A New Era in Vision Correction
Saint James Eye Clinic has reached a new milestone in laser vision correction, having installed the latest generation SMILE laser system, capable of treating both eyes in just nine seconds.
As long-standing pioneers in eye laser surgery in Malta, Saint James continues to lead the field with what CEO Jean Claude Muscat describes as “the most advanced refractive system available in the world today.”
This latest upgrade does more than save time, it improves patient safety and ensures highly predictable, precise outcomes for every patient who undergoes the procedure.
A Personal Message from the CEO
For Jean Claude Muscat, this is not simply a hospital milestone; it’s also personal.
Having undergone laser eye surgery himself, he speaks from experience when describing its impact:
“The freedom of waking up and seeing clearly without glasses or contact lenses, even just to see the time, is something many only fully appreciate once they experience it.”
Muscat acknowledges that hesitation around laser eye surgery is natural, but stresses that thorough assessments and honest conversations are central to the Saint James approach.
“Often, the biggest regret patients share afterwards is not having done it sooner,” he says, encouraging anyone considering the procedure to attend the clinic’s upcoming Open Day for clarity and reassurance.
The Expertise Behind the Speed
Saint James Eye Clinic’s specialist ophthalmic surgeons highlight that this leap forward is the product of years of advancement in laser engineering, imaging and surgical software.
Franco Mercieca, one of the first surgeons to perform laser eye surgery locally, explains that shorter treatment time means less time under suction, improving comfort and reducing movement during the procedure, while also preserving more of the cornea’s natural strength.
Matthew Lapira, who works with the Zeiss laser system behind the technology, notes that treatment time has fallen from 35 seconds to just nine, making the experience “significantly less stressful for the patient and the surgeon.”
Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Benedict Vella Briffa adds that recovery has always been fast given SMILE’s minimally invasive nature, and that the latest system simply makes an already smooth experience even quicker.
Join the Open Day on 4 July
Despite the speed and sophistication of the technology, the surgeons are clear that clinical judgement remains central to good outcomes.
Careful patient selection, detailed pre-laser testing and a thorough surgeon consultation continue to determine whether SMILE is the right option for each individual, with candidates generally expected to be at least 18, ideally in their early twenties, with a prescription that has remained stable for one to two years.
Members of the public are warmly invited to learn more at Saint James Eye Clinic’s Open Day on 4 July, from 8am to 5pm, at Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara, where specialists will be on hand to answer questions and discuss suitability in person.
To book a place, visit stjheyeclinic.com or call 2247 2630.
