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
Marc Brigginshaw
Excellent service. The treatment was quick, painless and recovery was extremely fast. Follow-up care and checks excellent. Vision is better than 20/20 now. Overall, highly recommended.
Charlotte Methven
I underwent LASEK treatment to correct short-sightedness in my right eye only. Being in the unusual situation of only being short-sighted in one eye, it seemed a no-brainer to have corrective surgery. I found the Focus clinic on the internet and liked the look of it, and the fact that its pricing was far and away the most competitive. I was very reassured by the clinic itself and all of the staff there when I went for my consultation. Instinct told me I didn't need to shop around, so I didn't. They were very honest about the fact that LASEK could cause a lot of pain afterwards - which it did! - and that it would take a few months for me to achieve my optimal vision. Armed with all the facts, I opted for LASEK anyway, as I preferred the thought of a 'no blade' procedure. The op itself was totally painless and not at all invasive or upsetting - it was over so quickly and actually rather nice and peaceful. However, about 3 hours after getting home the anaesthetic worse off and I was in agony - similar to the feeling of having a ripped cornea - for about 3 days. From this point on, the pain eased and I was left with a feeling of having a dry eye and slightly blurry vision that I got a bit better each day. Now, two months on, my vision is so good I don't even think about it (tho I am still -25 and hoping to improve to 20/20 in the next month or two) and only occasionally does my eye feel dry. Despite the pain of the first few days I am very glad I had LASEK as there is so much less that can go wrong than with LASIK and it's nice knowing you don't have to fear the op itself, which only involves pulses of light, not cutting. I really recommend this procedure to anyone considering it. And at this price the op will cost me less than contact lenses!
Daniel Boudin
Found the staff at the Focus Clinic to be very efficiant and helpful. The surgery procedure was explained in detail before the day of surgery. Felt supported throughout and possible complications were explained to me before the procedure. I would definately recommend Focus Clinic to anyone who's thinking of having eye lazer surgery.
Anthony
I was a bit scared but paid for the M-Lasik blade which is older technology but value for money. I expected to pay the 299 per eye but unfortunately one eye was +1.50 so it cost extra but despite my minimum wages I decided that I was going to dump my glasses look for good. I think it is more the money than the operation that put other people off. Perhaps they are scarred they would not bother to have an operation done hoping it comes on the National Health. But they could be waiting for ever. If is good value compared to other Clinics. I guess it's a shame you have to pay more the worst your eyes are. I was went to work two days later as I do not get any sick pay I was ok eyes almost too brightly focused. I enjoyed the TV and walking outside for distance length. I found computers more dificult at first with close vision. But think that is normal now. I am very very happy with the result obviously I hope it is something that everyone will enjoy in the furture. Perhaps Spec savers do not bother with such treatment as if will be the end of the glasses business forever.
Simon Sehgal
Very happy with the treatment. My surgeon was Mr Ali Mearza; he was very professional, had a good manner and kept me at ease throughout my treatment and check ups. 24 hours after my surgery I had 20/20 vision and now I'm 20/12 so I'm very happy. Highly recommended clinic and surgeon!
Viv
Based on results alone, I fully recommend Focus Clinic. After putting up with 15years of glasses and having medium-severe short-sighted & astigmatism in both eyes (-4.75 & -5.75) so felt it was time to get this procedure done. The clinic is efficient, and the procedure itself was very quick. Just one evening's discomfort on the day of op but the eye drops they give you bring quick relief. Next day, I was 100% fine, no discomfort or pain and could see better than 20/20. Slight starburst effect when looking at car lights but hoping this should settle within next few months. Dr Allamby was able to answer all my questions. I recommend to read their website blog as it is pretty comprehensive. Dr Ali actually did the procedure and it was faultless. I chose Focus based on good feedback and results. Their pricing I would say is 'at market rates' but is competitive. Ensure you ask essential questions such as their aftercare guarantee as they may not be all that forthcoming (basically because everyone has a limited timeslot) but their website should cover the majority of customer questions anyway. My impression was that they are a slick, efficient operation with excellent results.
Alvinos
Focus have some of the most advanced technology at their disposal. I felt they understood my concerns from the outset and did not try to pretend there are no risks to surgery like some larger clinics. The staff and surgeon was upfront about the risks, including those specific to my situation. The result of my surgery was excellent and I would highly recommend Focus.
Nick Philippou
Very very happy with results. I am a 48 year old man and can now read without any assistance.
Andrew McMullan
Great service before, during and after procedure.
Kati
I had a prescriptions of -7.25 & -7.5 with astigmatism and have now 20/20 vision. The recovery was a bit longer than I expected and I may need reading glasses in a few years due to my age, but the surgery was well worth the end result. I had suffered years of problems with contact lenses and had developed sensitivity to most contact lens solutions. It has been amazing waking up with perfect vision and having no more hassle logging the lenses and liquids around. I would like to thank all of the staff at Focus Laser vision, but most of all surgeon Ali Mearza and the all the customer service staff, especially Paula Cole, who was very professional and essential with my aftercare. Thank you to you all.
