The first Ultralase clinic was opened in January 1991 at the Clatterbridge Hospital near Chester. At the time, all treatments performed were Photorefractive Keratotomy, or PRK, until the Lasik procedure was introduced in 1995.
With the introduction of Lasik, and the clear advantages it demonstrated for certain patients, Ultralase went through a period of dramatic growth through 2002.
2003 Ultralase introduced the revolutionary UltraPlus treatment with Wavefront technology, giving patients visual outcomes far surpassing those of standard laser treatments. Ultralase became the first provider to have all treatment outcomes verified by independent audit.
In March 2009, the commitment to clinical excellence led Ultralase to become the first UK provider to have all Great Britain surgeons certified in Laser Refractive Surgery by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth).
Ultralase Prices
Ultralase comes in second place in our list of the best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK for price, just after Optical Express. That’s because this clinic offers the full shebang: transparent prices, 0% finance options, free consultations, and competitive prices.
The cost of eye surgery at Ultralase ranges between £1,1695 and £2,995 (per eye), depending on the treatment type that you agree upon in discussion with a surgeon. These prices are in line with the average cost of eye surgery, but not quite as low as Optical Express.
Treatments Offered
You can count on Ultralase for the main laser eye and lens replacement surgery procedures. These include: LASIK and LASEK with Wavefront options, as well as refractive lens exchange (RLE), implantable contact lenses, and cataract surgery.
Is Ultralase Right for You?
With nearly 3,000 overall positive reviews from independent customers in the UK, Ultralase is one of the best-rated laser eye surgery clinics by patients. People value this clinic for its:
- Friendly prices – Fixed and reasonable prices help you know what to expect.
- Nationwide clinics – Ultralase has 20 clinics in the UK, including in London, Reading and St Albans.
- Decent aftercare – Ultralase provides free aftercare – one check-up and drops for the first three months.
Despite glowing reviews, however, it’s worth reading the fine print if you do choose Ultralase. In 2015, BBC’s Watchdog exposed the problems countless laser eye surgery patients have experienced accessing their lifelong aftercare.
Most user reviews on Lasik Eyes show happy experiences, but then again most people never need to take advantage of their lifetime guarantee. If you would like to find out whether Ultralase is the top-rated laser eye surgery clinic near you, we’re here to help.
Still, Ultralase features in several of Lasik Eyes’ lists of top-rated eye surgery:
Find Your Perfect Match
The only way to find out is to see if you’re eligible for 20/20 vision or your money back, and to get a tailored quote. That’s why we make it easy to pop in for a free consultation, have free eye tests (worth £800), and talk through your options with an eye expert.
Next steps: Our simple tool helps our readers every day get closer to going glasses free:
- Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched to the leading eye clinic in your area
- Check you’re eligible in minutes: Receive a quick call to check you can get surgery (we will never share your number with anyone else)
- Book a free consultation: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust for a free eye test and personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the top-rated clinic near you, and get a tailored quote.
Ultralase Reviews
Ian Todd
I am going to LCRS on Jan 17th 2003 for surgery to my left eye and following it up with my right eye on Feb 14th. Looking at peoples comments especially Michelle and Angela's, I am a bit concerned at the starbursts experienced by both of you whilst driving in darkness. I need to drive to work and I am a bit concerned as to how it will affect my ability to drive. Is it a major problem? I am encouraged by all the favourable comments and I will hopefully be posting the same rave reviews.
Michael
I've had my initial consultation and was told I am a good candidate - think corneas and small pupils However my prescription's are something like -4 and -2, but am heavily astigmatic. My acuity with specs on is 6/6- and 6/7.5+. When they said I could lose 2 lines of best corrected vision, I slowly realised this meant even with specs on so. I would no longer be legal to drive. It doesn't mention the 2 lines in the brochures! Just results of 98% achieving 6/12. I always thought LASIK could improve your vision, but at best it can only match what you can see with glasses on. Given that, and the risk of side effects etc I have finally decided I won't be going ahead with treatment Having said that, they seemed very thorough and answered all of my questions. I will just add they do say in their forms you sign that you weren't pressured into making a decision. When I was told that I would have to come back for further tests, they were most surprised that I selected a Saturday date that was a month away and not come back much sooner (I didn't want to take another day off work) If my acuity was better, then I would probably have gone ahead with treatment with Ultralase. However, the consultation probably made me realise I hadn't done my homework properly, and would have prompted me to do more reading before going ahead immediately
Cheryl
Hello. Just wanted to thank you for your detailed comments - very helpful as I'm booked for my first operation on 30 Jan and, obviously, a bit apprehensive. Curious about the starbursts, and wondering how Michelle and Angela are doing now.
Gail
I just had second consultation at Ultralase Cardiff where they have offered LASEK not LASIK due to my cornea being too thin. I am absolutely terrified as they will only correct one eye at a time and I worry I will be so uncomfortable I won't return for the second eye. I also don't understand the pricing as Optimax charge £495 per eye whereas Ultralase charge £995 per eye. BIG difference! Another fear is that they will not say which surgeon will perform the surgery so I can't research their background. Any advise please contact as I am in limbo trying to decide.
Michael
Following the comments I made on 8th Jan, a guy presumably from Head Office (he quoted an 0113 telephone number) emailed me. One sentence said "Whilst we aim to match a person's best corrected visual acuity with treatment, there are many occasions upon which we do improve on it" I replied on the 12th indicating I was very surprised by this fact that my best corrected vision could be improved upon, couldn't find anything on the internet to back this up, and asked him for some supporting evidence. As yet he has not replied, so I don't know whether he's on holiday, or that fact is just a myth. Can anyone clarify
Kim Smith
Booked in St Albans clinic for consultation on March 12th. Have found this website extremely helpful. Not worried about a little discomfort or pain as have given birth twice. NOTHING can be worse than that! Am encouraged by so many positive reports of Ultralase and if I am able to I will certainly request Dr Gupta performs the surgery. Will keep you posted. I used to dream that I had perfect vision and then would wake up to the reality of short sightedness. Perhaps the fulfilment of this dream might not be so far away after all? Really hope I'm a suitable candidate!
Josephine
I'm due to have a consultation and surgery (provisionally booked) in the Leeds city centre clinic next week (11 and 13 February 2003) with Dr Gilbert Cohen. I'd love to hear any feedback from anyone who has used Ultralase in Leeds and particularly if Dr Cohen carried out the surgery. Many thanks.
Jeanette
I am concerned about latest comments on side effects of laser treatment. I am due to have surgery at Birmingham with Matthew Starr. His resume seems to be A1. Has anyone had any experiences of his surgery? Has anyone had treatment who has large pupils? It seems that a lot of the negative press at the moment relates to people that have larger than average pupil size. Would love to hear all comments please.
Karen
Jeanette I too am due to have surgery in Bham with Matthew Star on 27th Feb. (Have just tried to Email you but mail failed?)Pupil size was not mentioned but I was told I had lovely thick corneas which would heal well. Watchdog are doing a feature on their programme tonight. Should be worth watching
Michael
Jeannette/Karen (and anyone else) - if you remove SPAMPROOF from the end, you will have the right address to email each other - it's done as a protection from spam machines! Has anyone any experience Dr Joachim Koehler. It seems like everyone is hankering for Mr Gupta's services wherever they are in the country
