SMILE to Live Your Best Life.
Serving the South Bay & Torrance, CA Areas
A flapless, minimally invasive laser eye surgery for nearsightedness and astigmatism. SMILE performed by Dr. Erica Liu, one of the most experienced SMILE surgeons on the West Coast.
- Flapless — only one small incision required
- Return to work and exercise as soon as the day after surgery
- Lower risk of dry eye than LASIK — ideal for active patients
- Financing available, including ALPHAEON Credit
What Is SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE is the latest innovation in laser vision correction, blending the benefits of PRK and LASIK. It requires only one small incision and does not need a corneal flap. The recovery is comparable to LASIK, but with no physical activity restrictions after surgery.
During SMILE, Dr. Liu uses a laser to create a thin disc (a lenticule) inside your cornea, then removes it through a tiny incision — gently reshaping the front of your eye to correct your vision. SMILE is FDA-approved to treat:
- Myopia Nearsightedness
- Astigmatism Irregular cornea shape
Because no flap is created, SMILE carries a lower risk of dry eye and flap-related complications than LASIK — making it an excellent option for athletes, active patients, and anyone who wants a less invasive approach.
Why Patients Choose Beach Cities Laser Vision
A boutique, surgeon-owned practice that puts your care, comfort, and outcome ahead of everything else.
Surgeon Owned and Operated
You will not be passed off to assistants or technicians. Dr. Liu personally handles your pre-op exam, surgery, and every post-op visit.
Local, Community Based, Independent
We are small, locally owned, and proud of it. A South Bay practice serving our community with personal, attentive care.
Lasers in House
All technology is on site, which means flexible scheduling, no rushed surgical days, and full control of the experience start to finish.
Transparent, Honest Pricing
Quotes are flat, all-inclusive, and given upfront. No hidden fees, no high-pressure sales, and no insurance dictating your care.
Real People, Not Phone Trees
We are morally against subjecting patients to automated menus and AI chatbots. When you call, a real human answers.
Flexible Financing Available
We partner with leading medical financing companies, including ALPHAEON Credit, so you can spread your investment over comfortable monthly payments.
A Deep Commitment to Improving Lives. Dr. Erica T. Liu.
Our founder, Dr. Erica T. Liu, is among the most experienced laser and lens vision correction specialists in Torrance and throughout the West Coast. She has personally performed more than 10,000 procedures and helped pioneer techniques that make laser eye surgery safer, faster, and more precise.
What sets Dr. Liu apart is not only her expertise, but the personal nature of the care she provides. At Beach Cities Laser Vision, you will meet Dr. Liu before your surgery, and you will see her at every follow-up visit. No phone trees. No chatbots. No handoffs.
Book a Consultation with Dr. LiuHear From a Fellow Surgeon.
Dr. Jonathan Go, an accomplished refractive cataract surgeon, entrusted his own SMILE procedure to Dr. Erica Liu — recognizing her exceptional skill and patient-centered approach to laser eye care.
When a fellow eye surgeon chooses Dr. Liu for his own vision, that says everything you need to know about the level of expertise behind Beach Cities Laser Vision.
Watch Dr. Go share his experience, then book a complimentary consultation to find out if SMILE is right for you.
Book Your Free Consultation5.0 Stars Across 74+ Google Reviews
Patients across the South Bay trust Dr. Liu for SMILE, LASIK, EVO ICL, and more. Read what they have to say.
"Erica Liu MD and her staff were welcoming, professional, helpful, thorough and kind. After wearing eye glasses for 25 years, I wanted to know my options. Erica presented options and the one that suited me best was RLE. It was one of the best decisions I ever made! The recovery only took one day and I now have 20/20 vision in each eye. It has been life changing for me."
"Love the whole Beach Cities Laser Vision team! I did my SMILE operation April of 2025 before I graduated from Oxford with my master's, and my life has been totally changed. Thank you Dr. Liu, Katie, and Lawrence for a wonderful personalized approach to my eyes. I am from Palos Verdes (Rolling Hills), and I'm so glad we have this office and this team right in the South Bay!"
"Dr. Liu along with her staff Katie and Lawrence is very friendly and made me comfortable throughout the process. During the consultation the procedure I wanted to do was LASIK, but Dr. Liu recommended I'd be better off with SMILE and explained the difference between the two. Best decision. Faster recovery and now I can see so much better, 20/20 vision. It totally changed my life."
What Does SMILE Cost?
We believe in transparent, upfront pricing — not individualized quotes that change person to person. Complete, current pricing for every procedure is published on our main website, with no surprise add-ons or haggling.
*Patients who have had previous vision correction surgery or who may be candidates for lens replacement (typically age 50+) require additional diagnostic testing. A $200 evaluation fee applies and is credited toward your procedure if you move forward with surgery.
A $200 evaluation fee applies for patients who have had prior vision correction surgery. The fee is credited toward your procedure if you move forward.
Trusted by Patients Across South Bay California
Beach Cities Laser Vision is conveniently located in Torrance, just minutes from the entire South Bay community. Patients regularly travel from across Los Angeles and beyond for Dr. Liu's expertise.
21535 Hawthorne Blvd #101, Torrance, CA 90503
- Torrance
- Redondo Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Hermosa Beach
- Palos Verdes Estates
- El Segundo
- Hawthorne
- Gardena
- Lomita
- Long Beach
SMILE Questions, Answered
Here is what most patients want to know before their first consultation. If your question is not here, give us a call.
Does SMILE hurt?
No. As with all of our eye surgeries, SMILE is completely comfortable. We use special drops to numb your eyes prior to the procedure, so you should not feel any discomfort during surgery. The procedure itself takes just minutes per eye.
How is SMILE different from LASIK?
Unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, SMILE requires only a tiny incision. This reduces the risk of dry eye and flap-related complications while delivering similar vision correction results. SMILE is often preferred by athletes and active patients because of this difference.
How long is the recovery from SMILE?
SMILE recovery is similar to LASIK but without the physical activity restrictions. Most patients return to work within just one day. Dr. Liu will provide eye drops to use immediately after surgery to support healing, and within a few weeks the full results of your vision correction are apparent.
Can I return to exercise right away?
Yes. Because SMILE does not create a corneal flap, there is no flap to disrupt during physical activity. Most patients return to their normal exercise routine the day after surgery — a key reason athletes and active patients often choose SMILE over LASIK.
Who is a good candidate for SMILE?
SMILE is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism, particularly those with dry eyes or who prefer a less invasive procedure than LASIK. In general, you need to be 18 or older, have a stable prescription for at least one year, and have healthy corneas. Dr. Liu will confirm candidacy during your free consultation.
Are there any risks or side effects with SMILE?
SMILE is considered safe with a low risk of complications. Potential side effects include temporary dryness, glare, or halos around lights as your eyes heal. Serious complications are rare, and your free consultation includes a complete evaluation to confirm you are a strong candidate before any procedure is scheduled.
How much does SMILE cost at Beach Cities Laser Vision?
Our all-in price is transparent and includes the full procedure and every follow-up visit. We offer 0% financing through ALPHAEON Credit so you can spread the cost over manageable monthly payments. The exact price is shared during your free consultation once we confirm you are a candidate.
What if I'm not a candidate for SMILE?
You still have excellent options. Dr. Liu also performs LASIK, EVO ICL, PRK, RLE, and cataract surgery. During your consultation, we will walk you through every procedure that fits your eyes — with no pressure to choose any specific option.
Vision to Live Your Best Life.
The next chapter of your life does not need to include glasses, contacts, or daily eye drops. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Liu and find out what is possible.
*Patients who have had previous vision correction surgery or who may be candidates for lens replacement (typically age 50+) require additional diagnostic testing. A $200 evaluation fee applies and is credited toward your procedure if you move forward with surgery.
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