SMILE PRO
SMILE pro is the newest generation of laser vision correction. It’s performed on the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 laser and treats nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. Many patients report less dryness than with other laser procedures, with fewer restrictions afterward and a return to driving and work the next day.
On September 18, 2026, Dr. Hamilton performed the first SMILE pro cases in Los Angeles on the first VISUMAX 800 installed in the city. He oversaw the installation himself and fine-tuned the laser’s energy settings for a streamlined experience and rapid visual recovery. Dr. Hamilton is now Clinical Director of the Laser Refractive Center at Specialty Surgical Center in Beverly Hills, CA.
Freedom from glasses and contacts is possible in one quick procedure. Dr. Rex Hamilton offers SMILE pro at Hamilton Eye Institute in Beverly Hills, treating patients from across Los Angeles (LA). In March 2017, he was the first surgeon to perform SMILE on the West Coast, and he personally performs every step of your care, from diagnostics through follow-up.
- What Is SMILE pro?
- How Is SMILE pro Different From Standard SMILE?
- How Does SMILE pro Compare to LASIK?
- What Are the Benefits of SMILE pro?
- Is SMILE pro Right for Me?
- How Should I Prepare for My SMILE pro Procedure?
- What Happens During a SMILE pro Procedure?
- How Long Does Recovery Take After SMILE pro?
- What Are the Risks and Side Effects of SMILE pro?
- Why Should I Choose Dr. Rex Hamilton for SMILE pro in Beverly Hills?
- What Else Do Patients Ask About SMILE pro?
- What Do Patients Say About Vision Correction at Hamilton Eye Institute?
What Is SMILE pro?
SMILE pro is the newest version of SMILE, Dr. Hamilton’s flap-free alternative to LASIK. It uses the same lenticule-removal technique that has been performed over 12 million times throughout the world. The FDA-approved SMILE pro procedure is performed on ZEISS’s newest laser platform, the VISUMAX 800.
“I want to thank Dr. Rex Hamilton and the entire team at Hamilton Eye Institute for their wonderful care and outstanding work!
I had the SMILE Pro procedure using the VisuMax 800, and it was completely painless—and honestly, even kind of fun. It went much faster than I expected, and after ten years of poor vision, I can finally see clearly again. It’s an incredible feeling!
Everyone on the team was so friendly, kind, and positive. They explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole experience. The atmosphere was welcoming, and I couldn’t have asked for better care.
This was the best investment I’ve ever made. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hamilton and his team, and I’ll absolutely bring my friends, family, or anyone I know here if they ever need care. Thank you all so much!” – Yehor, Z.
How Is SMILE pro Different From Standard SMILE?
The biggest difference is speed. The VISUMAX 800 laser engine fires 2,000,000 shots per second, 4 times faster than the previous generation (VISUMAX 500). That speed creates the lenticule in under 10 seconds, one third the time of the previous laser (30 seconds for the VISUMAX 500).
A faster laser means added comfort for patients and a more streamlined procedure. Dr. Hamilton can complete both eyes in about 8-10 minutes. Dr. Hamilton also uses that speed to fine-tune the laser settings and improve vision the day after surgery. Most patients can return to their daily activities the day after surgery without restriction.
In a study comparing both lasers, patients spent less time with suction on the eye, and 80% said they preferred the faster laser. Less time under suction means a calmer, more comfortable experience, especially for patients who feel anxious about eye surgery.
The VISUMAX 800 also allows Dr. Hamilton to center the lenticule creation on the eye more precisely, using digital centering and eye-tracking technology not available on the older VISUMAX 500. Better centering means a more even, accurate treatment with fewer side effects like glare or blurring from a lenticule created slightly off-center.
How Does SMILE pro Compare to LASIK?
SMILE pro and LASIK are both advanced forms of laser vision correction, and Dr. Hamilton performs both with excellent results. The techniques, though, are quite different.
LASIK uses two lasers: a femtosecond laser creates a hinged flap in the outer cornea, then an excimer laser reshapes the tissue underneath. That flap does introduce a small risk of flap-related complications later on, especially in the event of future eye trauma.
SMILE pro takes a different approach. A single laser creates a small lenticule inside the cornea, which Dr. Hamilton then removes through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea from within. Because there’s no flap, there’s nothing that can be affected by a blow to the eye later on, which is why athletes, martial artists, and members of law enforcement and the military often choose SMILE pro. Patients also tend to experience less dryness after SMILE pro than after LASIK, with no lifestyle restrictions the day after surgery.
What Are the Benefits of SMILE pro?
- Minimally Invasive, Flap-Free Procedure – SMILE pro works through a tiny incision instead of a corneal flap, which preserves the eye’s structure and keeps the procedure itself remarkably fast.
- Comfortable Recovery – Without a flap to heal, many patients use eye drops for a shorter period and report less dryness than they might expect from other laser procedures.
- Fewer Side Effects – A smaller incision means less disruption to the eye’s surface, which can be especially helpful for patients prone to dry eye or living an active lifestyle.
- No Lifestyle Restrictions – Most patients return to exercise, makeup, and swimming the day after surgery, with no flap to protect during healing.
- Fast Visual Recovery – In one six-month study, vision was often usable within hours, and most patients were back to driving and work the next day.
- Proven Track Record – SMILE pro builds on a lenticule-removal technique used in more than 12 million procedures worldwide, backed by strong long-term outcomes data.
- High Patient Satisfaction – Patients who choose SMILE report even higher satisfaction than LASIK patients in comparative studies.
- Freedom From Glasses and Contacts – In one patient-reported outcomes study, nearly all patients no longer needed glasses or contacts for everyday tasks after SMILE pro.
Is SMILE pro Right for Me?
SMILE pro works well for many patients with mild to moderate levels of nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, who are 21 or older and have a stable prescription.
SMILE pro may not be the right fit for everyone. Patients with unusually thin corneas, high nearsighted prescriptions, severe dry eye, uncontrolled diabetes or glaucoma, active eye infection, or certain other eye conditions may need a different approach, and pregnancy or nursing are reasons to wait. Dr. Hamilton reviews your corneal scans personally to confirm you’re a good candidate.
Want a general sense first? Take our vision self-test, then confirm with a consultation.
Timofey Mozgov SMILE Experience
How Should I Prepare for My SMILE pro Procedure?
Preparing for SMILE pro begins with your consultation, where Dr. Hamilton personally examines your eyes and reviews your vision goals to confirm it’s the right fit.
Before Your Consultation
To ensure accurate testing, you’ll need to temporarily stop wearing contact lenses: soft lenses at least 3 to 5 days before your appointment, and hard or gas-permeable lenses at least 2 weeks in advance. Bringing your current glasses or a photo of your contact lens prescription can help establish your baseline vision.
Pre-Surgery Instructions
Once you’re scheduled, Dr. Hamilton’s team will walk you through specific guidelines, including:
- Sharing a complete list of medications, supplements, and eye drops you use, since some may need to be paused before surgery
- Avoiding eye makeup, lotions, or facial creams on the day of surgery
- Arriving with a clean face and no jewelry
- Arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home, since your vision may be blurry and the sedative can make driving unsafe
What Happens During a SMILE pro Procedure?
SMILE pro is an outpatient procedure, and Dr. Hamilton treats both eyes in the same visit. The actual procedure time from start to finish in both eyes is about 8-10 minutes. Most patients are in and out of the surgery center within about an hour.
Step 1: Getting You Comfortable
You’ll start with numbing eye drops, and a mild oral sedative to relax. A small, padded holder keeps your eyelids open during the procedure, so there’s no need to worry about blinking.
Step 2: Creating the Lenticule
With your eye positioned under the VISUMAX 800, Dr. Hamilton guides the laser into place using advanced digital alignment based on high-resolution images he took of your eyes during your exam. These digital tools, available only on the VISUMAX 800, allow him to orient and center the treatment precisely on your cornea. Most patients feel only light pressure, similar to a contact lens settling into place. In under 10 seconds, the laser shapes a thin disc of tissue, called a lenticule, within the cornea.
Step 3: Removing the Lenticule
Dr. Hamilton lifts the lenticule out through a micro-incision just a few millimeters wide, which the VISUMAX 800 laser creates precisely.
How Long Does Recovery Take After SMILE pro?
Most patients feel comfortable enough to drive and return to work the day after surgery. Vision is often usable within hours, though it may fluctuate a little on day one, and mild light sensitivity or watering is normal and usually settles by evening. A slight fog is common for the first few days and gradually lifts, aided by prescription eye drops you use for 1 week.
Post-Operative Eye Care Tips
- Use all prescribed eye drops exactly as directed to support healing
- Use artificial tears to relieve any dryness or fluctuations in vision
Dr. Hamilton will see you within the first few days and again around 3 months. Because there’s no flap, there are no protective goggles and few restrictions. Most patients resume exercise, makeup, and swimming the day after surgery. This will be confirmed at your follow-up.
In a six-month study of 473 eyes treated on the VISUMAX 800, the large majority of patients reached 20/20 vision or better, and nearly all were satisfied with their results and no longer needed glasses or contacts for everyday tasks.
“I had such a great experience with the SMILE Pro procedure using the VISUMAX 800 laser! The procedure was quick, comfortable, and convenient. I’m glad I no longer have to rely on contacts every day, and my eyes feel so much better now. I’m so happy with my decision and would absolutely recommend Dr. Hamilton to anyone considering vision correction!” – Tina Z
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of SMILE pro?
Every refractive procedure carries risk. Reported side effects include:
- Temporary dryness (much less noticeable and of a shorter duration than with LASIK)
- Glare or halos at night
- Mild inflammation
- Slight under-correction or over-correction that may call for a fine-tuning procedure later
Problems during surgery are uncommon. In a six-month study of 473 eyes treated on the VISUMAX 800, only one case of suction loss occurred. In the rare occurrence of a suction loss, it is usually possible to either repeat the SMILE pro procedure or a LASIK procedure immediately. Serious events such as infection or a lasting drop in best-corrected vision are exceedingly rare but possible with any corneal surgery.
Risk cannot be reduced to zero, and outcomes vary with prescription, corneal anatomy, and healing. Dr. Hamilton reviews your individual risk profile with you before you decide.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Rex Hamilton for SMILE pro in Beverly Hills?
Dr. Rex Hamilton is a board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon, and he was the first surgeon to perform SMILE on the West Coast in March 2017. That was not a marketing milestone. It meant learning lenticule extraction early, teaching it, and refining it across thousands of cases before most surgeons in Los Angeles had access to the technology. He has over 10 years of experience with the VISUMAX laser platform. He acquired the system in 2015 while at UCLA, where he used it to create LASIK flaps.
“Being the first surgeon to perform SMILE on the West Coast wasn't just a milestone: it was a commitment to staying at the forefront of ophthalmology for my patients.”— Dr. Rex Hamilton
His credentials include:
- Over 25,000 procedures performed
- SMILE Pioneer on the West Coast
- 200+ eye doctors trained by Dr. Hamilton
- Clinical Director of the Laser Refractive Center at Specialty Surgical Center, Beverly Hills
- Former Professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Director, UCLA Laser Refractive Center
- Charter Fellow, World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons, and Fellow, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- 40+ peer-reviewed publications, and 150+ lectures delivered nationally and internationally
Hamilton Eye Institute is a private concierge practice, and that changes the experience concretely. Dr. Hamilton reads your diagnostic imaging, performs your surgery, and sees you at every follow-up visit.
Dr. Hamilton and his team have published peer-reviewed research on SMILE and refractive surgery.
“My goal has always been to combine surgical precision with personalized care, bringing the latest advancements in vision correction to each patient in a way that feels thoughtful, not transactional.”– Dr. Rex Hamilton
What Else Do Patients Ask About SMILE pro?
No. SMILE pro is a virtually painless procedure. Numbing drops are used throughout, and most patients feel only slight pressure, with little to no discomfort afterward.
Yes and no. SMILE pro uses the exact same lenticule-removal technique and the same candidacy requirements as standard SMILE. The difference is entirely in the laser: newer, faster, and more precisely centered. If you were already a candidate for SMILE, you’re a candidate for SMILE pro.
SMILE pro is elective and is not covered by medical insurance. Most patients use HSA or FSA funds, and financing is available. Dr. Hamilton’s team provides a personalized quote at your consultation.
No. In the United States, SMILE pro is approved for nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. If you are farsighted, Dr. Hamilton will review other options with you, including LASIK and refractive lens exchange (RLE).
Possibly, depending on your age. SMILE pro corrects distance vision and does not prevent presbyopia, the normal age-related loss of near focus that usually begins in the mid-forties. Presbyopia can be treated separately later with refractive lens exchange (RLE).
Yes. SMILE pro permanently reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, though it does not prevent later age-related changes like presbyopia, which can still be treated separately if it develops.
Yes. If a small refractive change develops, a secondary treatment is possible. Fine-tuning after lenticule extraction is typically performed as a surface or LASIK-style treatment rather than a second SMILE pro treatment, and Dr. Hamilton will explain which approach suits your cornea.
What Do Patients Say About Vision Correction at Hamilton Eye Institute?
Dr. Hamilton holds a 5.0-star rating across 145 Google reviews.
“I had SMILE eye surgery with Dr. Hamilton, and I honestly wish I had done it sooner. I was really nervous going into the procedure, but Dr. Hamilton made such a difference in easing my anxiety. He took the time to walk me through every step, answered all of my questions, and made sure I felt comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. The results have been truly life-changing. I can see clearly without glasses or contacts, and it still feels surreal. That level of care meant so much to me. I highly recommend him to anyone considering SMILE or vision correction surgery.”
— Aly S., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’ve waited so long to do laser vision correction, just kept making excuses. Then the whole surgery took eight minutes for both eyes. My only regret is not doing it sooner. Dr. Hamilton was so awesome from start to finish. During the consultation, he will walk you through all the different vision correction options to ensure the best option for you. For me, SMILE was a perfect fit. Day of the operation, you’re literally in and out within an hour. Thanks for the 20/20 vision, Dr. Hamilton!”
— E M., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Dr. Hamilton was great. I had cataract surgery on my right eye and SMILE surgery on my left, so I didn’t have to wear contacts in just one eye. Dr. Hamilton is very meticulous about his work, and his staff always let me know everything that was going to happen before the procedure and what to expect afterward. Both procedures were painless, and now I have 20/15 vision. The SMILE surgery on my left has no dryness at all. SMILE is the way to go.”
— Stephen S., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I came from out of town to get SMILE done after seeing other reviews, and I am so happy I did! Dr. Hamilton and his staff were so sweet and walked me through every step of the way. They also accommodated my short stay in California so I could have the pre-op, operation, and post-op done within the few days I was there. The procedure itself went so smoothly and fast that I felt no discomfort the entire 10 to 15 minutes. I am ecstatic to not have to wear contacts ever again, thanks to the wonderful team here! Highly recommend coming here for LASIK or SMILE, absolutely worth it. Thank you!”
— Karima T., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1 American Refractive Surgery Council. “SMILE Procedure Expands Laser Eye Correction Options.” https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/new-smile-procedure-expands-options-for-nearsighted/
2 Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. “U.S. FDA Approves the VISUMAX 800 with SMILE pro software from ZEISS,” January 11, 2024. https://www.zeiss.com/meditec-ag/en/media-news/press-releases/2024/fda-approves-visumax-800-with-smile-pro.html
3 Ganesh S, Brar S, Swamy DT. “Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Following SMILE Performed With the VisuMax 800 in One Eye and VisuMax 500 in the Contralateral Eye.” J Refract Surg. 2025;41(1):e14-e21. https://doi.org/10.3928/1081597X-20241113-02
4 Kim BK, Chung YT. “Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Following Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Performed With the VisuMax 800 Versus VisuMax 500 Femtosecond Laser.” Sci Rep. 2025;15:25484. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98041-9
5 U.S. FDA. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data, PMA P150040/S003. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf15/p150040s003b.pdf
6 Sekundo W, Chang JSM, Ganesh S, Hjortdal J, Wiltfang R. “Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism With the VISUMAX 800: 6-Month Outcomes of a Prospective Multi-center Post-market Clinical Follow-up Study.” J Refract Surg. 2025;41(3):e264-e271. https://doi.org/10.3928/1081597X-20250204-03
7 Feucht N, Wiltfang R, Chang JSM, Hjortdal J, Ganesh S, Sekundo W. “Patient-Reported Outcomes After Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction Using the VISUMAX 800 Laser in a Prospective Multicenter Post-market Clinical Follow-up Study.” J Refract Surg. 2026;42(6):e594-e600. https://doi.org/10.3928/1081597X-20260420-01
8 Chiam NPY, Mehta JS. “Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes of Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction: A Review.” Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2019;8(5):377-384. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31478935/
9 American Academy of Ophthalmology. “What Is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction?” https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-small-incision-lenticule-extraction
Clinical literature identified via PubMed.