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
Ms King
Hello, I am looking into having LASIK performed by Ultralase. The nearest clinic to me is St Albans, Hertfordshire, but I have not read any comments re this centre. Has anyone any feedback regarding this clinic? Thanks
Linda
Angela/Michelle, thank you for your updates, realistic info from those who have been there is very helpful. I have my first op tomorrow 22nd Nov. Will give feedback. Please keep updating your progress. Thank you
Steve Fuller
I've got my consultation next week with Ultralase after hearing good reports from friends. I've scoured the web (this is an excellent site BTW) for information and have turned up a few things. I have read that up to 49% of all LASIK patients have reduced night time vision afterwards. Is this true? This is extremely important and may stop me having the treatment. Thanks.
Ray
See my previous 2 comments! 8 days on: excellent! Just like I have always had "normal" eyes. No halos or complications etc!! Just perfect vision.
Paul Burton
I HAD BILATERAL SURGERY ON MARCH 6TH 200O BY ANNUPAM CHATTERJEE FOR SEVERE MYOPIA. ABSOLUTELY DISASTROUS. I HAVE EXTREMELY LARGE PUPILS AND NOW KNOW I WAS IN A THE VERY HIGH RISK GROUP FOR LOW LIGHT VISION PROBLEMS. NOW I CANNOT SEE WELL ENOUGH TO EVEN DRIVE AT NIGHT OR EVEN IN THE DAY WHEN LIGHT IS POOR --THIS IS DUE TO SEVERE FLARING/HALOES. THE PUPIL SIZE ISSUE (WHICH I UNDERSTAND IS A STANDARD ONE FOR DISCUSSION BY LASIK SURGEONS WITH THEIR PATIENTS) WAS EITHER NOT PICKED UP BY THE SURGEON OR HE CHOSE TO IGNORE IT. NO DISCUSSION OVER CONSENT FORM--WHICH WAS OVERTLY MISLEADING ANYWAY--AND TOO MUCH MATERIAL WAS TAKEN FROM CORNEAS MAKING FURTHER SURGERY VERY RISKY---A WORD OF WARNING-IF ANYONE IS CONSIDERING LASIK THEY MUST HAVE AN INDEPENDENT EYE EXAM/ RISK ASSESSMENT DONE BY A SURGEON WHO WILL NOT BENEFIT FINANCIALLY FROM THE PROCEDURE.
Brian Price
I had surgery just over 5 weeks ago. The staff at Cardiff are all great and I cannot fault them… however I have experienced a Roller Coaster of emotions and results since the procedure.. An abrasion on the right eye, debris under the flap, dry eye and now I have been told that I have been left with astigmatism and short sightedness in the right eye. Although I am sure that all will come right in the end I have to wait a minimum of 2 more months before they can decide what to do next leaving me with double (sometime treble) & blurred vision in the right eye and daily variable vision in the left. I have kept a diary of events which is updated regularly. www.bdprice.alphaphe.com/LASIK.htm - check it out.
Jo Blenkinsopp
The hospital and staff were all very friendly and seemed very professional. The problems that I have experienced after LASIK surgery are very typical I have subsequently discovered. These being haloing, flaring and a degree of double vision but only in my weakest eye -4. The consultant Mr Gupta was at all times very reassuring but constantly amazed at my symtoms telling me my eye would be 'spot on'. It is not. I have had months of pain and dry eye and I do not have 20/20 spot on vision as promised. After the operation I had to spend two weeks in a darkened room in what can only be described as agony and blindness. Far from the rosy picture of being able to drive home from the clinic. I have subsequently discovered that most of the problems were caused by old scarring on my eye and combined with large pupils I was not a suitable candidate for laser surgery. I was not warned of this in any consultations and it was brushed over after my surgery as if I should have known of my unsuitability. I got the impression that the consultant who performed the initial suitability examination was inexperienced. I have become resigned to the failings in my eyesight and have given up hope of seeing properly. Corrective surgery is not an option I couldn't go through that again.
Brian Price
I had treatment last Thursday (18th April 2002)by Neil Marshall- Cardiff Branch.. Both eyes suffered abrasions which have been troublesome ever since.. Left eye is getting better but Right eye is very cloudy.. I was assured that this will get better over 48 - 72 hours... I am now 120 Hours in and no better... Apart from this the whole team at the new clinic were great and have continued to be available in order to hopefully sort this problem out. I will keep you informed !!!!
Alison
I only made it for my consultation at the Hammersmith clinic...I decided to go elsewhere following that! Having been kept waiting after the initial diagnostic tests I eventually saw an optician who briefly explained the procedure and then saw someone who was, effectively, a sales person, who attempted to push me into making an appointment for the treatment. Where was the person who would actually be performing the treatment? No, you don't get to see them until the day...not really what I wanted to hear. They didn't inspire me with confidence at all I'm afraid to say. Hopefully they've changed their ways! Incidentally, I'm getting LASIK at 'another' treatment place tomorrow....
Christina Evans
I had bi-lateral surgery on Aug.2nd in Bristol. The procedure was simple and almost pain-free except for the clamp going in to the left eye. My eyes are still gritty and keep closing, six weeks later, even though my vision has improved and for 4 weeks I was unable to stand watching TV or working on the computer. I seem to have developed an intolerance for artificial light. Artificial tears do not seem to help. I cannot argue that my vision is much improved but these side effects are preventing me from working and from enjoying my new sight. Original prescription was -3.5 and -3.75 with astigmatism in both eyes so now, at -1.25 in each eye they are better. The follow-up was brief and they seemed uninterested in the problems I am experiencing, saying that time will improve the situation, but, in the meantime, it is hard for me to work. I don't see anyone else on this web site who has had similar problems so how do I know how long it will take?
