Laser Eye Surgery in Spain


Having laser eye surgery can be a big decision and one that can dramatically improve your quality of life. However, in the UK you may experience long waits for the procedure as well as high prices.  One alternative is traveling to Spain for the surgery. 


Reasons to Choose Spain for Laser Eye Surgery

Although many European Union countries have professionals who can perform laser eye surgery, Spain is one of the most pleasant to visit as a tourist attraction. Your nervousness about the procedure can be swept away by the sunny views of the Mediterranean or by the beautiful architecture of the cities.

There are more good reasons than just the climate to recommend Spain for your surgery. A 2000 study by the World Health Organization listed Spain as 7th in the world for the quality of its health care.

Another good reason to choose Spain is the low cost of traveling to the country. From the UK, flights to large cities in Spain only take a couple of hours and are reasonably priced. You can choose to book your vacation in Malaga or Barcelona around your eye surgery or fly back as soon as you get your doctor’s approval.

Besides not having to endure the long wait times you’ll face in the UK for this type of procedure, the costs are generally cheaper as well, sometimes by several hundred Euros. However, saving money on the surgery does not mean you have to sacrifice quality and experience in your surgeon.


Training & Requirements in Spain

Like all Western countries, Spain has in place a training and licensing program for all of its physicians. In fact, the country’s is one of the most strenuous of them all. All physicians and surgeons must complete their training at one of the official medical colleges in the country. There are currently 52 of these institutions and all of them are governed by the Organizacion Medica Colegial (OMC). Despite the hospitals being spread throughout the large country, they are connected by a commonly established program of training just as the medical colleges are in the UK under the water of the General Medical Council.

The degree earned from one of these medical colleges will entitle the doctor to practice general medicine but more training is needed for specialists, including eye surgery. He or she must pass a licensing exam and can begin hands-on training in teaching hospitals throughout the country where they may stay for years before looking for a permanent spot or opening a private practice.

All physicians must be licensed members of the Medical Association governing their particular region in Spain. Many of these doctors are also registered with the UK’s General Medical Council.

Choosing a Physician or Clinic in Spain

If you are interested in pursuing laser eye surgery in Spain, you should start thinking about where you would like to have the procedure performed or which doctor you would like to use. Many of the resort areas have large numbers of these clinics and do a lot of business with medical tourists. However, you can find qualified surgeons throughout the county.

You may want to choose a private clinic with bilingual staff if you do not speak Spanish fluently. During a medical procedure, the language barrier can sometimes increase your nervousness and can make things more difficult for both the patient and the doctor. The good news is that many of the clinics, recognising the growing appeal of medical tourists, have made great efforts to increase the bi-lingual staff.

One early step to take is to request information from the physicians and clinics. Most will have packets ready to send that will include details about the procedure and about the qualifications of the surgeons.


Planning Your Trip to Spain

Typically, you will need to make more than one visit to Spain for laser eye surgery. Most of the laser eye surgeons are going to want a consultation with you first so they can determine whether or not the procedure is right for you. In some cases, the consultation is free or the fee is part of the price of the surgery itself.

While you are visiting for your consultation, you may want to begin checking out the possible accommodation nearby. For medical tourists, staying close to the clinic is a good idea. These locations may also be used to dealing with the needs of such vacationers, too.

The consultation may also include discussions of the cost of the procedure, as well as an explanation of what the procedure will entail and what you can expect afterwards. Make sure you are committed to the procedure and that you ask any questions you may have before you leave the office.

When planning a medical tourist trip, you should book the procedure first and ask the physician how long you should stay in Spain before returning to the UK. That way you can book your accommodation. A good idea might be to avoid heavy tourist times in Spain so you can be sure to get the room you want and so you won’t have other frustrations, such as crowded trains or long rental car lines, when you are nervous about your medical procedure.


If Problems Arise

Although it can be argued that problems from procedures in Spain are no more likely than if you had the procedure done in the UK, you may wonder how to handle complications from the laser eye surgery if they arise once you’re back home. Even normal parts of the healing process, such as blurring, can be enough to make patients panic. After all, this is their vision.

Make sure to let your UK physician know about your plans so if you do need to see someone once you’ve returned home the arrangements can be made and the surgery will be noted in your medical records. You may also want to schedule your follow-up appointment in the UK so you don’t have to travel all the way back to Spain.  Ask if this is an option.

Keep in mind that some laser eye surgery patients do need a second surgery known as an enhancement to improve their vision. The earliest this procedure can be done is three months and it can be done in the UK or Spain depending on your preference.

Traveling to Spain

Spain has always been a top draw for travelers thanks to its location on the Mediterranean Sea and its rich artistic and architectural history. Below is some information you may want to know while planning your own visit to the country.


Location of Spain

Spain is one of two countries – Portugal is the other – which rest on the Iberian Peninsula jutting off from the southwestern portion of Europe. As with peninsulas, three sides of the land mass are bordered by water. In this case, the southern and eastern sides are bordered by the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. On the western side where Portugal is also located, the country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. France is on Spain’s northern border and Spanish travelers can easily cross over into North Africa by taking a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar.



Size & Major Cities in Spain

Spain is the second largest country in Europe in terms of area but is home to just over 46 million residents making it only the 28th largest country in the world with one of the lowest population densities (ranked 100th).

As with any country this size, Spain is home to several large and well-known metropolitan areas which are also top draws for tourists. The largest of these metro areas is Madrid, which is also the capital of the country. The city is centrally located in Spain with nearly 6 million residents counting the outlying suburban areas.

Barcelona, the second largest city and metro area with nearly 4 million residents, is located on the Mediterranean on the country’s eastern coast. Despite being second largest, Barcelona is most important economically.

Valencia, the third largest, is also on the Mediterranean and is home to a booming foreign population with large numbers of immigrants moving from Bolivia, Romania, Morocco, and other countries to call this city home. The number of non-Spanish residents jumped from less than 2% in 2000 to nearly 15% in 2008.


Flights & Transport to Spain

Depending on where you are coming from on your travels, there are numerous ways to reach Spain. If you’re not coming from southern Europe or North Africa, you’ll probably want to fly. Most Spanish flights are on Iberia Airlines which services all of the countries’ major airports. All of the cities listed above are home to large airports.

If you’re coming from within Europe, train and bus transportation is available, as well as flights and offers a picturesque way to see some beautiful sights along the way. Now if you don’t mind skipping the sights, you can travel by night train from France into many of the largest cities in Spain, including Barcelona.

If you are visiting or living in North Africa, perhaps in Morocco, you can also travel into Spain by ferry. Cruises into the Mediterranean are also good ways of getting into the country.


Traveling around Spain

While you’re in Spain, you’ll find plenty of convenient methods of transportation to meet your needs and your budget. Spain is home to Renfe, a national rail carrier service, which can help you move between major cities in the country while giving you a scenic view. Busses are also available and almost every city has at least one bus station. Many travelers coming from Europe drive their own car into and around the country or visitors can find affordable rental cars to use during their visit.

Some cities can also be traversed well by bicycle but only attempt this method in cities with higher elevations if you are in good physical condition.


Travel Requirements to Spain

If you are coming to Spain from any non-European Union country, you are going to need a passport. This is fairly standard with international travel. However, residents from most countries do not need a visa to enter Spain unless they will be staying within the country for more than three months. That would include students and workers but usually not tourists.

Some vaccinations are recommended before traveling to Spain. The standard Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccination that most people in the West receive as children is required if you have not received it yet. Additionally, a Hepatitis B and flu shot are recommended for travelers. The latter applies mainly to vacationers entering the country during influenza season (November through April).


Currency & Taxes in Spain

Spain uses the Euro as its currency. You should have your currency exchanged at banks or at the international airport because you will not see many exchange facilities outside of Madrid and Barcelona. However, you will be able to use your credit cards almost everywhere and can also use them to withdraw money from ATMs at local banks. Make sure you have your passport or other method of identification with you if you plan on using your credit card while shopping as some store owners will ask to see it before accepting your card for payment.

Spain and the other European Union countries use VAT (Value Added Tax) to bring in additional government revenue. This tax is added to the purchase price but in many cases you will be entitled to receive a refund of the VAT you have paid as long as you spend over a certain amount at the store. Some stories will not charge travelers VAT if they show their passports.


Hotels in Spain

You can find almost any type of accommodation in Spain. Luxury hotels and resorts are particularly common along the Mediterranean but can be found in other major cities as well. Hotels from well-known companies, such as Hilton, are also widely available. If you’re looking for something quaint, you can find inns, smaller hotels, bed and breakfast type hotels, and villas.

If you’re going to be staying for an extended period of time, you may find renting a vacation property to be more affordable.

Staying within the cities is often the best idea but is also going to be the most expensive option. Although Spanish is the official language of the country, many hotels and retail establishments will have employees who know other languages, too.

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