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
Leigh Bennett
It's great to wake up in the morning and be able to see! No more aching eyes from wearing contact lenses. No pain and it was over in a matter of minutes - Nurse even holds your hand if you want! I have recommended Ultralase to so many people.
Sarah Deakin
I had Lasik treatment at the Manchester clinic two weeks ago today and can honestly say it is amazing! When I walked out of the treatment room, I could see everything really sharply, although it was milky, and when I got home, my eyes were streaming and very light sensitive, but by the early evening, I was able to have the lights on and everything was fine! The follow ups are great. My presecription was -3.00 in each eye and it is currently better than 20/20! I hope it will stay that way!
Carol Jones
I had my surgery on November 4th, and now have perfect vision. Ultralase are a fantastic company and from the minute I entered the clinic I felt reassured by the professionalism of the staff. They do everything by the book and are fantastic. I saw lots of different people on my first visit, which some people advised me was a draw back but because everyone at the clinic knows everything about you it didn't seem to matter at all. I was initially concerned because at a previous consultant with another company, I was told that it is best if you only ever seen one person from start to finish, well I thought this made sense, but when I saw how professional and organised everyone staff member was at Ultralase, this issue became irrelevant. Everyone has access to your notes, which are 100% up to date at all times. I was shortsighted (-3 in both eyes), and I had UltraLasek Plus treatment. The first few days were difficult in terms of itchy eyes, but apart from that I did not feel any real pain. I did have some discomfort in one eye on the fourth day however, and the way Ultralase dealt with this was amazing. I contacted them at 10am on Saturday morning and spoke with the nurse as one of my eyes was quite painful, she immediately booked me in to the nearest clinic, which I attended immediately, again, they knew everyhing about me, which was great because it wasn't the same clinic I had my eyes done at, they sorted out the problem in a matter of minutes (an eyelash was lodged under the contact lense), and I was on my way feeling immediately better. This shows how great they are at dealing with any potential problem (another concern I had beforehand). As you can probably tell, from my notes, I am over the moon with both the surgery and the clinic I chose to go to (I read the notes on this website before I visited Ultralase, and that helped me make the right decision, thank you to all those people who have posted honest comments). Good Luck to you and if you would like to email me for any further info before you make your decision, please feel free to do so, I know this helped me! Obviously, I can only tell you about my experience, the final decision ultimately lies with you!!!!!
Eddie Maylor
A painless treatment, that took a few minutes. The results are almost instantaneous and still last. If you're not sure, "GO FOR IT".
Erin
It is without doubt the best thing I've ever done! My eyesight was dreadful, and is now perfect! I would recommend Ultralase treatment to anybody!
Justin Rowles
At the hotel in Leeds before the treatment I had a look outside the hotel window on the 3rd floor without my specs and could hardly see anything clearly. The next morning after the treatment I opened my eyes and looked out the windows to see... EVERYTHING .. crystal clear vision .. brilliant! The staff were professional, courteous and answered all my questions, (and fears) with honest answers (after all your eyes are precious) The aftercare service was excellent. Wish I'd had it done years ago (I'm now 47) the feeling of freedom and confidence you get can't be matched.... Thanks Ultralase!
phil adams
I had RK done on both eyes in 1990/91. Prior to that I was extremely short sighted(about 6/60 in both eyes) and had worn glasses and contacts permanantly for years.I did alot of physical sports (and still do)including surfing,swimming and martial arts, and was in HM Forces where wearing contacts can be a problem. I had one operation on my left eye, two on my right. The left eye is still perfect to this day, some 15 years later. My right eye has got weaker/developed an astigmatism in the last year or two, which seems to be worsened due to using computers alot.The astigmatism was present before the operation, and my eyesight is still nowhere near the levels I had before the Op.As well as the problems I had with sports, I had the op in order to meet eyesight standards for the police force, and have been in now for 14 years. If other people are considering surgery for the same reason, please be aware that some forces are now very 'funny' about people with any type of eye surgery and may not accept it.I dont know why as since the Op i have had no problems swimming,surfing,scuba diving,doing Judo or kickboxing!I do experience some 'Haloing' of lights when driving at night, although it is not alot different from glare I experienced when wearing contacts.I did find that you can buy glassses with asimple yellow tint lens for night driving,(bearing in mind I work night duties) which make a big difference.
Mandy Jones
Having Ultralase was a dream come true. My eyesight is brilliant and I have not looked back. This year I took my little boy to Florida and was able to go to the Waterparks and on the many raft rides, without worrying about lenses or glasses. It was amazing. Thank you Ultralase for making this the best decision of my life!
Carey Laughland
The treatment has made a difference in my life in areas I didn't really know I'd previously limited myself. I have two young children and can now enjoy swimming and other outdoor events without thinking. I can get straight too them in the night instead of sending my husband while I sleeplily played hunt the glassess. I would tell any one thinking of having the treatment to good for it.I'm more confident than I was and enjoy a good night out without tried red eyes The staff are excellent, kind, taking time for you every step of the way. There is no pressure and the after care can not be faulted.
Mark Tomlin
The Birmingham staff were helpful, reassuring and friendly and helped me to relax as I felt like I was going to be cast to the lions (I only have one pair of eyes so was nervous as hell). The lady who examined my eyes actually fell down the stairs as we returned downstairs (I did not push her). She managed to regain her composure and carry on in a professional manner. I needn't have worried about the surgery. Within 10 minutes I started to see clearly. Apart from a slight stinging in one eye for about 20 minutes that p.m. I have had no side effects. My life has changed totally. I can do all the things I wanted to do and not have to wear glasses or contact lenses, which my eyes was becoming increasingly irritated by. In 20 years I have spent about £15,000 on contact lenses, accessories, solutions, glasses etc. so £1998 was money well spent in my opinion. My biggest fear was waking up one night to find an intruder in my house. I would not be able to tell if he or she was black, white, pink, fat, tall etc. as I could not see beyond my nose without my glasses, which I often could not find in the night. Ultralase certainly have changed my life. Thank God for Ultralase, the traetment and its affordability. I recommend Ultralase to everyone I meet who wonders where are my glasses.
