Focus is a well renowned, prestigious specialist laser eye clinic based in the London Harley Street medical enclave. It has a reputation for treating celebrities, and claims to have a 99.7% success rate (excluding very high prescriptions).
What makes it different? This is a consultant led clinic, meaning UK-trained eye surgeons combine their advanced surgical skills with the specially selected laser systems that are 100% committed to achieving 20/20 vision.
Is there anything to look out for? Yes, check what you are comfortable paying. Focus is one of the pricier options for vision correction, and the success rate barely differs from clinics that charge half the price.
1. Focus Eye Surgery Treatments
Focus has often led the way in terms of technology advancement over the years. It was the first clinic to correct reading vision using Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) radio waves, which uses radio waves rather than lasers to reshape the eye surface (cornea). The chief surgeon, Mr David Allamby, has performed more CK procedures than any other surgeon in the world.
Mr Allamby is also the first surgeon in the U.K to pioneer and perform the first Z-Lasik Blended Vision (another treatment for reading glasses). He remains at the forefront of specialist surgeons for presbyopia in the UK, and has provided surgical training to visiting surgeons worldwide.
So what’s on offer? The standard procedures at Focus include: Z-LASIK, LASEK and PRK (all with Wavefront technology). The clinic additionally specialises in these popular lens replacement surgeries: refractive lens exchange (RLE), implantable collamer lens (ICL), cataract surgery.
2. Focus Costs
Focus is one of the most expensive places in the UK for laser eye and lens replacement surgery, along with its friends on Harley Street: the London Vision Clinic and Moorfields Private (just around the corner).
Nearly 200 patients told us they paid on average £6,200 for laser eye surgery and £6,700 for lens replacement surgery at Focus. These prices are among the highest out there, and around double what you can pay elsewhere in the UK.
Laser eye surgery costs (both eyes):
- LASIK cost: £6,500
- LASIK specialist cost: £6,000
- LASIK blended vision: £5,400
Lens and cataract surgery costs (both eyes):
- Refractive lens exchange cost: £6,500
- Cataract surgery cost: £6,500 (standard lens) – £7,500 (premium lens)
- ICL surgery cost: £7,500
Then there’s the VIP Package for £12,000, all in. Focus doesn’t reveal what’s involved in this eye-watering price tag, so we’ll go out on a limb and say you may not find great value for money here.
Are there any hidden costs?
You’ll be please to learn that the quotes above are fixed prices, meaning you should avoid some nasty surprises. These costs include a generous 10-year guarantee, and initial consultations are free.
Interest-free finance options are also available, from £179.17 per eye per month, with a £500 deposit. Other clinics, however, offer monthly payment plans for around a quarter of the price.
So is it worth paying more?
Well, it may be if you are looking for: the most up-to-date ophthalmic tech, some of the UK’s most experienced surgeons, and being treated like a king in general. Plus, all procedures use Wavefront technology as standard: a slightly pricier add-on that improves the accuracy of the laser by measuring the eye’s exact measurements.
But don’t feel pressured into paying more than you feel comfortable with. Laser eye surgery is considered a safe procedure, with over 95% of people being satisfied or very satisfied with results, according to NICE. Optical Express, for example, is so confident of achieving 20/20 vision, it has a moneyback offer if you don’t. And prices there are half what they are at Focus Clinics on average.
3. Focus Review: The Verdict
FOCUS Clinics features as one of the best places for laser eye surgery in the UK. Plus, with friendly staff and a “Good” CQC rating, it also makes its way onto the list of the 10 best laser eye surgery clinics in London.
But is it right for you? Focus Clinics does offer plenty of excellent perks for the higher price tags: cutting-edge lasers, pioneering eye surgeons, and hard-to-fault customer service. That said, your money will also fund perks no one really needs: things like the prime Harley Street location, spa-like rooms, and VIP treatment.
Anyone looking to bag a bargain eye surgery should keep looking. Well-reviewed high street clinics such as Optical Express, Ultralase and Optimax might be a better fit if that’s the case.
☝ Ask the eye experts: To see if there is a better rated laser eye surgery provider near you, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and get a tailored quote from a clinic you can trust.
Surgeons
Focus Clinics Reviews
Susanne Offord
I had CK procedure in October last year. The treatment was painless, I was only aware of some pressure on my eyes while it was taking place. Since then my eyesight has been steadily improving and during my last follow up appointment Mr Allamby said I had the eyesight of a 25 year old! Unfortunately I can double that and then add a few more years! I have not worn reading glasses since having the treatment, and I love the freedom of never having to make sure I have glasses with me. I have recommended the procedure to friends who also need to wear reading glasses and will carry on doing so.
Jean Buckley
I think that a rating of six stars should apply to my CK treatment. No more lost glasses and on a recent trip to the Rain Forest there was no misting up of glasses to contend with. My treatment by all concerned, especially MR Allemby was amazing and every step of the treatment was explained clearly. Reading is now a joy
Lesley Davis
My expierence of CK surgery has been very positive. Having got to the stage of needing glasses to read and even to see " what I was eating" due to the "aging process" I was truely delighted to be given the option of an alternative. I like others before me saw the article in The Daily Mail about CK and kept an "eye" on the progress and reports, eventually having CK myself in January this year(2004). The treatment itself was totally painless, afterwards my eye was sore and felt a bit gritty, (the eye drops supplied took care of that). My new sight took a little "getting used to", with one eye now short sighted and the other long sighted, but I was able to go straight back to work and use my new vision:- computer,reading,direct visual contact with people and ALL WITHOUT GLASSES. Of my surgeon Mr. Allenby I have the highest praise, he took time to explain everything in detail, carried out the proceedure with gentleness and care, and at subsequent follow up appointments has continued to give me very thorough eye examinations (using the most up to date equipment) to ensure all is well. Would I have it again? Yes very definately, the whole experience from first assessment to surgery and since has been faultless and the difference that CK has made to my everyday life highly valued.
JUDITH BUTLER
MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH HAD CK TREATMENT ON 5TH NOVEMBER 2004. WE HAVE JUST BEEN BACK FOR OUR FIRST CHECK UP (23.11.04)AND MY HUSBAND HAS 20/20 VISION IN BOTH EYES AND I HAVE IN MY RIGHT EYE AND JUST BELOW IN MY LEFT. HOWEVER IT IS EARLY DAYS AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT I WILL ACHIEVE 20/20 VERY SHORTLY. WE ARE EXCEPTIONALLY HAPPY WITH THE TREATMENT, DR. ALLAMBY AND HIS STAFF AT HARLEY STREET. IT IS A TOTALLY PAINLESS PROCEDURE WHICH TAKES APPROX. 5 MINUTES PER EYE. INCIDENTALLY MY HUSBAND HAD TREATMENT IN ONE EYE ONLY FOR READING AND I HAD TREATMENT IN BOTH EYES FOR READING AND DISTANCE. WE BOTH HAD A GRITTY FEELING POST TREATMENT BUT THE EYE DROPS HELPED AND IT WAS VIRTUALLY ALL GONE WITHIN A WEEK. SUPERB TREATMENT WHICH I WILL RECCOMMEND TO ALL MY FRIENDS.
Ruth Ball
I have been thinking about having my eyes corrected with laser for many years having tried glasses and all sorts of contact lenses to correct my long and short sightedness. I have not had the confidence in either the process or more importantly in the optician until I met Dr Allamby. He went through the process in detail and answered all my questions until i finally had the confidence to go ahead. Dr Allamby was reassuring throughout the treatment and continually kept me advised as to what was happening. His care has continued throughout the aftercare too and I would recommend him to anyone thinking about taking the plunge.
Lindsay Jenkins
Due to the aging process I needed glasses to read, even to see what I was eating on a plate!! Having read the articles on CK treatment, I had the treatment in May this year. I was a little nervous at the first consultation, but Mr Allamby put me totally at ease and filled me with complete confidence, explaining in great detail what I could expect from the treatment. I had both eyes done, and the treatment was painless. Although my eyes were rather watery afterwards and felt 'gritty' for the next 24 hours the eye drops supplied took care of that. Mr Allamby and his staff are absolutely first-rate and first class. Now I don't need 10 pairs of glasses, one in the handbag, one in the car, one in the..... I can read newspapers, price tags when I go shopping, see who is calling me on my mobile - ALL without glasses. I cannot tell you what a difference this has made to my life- TREMENDOUS! I would recommend this procedure to anyone and everyone - it will transform your life. Throw away your glasses and go and get it done!! The treatment
Justin Taylor
Mr. Allamby and Horizon were the last of many clinics I had been to. I'm glad I perservered. Mr. Allamby brought all the information that I needed to know together whereas the other clinics only seemed to give parts of the info. He answered all my questions, was patient and genuinely took an interest in the best possible solution to my shortsightedness. He even gave me the solution/cure to the re-occurent blepharitis that I had been suffering with for 9 years which gave me dry, itchy eyes including cysts. He would'nt perform any surgery until this condition cleared up...unlike other clinics, who were only too happy to get it done and bank my cash. It was worth seeing Mr. Allamby for this alone. I eventually had lasek on both eyes in April '05. Everything that I experienced did NOT come as a surprise or shock as I was very well informed by Mr. Allamby. Yes, I was a little anxious. No, the procedure did not hurt. Yes, my eyes were uncomfortable, gritty and watering for 5 days til the protective lenses came out. Yes, my vision did not stabalise for 4 weeks. Yes, I was driving and back at work the monday after the procedure. And yes, I did follow the course of eye drops religously for the required 3 months. Now I have near perfect vision. I am looking out my office window and can see a shop sign at least 200 meters away and what it says. My left eye is slightly better than my right, in fact, a week after the surgery it was very good in my left but my right eye is now almost the same.I have some halo-ing at night but this is improving. In conclusion, I would recommend Horizon and particularly Mr. Allamby to anybody considering laser surgery. I have recommended family and friends to him as I am that confident that it will be the best thing they have done for a very long time. I am 99% satisfied that I received the best treatment and I am awarding 5 stars to Horizon. If the treatment was free then I would be 100% satisfied. If like me you do the research before having this procedure done, on one of the most precious parts of your body, you will arrive at Horizon's door.
Gary Pink
Every thing Dr. David Allamby tells you will happen does happen. Fantastic, money well spent!
Claire Hext (Mrs)
My son Peter had lasik eye treatment by Dr. David Allumby at the Horizon Eye Centre in London in March. It has changed his life. The treatment was first class and so was the aftercare service he received. We would not hesitate in recommending the clinic; it has changed Peter's life!
Andrew Lamont
I had lasik surgery in both eyes in May of this year and have recently had my final check up. The procedure was painless and I now have perfect vision thanks to Mr Allamby, who inspired confidence throughout the treatment. I would recommend him to anyone who is considering having this type of surgery as the results are truly remarkable (Five star service).
