A system and method are provided for simulating a Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) protocol to establish a surgical LIOB treatment for a patient. In the system, a library of finite element models characterizing various visual defects in corneas are programmed into a computer. Further, a library of nomograms indicating specific LIOB protocols for correcting respective visual defects are programmed into the computer. As a result, a model and a corresponding nomogram may be selected in view of a patient's diagnostic information. Further, the selected model may be individualized with the diagnostic information to more precisely characterize the patient's visual defects. Thereafter, the computer simulates the indicated LIOB protocol on the individualized model in order to achieve a desired corneal configuration. When the desired corneal configuration is achieved, the final treatment plan may be determined.