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
Michelle Souster
I have worn glasses for the last 20 years and at only my mid-30's I hated it. It is AMAZING to know bew able to see in the night when my toddler wakes up. Not having glasses steam up when I walk from outside to inside is something I won't miss. The team at Reading were great. They were truthful with what was going to happen and didn't try to make it sound easier than it was. For the ten minutes of being uncomfortable it is really worth it, and I would recommend it as it truly is not painful.
J Whitton
I was terrified but truly did not want to wear glasses or contacts anymore. I went to Optimax and Boots to check where I felt most comfortable, and Ultralase were by far the most relaxing, helpful and friendly clinic. You get what you pay for! The staff were all fantastic. The treatment is slightly uncomfortable but not painful at all. I would recommend going home afterwards and sleeping as much as possible, and keep your sunglasses handy! It gives the most amazing sense of freedom - to wake up in the morning and to be able to see everything is amazing. Four weeks on and I still reach for my glasses - takes a while to get out of the habit! Go for it!
Jayne Gaffney
I felt safe and was always reassured that my best interests were taken into account. I was always given the opportunity to ask questions. On treatment day I was given the utmost care and attention. It was painless and I was constantly taken care of. I have already recommended Ultralase to friends.
Jemma Dawson
The Ultralase staff really made the experience pain free and really put me at ease. I have been happy with my treatment and would recommend them to anyone.
Lynne Bruce
I had been to other providers but chose Ultralase as they were so professional, thorough and friendly. The procedure was painless and I only suffered very minor discomfort afterwards - a feeling of needing to take contact lenses out. I have no regrets at all - 3 months on and I still smile every morning when I wake and I can see perfectly!
GEORGIA WILLIAMS
having opted for wavefront at a cost of £1500 per eye i expected good results but have been left with a prescription of -1 in both eyes with some astigmatism. my prescription prior to treatment was fairly average (-4.0 in both eyes with astigmatism). they advised me the treatment had not been fully successful at my weekly follow up appointment but was not able to see the surgeon to discuss it as he was 'busy treating people'. although they have paid for new glasses and are prepared to offer an enhancement in three months time at no extra cost i have been disappointed with the lack of information they have given me as to why this has happened. i pushed to get an appointment with the surgeon but he offered me only five minutes of his time to review me. the only explanation they have offered is that it's something to do with the 'healing process' but beyond this i am no clearer.
Louise Yau
I had Ultra-Lasik to both eyes last Wednesday - after thinking about it for ages and ages, I finally decided to muster up all my courage and did it! I have been wearing glasses for 17 years and was -6 in both eyes with astigmatism - so I really was blind as a bat! I was so scared of anything to do with eyes and couldn't even wear contacts and was stuck with glasses. Anyway, today is the 6th day and it truly is AMAZING!! I have been so overwhelmed with the whole experience as I cannot believe I now have 20/20 vision and freedom from glasses! Thee actual procedure was nowhere near as scary as I had imagined, in fact it truly was very easy and very fast! There was no pain at all and I didn't feel anything. I was terrified of the 'speculum' which holds your eye open, but honestly, it was a walk in the park and I felt no pain whatsoever. The staff at the Leeds clinic have been fantastic, especially the nurse who helped me so much, she even held my hand throughout the whole procedure. I couldn't believe it when it was all done and I felt such a huge sense of achievement! There has been no problems whatsoever, no halos or glows that you read about, no streaming eyes, no discomfort. I have only slight bruising to the eyes due to the pressure which is applied during the procedure, but this will go in 2-3 weeks. All in all, I am sooooooooo overwhelmed that I can now SEE and would recommend it to anyone who may need it. It may sound cheesy, but honestly it is really the best thing I have ever done! Feel free to email me if you want any advice - as I found it really useful to ask a real person who had it done, and it really helped me to decide to do it!
Jacqueline Atkinson
I wish I had done it years ago! Life changing and with no pain! Staff all wonderful.
Bev Lovell
Ultralase has changed my life - I still get a thrill when every morning I wake up and open my eyes and I can see I am not fumbling around looking for my glasses! It has been one of the best thing I have ever done. Although I was nervous I can honestly say I did not feel any pain and did not suffer any discomfort afterwards. I have recommended countless people to you and still do.
Sam Jones
Your treatment has revolutionised my living! No longer do I need to struggle with glasses or contact lenses when swimming, cross country biking and running or when mountaneering and camping. Nor do I have to go through the morning routine of contact lens cleaning and applying which I found so tedious! My night time driving is now hazard free! I did not realise how compromised my eyesight had been until I had had my eyes checked by you. The results are amazing! How many other people think it is normal not to be able to see where they are going at night when another vehicle is approaching with their lights on??!! I DID! A recent visit to my home optician left her delighted, she had visited the clinic for a tour and had been excited by what she had seen. I was the first client she had examined who had had treatment. She stated that 'they could not have done a better job!' I found the service excellent from start to finish and have recommended Ultralase to anyone I have met who wears glasses or contact lenses! Advising them to at least take the first step of being assessed, confident that once they are through the door the experience will sell itself! As you can see I'm am more than happy with the process! THANK YOU!
