SURPRISINGLY, the recent popularity in Lasik surgery here has not dampened sales of spectacles and contact lenses.

Instead, three out of 10 opticians my paper spoke to said that the hike in Lasik operations has generated more customers.

The challenge for some opticians, actually, comes from competitors who sell China-made glasses, which are much cheaper than those made in Europe. That's why these competitors can afford to slash their prices heavily.

Licensed optician Anthony Wee, 43, who sells mostly spectacles made in Europe, said: "On the average, I sell one pair of frames and lens for $138. Now, other opticians are selling similar China-made spectacles for $78."

The price of the latter includes a pair of normal lenses.

"This is what might put me out of business and not customer fallout from Lasik surgeries," said Mr Wee, who runs Bishan optical shop Ben and Tony's.

"I've lost only about 5 per cent of my regulars due to the hike in Lasik."

The market for Lasik here is hot. Public sector hospitals alone did more than 6,000 operations from 2006 to 2007, The Straits Times reported last year.

Mr Wee said he would be worried about Lasik only when it had no more proven side effects.

Common side effects include blurring of vision, sensitivity to light, or a feeling of dryness in the eyes. In most cases, these last only for a short period. However, researchers are still studying the long-term side effects of Lasik.

Mr Wee also pointed out that Lasik surgery cannot totally correct extreme myopia in all cases.

Opticians who have gained customers from the rise of Lasik say it is because those who have Lasik need to get rid of their old glasses and contact lenses.

Optician Khairiah Khalig, 27, said: "I've had some customers who have gone for Lasik who've had to return their unused contact lenses."

Ms Khairiah, who works at a Tampines shop, explained: "Since they won't get money back for returned lenses, I allow them to recommend their relatives who use contacts as well.

"So, their relatives come to us for a one-to-one exchange and end up buying spectacles from us too."