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
Vanessa
I had wave-front Lasek on 19 December 2003 performed by Vinod Gupta at the Hammersmith clinic. After an initial mix up with taking my wave-front tests at Tottenham Court Road and being unable to transmit the information to Hammersmith, I received a lot of care and attention at Hammersmith and the surgery was fine if not a little unnerving. I was tested at 20:20 the next day but blurred shortly after. The contacts came out and I blurred markedly but this has been improving ever since. The epithelium is healing and I anticipate a very good outcome. I did not experience ONE MOMENT of pain much to everyone's surprise. I'm very sorry to hear that someone has been unhappy with the information given at an Ultralase clinic. I tend to stand up for my rights vociferously and would certainly complain at being treated in that manner. I had the red carpet treatment after having to come to London again for another wave-front consultation at Hammersmith, a 2 hour journey for me, after I spoke to Justin Annett in the management department. I am now a very satisfied customer and am heartily recommending it to everyone. I would say that blurring and use of drops just goes with the territory, patience and positivity is the key. And the clinic has always been most happy to have me blither on the phone with any concerns. I'd say GO FOR IT !!! Big thanks to Vinod, Daniella, my lovely Antipodean nurse, Darren and everyone else.
Nicole
I had my LASIK treatment with ULTRALASE in Chester on 22.12. and I'm more than pleased with the results. I researched for quite a while and expected at least some mild forms of side effects like glare or halo during the first few weeks - well, I did not experience any side effects whatsoever!! The day before the treatment I went onto lasikdisaster.com and got really really scared. But surgeon and staff are absolutely spot on, you couldn't wish for anything better - they are also a very cheerful bunch, which put my mind at rest that they wouldn't be "quacks". Surgery itself is not painful at all, but I was terrified when they "switch your lights off". Also to relax and at the same time "do not move while we apply the laser" was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But my "lifeline" was the friendly lady assistant's voice during every step of the surgery. So reassuring and she even praises you!! Well done Ultralase Chester and thanks for everything - I am still not getting over being able to see so well without any discomfort at all ! Definitely 5 ***** for you!!! Nicole
Daniel
The best money I've ever spent, freedom in many ways and a new found confidence - all made possible due to the excellent service offered by Ultralase. No pressure, but professional staff and a first class service.
Lisa
The treatment doesn't hurt at all and has made a huge difference to my lifestyle. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Adam
I had LASEK at Ultralase in St Albans at the end of October 2003. My Surgeon was Mr Gupta. Pleased with it? Understatement - I wish I'd had it done years ago - £2300 well spent! I had a consultation at Guildford where I was told that, although unsuitable for LASIK, I was suitable for LASEK. I was not offered wavefront as I was unsuitable as I have thin corneas. My prescription was R -5.5, L -6.5 with astigmatism. On the day, Mr Gupta talked me through the procedure, I went through the post-op medication chat and relaxed on the operating table. Nearly 15 minutes later I sat up, operation complete. I was able to see, for the first time I can remember since squinting at the blackboard at junior school. In the darkness of the recovery room, my eyes started watering - to this day, I'm not sure it it was the effects of the operation or the fact that I was getting emotional about the fact that I could see! The only downside of the op was that the alcohol solution that was used on my right eye stung a bit, but my left eye was fine! I felt no pain other than this and although incredibly squeamish (I have a needle and dentist phobia!) was quite happy about being talked through the op by one of the nurses. 3 months on, I believe I have great vision, I was OK'd to drive after 1 week, although my left eye was slow to 'catch up' I believe I have both good eyesight and have achieved value for money. I suffer no hazyness, problems with low-light vision or with watching TV, and my need for eye drops is now decreasing - 2 drops in the morning and 1 before bed. I'm happy, and am happy to recommend Mr Gupta as a surgeon for LASEK and Ultralase as a company that provided me with excellent service.
Lucia
Fantastic! Lovely feeling not to worry about contact lenses or glasses! I would recommend it to everyone, it was painless and recovery was quick. The staff were great. All I can say is 'wow' to see again!
Charlotte
I'm absolutely thrilled with the treatment and care I have received with Ultralase. Every single member of staff have been helpful, friendly and very caring. Its been one of the best decisions of my life!
Emma Lazenby
The results have been brilliant! To not have to mess around with glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses is just fantastic! Thoroughly recommend it!
Merv Hart
Perfect, pain free eyesight 24 hours after surgery! Along with the obvious physical benefits, the emotional and self esteem improvements have been massive. I can completely recommend treatment to anyone considering it!
Natalie
Wish I had it done years ago, no more hassle with lenses or glasses, service was 1st class, very happy with the results.
