ten zeerste aan – ze hebben al mijn verwachtingen overtroffen!”

K.M

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Unbelievable experience at Goes Oogcentrum! Pro team led by Dr. Goes Jr. exceeded all expectations, especially during my Femtolasik surgery. I came from the US for this, and am now seeing better than ever doing my favourite things. A huge thank you to Dr. Goes and his amazing team!”

T.L

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Absolutely amazing ICL surgery experience at Goes Eye Center! Highly recommend the top-notch team and Dr. Goes Jr!”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Incredible SMILE experience at Goes Eye Center! Dr. Goes and his team made me feel comfortable throughout the procedure and my results have exceeded my expectations. No more glasses! I regret not getting this treatment sooner.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I underwent laser treatment at the Goes Eye Center and am incredibly satisfied with my experience. The doctors were attentive and professional, and the operation was a success. I am now blessed to have perfect vision without glasses.”

J.S

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Dolblij met mijn SMILE-behandeling bij het Goes Oogcentrum! Een naadloze operatie, eersteklas service en verbazingwekkende resultaten – geen afhankelijkheid meer van brillen. Zonder twijfel DE BESTE KEUZE DIE IK OOIT HEB GEMAAKT!”

L.J

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I watched a Crosslink surgery on YouTube before my own operation and I was terrified, but Dr. Goes at Goes Eye Center provided detailed information that put me at ease. The procedure went smoothly, with all staff from reception to surgery being friendly and professional. My eyesight improved greatly! I highly recommend Goes Eye Center to family and friends. An outstanding and personal experience!”

A.K

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Mijn laserbehandeling ervaring met Dr. Goes was absoluut een succes – van begin tot eind. Het vooronderzoek verliep vlot en de daadwerkelijke procedure was een eitje dankzij Dr. Goes’ deskundige begeleiding en oog voor detail. Met zijn geruststellende uitleg voelde ik me volledig op mijn gemak gedurende het hele proces. Ik kan Dr. Goes en zijn team niet genoeg aanbevelen! Hun zorg en expertise zijn ongeëvenaard.”

M.V

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I'm thrilled with my ICL treatment by Dr. Goes and team! Professional, friendly, and informative, the entire process went smoothly. In good hands from start to finish. Unbeatable experience, hands down!”

N.V

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Unforgettable Experience at Laser Eyes. From consultations to the pre-examinations, everything went smoothly. Professional and friendly staff, including Dr. Goes Jr., made me confident in my upcoming laser treatment.

Resultaat? Pijnloos, succesvol en uitzonderlijk zicht! Enige nadeel, lichte droogheid ’s nachts na de operatie. Zou de SMILE-procedure met Dr. Goes ten zeerste aanbevelen. 9,5 / 10.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Dr. Frank Goes and his team exceeded my expectations for my laser eye surgery. They were professional, friendly and thorough in explaining every step. I woke up with perfect vision the next day. I highly recommend Dr. Goes for anyone considering this procedure.”

P.N

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Fantastic eye surgeon! Great website for info on laser eye surgery and options. Comfortable, fast with excellent results. I highly recommend and I'm a fan!”

L.M

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Take this quick quiz to see if you can be free of glasses and contacts

Not everyone is suitable for laser eye treatment. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz:

TAKE QUIZ NOW

We answer your questions about laser eye surgery in Antwerp

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about restoring your vision

Is Ooglaserchirurgie Het Waard?

Droom je van een leven zonder bril of contactlenzen? Vraag je je af of ooglaserchirurgie de moeite waard is? Ontdek hoe ooglaserchirurgie helder zicht kan ontsluiten en je levenskwaliteit kan verbeteren! Laat onzekerheid je niet tegenhouden. Boek vandaag nog een gratis beoordeling bij ons en zet de eerste stap richting een helderdere, stralendere toekomst.

De Voordelen van PRK

Op zoek naar een permanente oplossing om uw zicht te verbeteren? PRK biedt een veilige en effectieve optie voor degenen met een dun hoornvlies of iedereen die vrijheid wil van bril en/of contactlenzen. Met minimaal ongemak en langdurige stabiliteit, kan PRK de sleutel zijn tot een helder zicht. Klaar om te ontdekken hoe PRK uw leven kan veranderen? Boek een gratis vooronderzoek bij ons en ontdek uw weg naar helder zicht.

Wat is LASEK?

Ontdek de kracht van LASEK! Zeg vaarwel tegen brillen en omarm helderder zicht met Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis. Ideaal voor diegenen met een dun hoornvlies of die een veilig alternatief voor LASIK zoeken, LASEK biedt snel visuele herstel en langetermijnresultaten. Benieuwd of LASEK geschikt is voor jou? Boek een gratis evaluatie bij ons en zet de eerste stap naar verbeterd zicht. Laat refractieve fouten je niet beperken – ontgrendel vandaag nog het potentieel voor helder zicht!

Learn more about SMILE through these online resources

THESE AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES WILL EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SMILE. THESE LINKS WILL TAKE YOU OFF OUR WEBSITE.

ReLEx SMILE in a nutshell

The cornea is the transparent porthole located in front of the eye. Its thickness varies between 450 and 600 microns.
The more the cornea is “curved” the greater its dioptric power and vice versa. As a result, the increase in curvature of the cornea corrects farsightedness and its flattening corrects myopia.

It is from these principles that was, in the sixties, theorized and perfected, by José Barraquer, corneal refractive surgery from which stems the SMILE. The term SMILE is short for “Small Incision Lenticular Extraction”.
Ophthalmologists have been practicing SMILE since 2008.

The SMILE can correct myopia and astigmatism.

SMILE is a virtually painless procedure performed under anesthesia by simple instillation of eye drops. The usual visual recovery after SMILE is 24 hours.

Click here to learn more.

SMILE laser eye surgery

Research shows that SMILE produces virtually the same visual acuity as LASIK for the correction of nearsightedness, without the need to create a LASIK-style corneal flap. The post covers the advantages and disadvantages, limitations and eligibility for SMILE eye surgery.

Click here to learn more.

Expert-container-Frank-Goes-GOES-OOGCENTRUM-Antwerp

Your laser eye surgeon in Antwerp, Dr. Frank Goes Jr

He’ll be your personal guide on your journey to visual freedom

With over 20 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.

I am and have been a board member for different national and international professional societies on eye surgery, and I have the privilege to give several national and international courses on cataract and refractive surgery.

Good vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery depends on the expertise of the provider. The provider must also have access to precise tools. The best eye surgeons 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 try to be one of those surgeons

Dr. Frank Goes Jr

Chief Executive & Eye Surgeon

MORE ABOUT DR GOES

With SMILE, you can safely and comfortably break free from your glasses and contact lenses