Clear Vision, Better Life
You're done with glasses and contacts.
Let's find out what's actually right for you.
Find Your Fit
LASIK and LASIK Alternatives.
LASIK is the most advertised procedure in vision correction — which doesn't mean it's the right one for you. At Gulfcoast Eye Care, we evaluate each patient and recommend the procedure that actually fits. Sometimes that's LASIK. Often it's SMILE. Occasionally it's something else entirely.
Quick. Proven. Widely Available.
LASIK has a 30-year track record and is the right procdure for a lot of patients. It's fast, it works, and recovery is expected within 24 hours. But it's not right for everyone - thin cornea,s dry eye, and higher prescriptions alter our recommendations.
Best for: Patients with stable prescriptions, healthy corneas, and mild to moderate dry eye history.
LASIK 2.0, More Advanced, and Better for Active Patients.
SMILE is flappless, which means less disruption to the cornea and lower risk for dry eye long-term. For athletes, contact sports, or anyone concerned about LASIK's flap, SMILE is the better option.
Best for: Active patients, those with dry eye concerns, or anyone who wants the most modern approach to laser vision correction.
Not a Candidate for Laser? There's another option.
If you've been told you're not a candidate for LASIK due to thin corneas, high prescription, or extreme dry eye - EVO ICL is often the better procedure. An additive lens that requires no tissue removal.
Best for: Patients who've been turned away elsewhere, -3.00 to -18.00 prescriptions, or anyone who values reversibility.
That's exactly what this consult is for.
Most patients come in thinking they want LASIK. About 40% of them leave with a different recommendation - because once we evaluate their eyes, a different procedure may be the better fit.
The consult tells you: Your candidacy, your options, and which procedure is right for you.
The Real Difference
LASIK vs. SMILE
A lot of practices only perform one procedure and promote it accordingly. Dr. Manning performs both, and is the ONLY SMILE provider in the Tampa Bay and surrounding area.
LASIK vs. SMILE
| LASIK | SMILE | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure time per eye | ~10 min | ~10 min |
| Corneal flap created | ✓ | — |
| Lower dry eye risk | — | ✓ |
| Better for active patients & contact sports | — | ✓ |
| Return to work | 24-48 hrs | 24-48 hrs |
| FDA-approved | ✓ | ✓ |
| Treats high myopia (up to -10.00) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Corneal tissue removed | ✓ | Minimal |
* The right choice depends on your corneal thickness, prescription, dry eye history, and lifestyle. Your consult at Gulfcoast Eye Care will give you a clear recommendation specific to your eyes.
Your Surgeon
Dr. Michael Manning
Dr. Manning leads Gulfcoast Eye Care with a philosophy that most practices won't say out loud: not every patient needs surgery, and not every surgery is right for every patient. He evaluates each person individually and recommends the procedure that actually fits.
Testimonials
Real Patients. Real Outcomes.
A lot of practices only perform one procedure and promote it accordingly. Dr. Manning performs both, and is the ONLY SMILE provider in the Tampa Bay and surrounding area.
Real Patients. Real Outcomes.
"I came in thinking I'd be turned away again. Dr. Manning walked me through why SMILE was actually the safer call for me. Two weeks later I was back in the gym. 20/15."
Jamie, 31 · -4.75 prescription · Back to work in 24 hrs
"I had a -9.50 prescription. Every other place I called said I was too high for LASIK and left it at that. GC was the first practice to explain EVO ICL properly. I wish I'd done it five years earlier."
Marcus, 34 · -9.50 prescription · 20/20 day after surgery
"The SMILE procedure with Dr. Manning is the best decision I have ever made from a procedure perspective in my life. I can now see 20/20 - it’s been absolutely wonderful!"
Rachel, 28 · -3.25 prescription · 20/20 at 1-week check
What To Expect
Your Consultation at Gulfcoast Eye Care
A lot of practices only perform one procedure and promote it accordingly. Dr. Manning performs both, and is the ONLY SMILE provider in the Tampa Bay and surrounding area.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We measure corneal thickness, prescription, dry eye levels, and overall eye health. The most thorough evaluation most patients have ever had — about 45–60 minutes.
Honest Recommendation
Dr. Manning reviews your results and tells you: which procedure fits, which doesn't, and why. If you're not a candidate for any procedure, you'll hear that clearly.
Your Questions, Answered
Our consults run long on purpose. You'll have time to ask everything — recovery, financing, timing.
The Right Surgery. For You.
We're proud to be Tampa Bay’s exclusive provider of the Zeiss SMILE® procedure! Call, text, or email us below for more information on vision correction, and what your future looks like without glasses and contacts.
© Gulfcoast Eye Care. 2026. All rights reserved.
Discover Our Passion for Eye Care
Caring For Your Vision, Every Step Of The Way
We are dedicated to providing top-quality eye care with a personalized touch. From comprehensive exams to advanced vision solutions, our expert team ensures your eyes stay healthy and your vision remains clear.
Experienced optometrists committed to your eye health
Cutting-edge technology for accurate vision care
A wide range of eyewear to suit every style and need
Testimonials
“I was unsure about seeing an optometrist at first, but their care was invaluable. From the exam to the right treatment, I felt confident knowing my eye health was in expert hands.”
John D
“Visiting an optometrist helped me through a difficult time with my vision. They guided me through every step, from diagnosis to treatment, and helped me get the care I needed. I highly recommend their service.”
Sarah M