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
Stefan
What a fantastic experience...been mulling this over for a long time and finally decided to get it over with. I can hardly say this was even uncomfortable, certainly not painful. The team make you completely at ease, and the results are undeniable, absolutely fantastic. Perfect vision now. I can wholeheartedly recommend FOCUS! Mr. Allamby was absolutely brilliant and I can't fault the pre-op or aftercare. would recommend to anyone.
Chris Wilkinson
Everyone at Focus could not have been more helpful and reassuring. The operation went extremely well and the results have beyond my expectations. I would recommend Focus to anyone and only wish I had my eyes done years ago
Roel
I got my eyes lasered in August 2011, and am still it every day. Service, including check ups, was excellent at Focus. Unsurprisingly, I was a bit scared before-hand, but everything worked out perfectly. My eyes were about -4 with cilinders, and after the operation I got 16/20 vision (I didn't now it could be better than 20/20!) Since the operation, the only thing that I've experienced is dry eyes. But I've always had pretty dry eyes, so I have no clue whether it has any relation to the operation. Even if it has, I think putting in some eye drops from time to time would be a small price to pay for perfect eye sight. The ladies at the clinic were great, very professional and personable. I only met the surgeon for a very short period, which could've been a bit more, but he did a great job, so lots of thanks to him as well. I waited to write this review to see whether there were any long term side effects, but I've experienced none so far.
Chris Perrins
I cannot recommend David Allemby and his staff highly enough. David is just outstanding. I have gone from -4.50 with astigmatism of -1.75 to perfect unaided vision. David is reassuring and calming and guides you through the whole process perfectly. I fel I have a new lease of life now and thank you so much for this David. I’m 37 now but I can see better than when I was a teenager. If you are in any doubt at all, don’t be – David is the very best there is and his equipment the most advanced available. You are in the safest hands. The fact that he invests in the latest technology shows his commitment to safety – the laser he uses removes the least possible amount of tissue – and the laser flap-cutting is wonderfully accurate. Being able to see when you wake up in the morning and on wet days on the golf course is truly incredible. 1 week on, all perfect, no dry eyes, no discomfort and I am reliably told by David 20/15 vision.
Vicki Jater
It is just about a year now since I had the surgery and I am still so pleased that I had this done. Everyone at this clinic was extremely friendly and caring, nothing was pushed my way and any possible downsides were pointed out. I went ahead and from day one I could see so well, I had the blended vision and it is fantastic, no more glasses. I cannot speak highly enough of this clinic and all of its staff they are wonderful.
Ian Oliver
I would recommend this treatment to anyone. I had astigmatisms in both eyes and slightly short signed in one. The treatment was painless….. but I have to admit to be in a little discomfort for 36 hours after surgery. Focus Vision was an excellent choice: the per op examination was extremely thorough and the surgery was fine. After care is extremely good. My vision was pretty good after 24 hours and now, 2 weeks after surgery it is wonderful…….. no more contact lenses or glasses!!
vikki horrocks
Eye Laser surgery was the best thing i have ever done. Words cannot describe how greatful i am to Dr Allamby. The staff at the clinic were very kind and helpful. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and the best part of all… it was hundreds of pounds cheaper than any other quote i had got ! As soon as i opened my eyes (SECONDS AFTER LASER SURGERY) for once in my life i could see the clock hanging above the door without contact lenses. I can now wake up and see the alarm clock or fall asleep watching TV without worrying about taking my contact lenses out. It is by far the best thing i have ever done.. I have recommended it to everyone who wears glasses and lenses. I couldn’t have wished for a better surgeon or a better clinic to have carried out the procedure. A big Thank you to everyone at Focus.
Mark
Outstanding clinic, treatment, aftercare, communication.
To anyone who is considering the treatment, I would suggest you go to Focus. The admin staff are very thorough and friendly. The technicians are the same. The level of expertise and running of the place is simply amazing. The equipment is cutting edge technology.
From the moment you enter you feel valued as a customer come patient as you are directed to the very stylish and welcoming waiting room. From there on, the whole process runs like clockwork. I cannot stress enough how important the first impressions and consultations are, and believe me, you will not leave disappointed.
For my treatment I chose to consult, op, follow-up in successive days.
My sight is now better than 20/20.
Nicola Branford
Had my Lasik on 11th Nov 08, couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was, the staff and surgeon were brilliant. Pre-care and after care are second to none, would recommend Focus to anyone seeking Lasik eye surgery. Day 2 after surgery and I am already back at work; the only problem I have is remembering when to take my eye drops 😉
Enjoying not having to wear glasses or contacts lenses. Love the fact that I have 20/20 vision or better. Couldn’t ask for a better result.
Tracy Pottle
Focus Laser Vision staff not only say they care about their customers they put that care into action. Thorough consultations are provided and recommendations from eye examinations discussed in detail.
The surgeon discussed the procedure in detail and saved me money on the day by recommending that he only operated on one eye not both. The procedure was quick and not at all painful, with 20/20 vision immediately.
Overjoyed with the result and the aftercare and have recommended Focus Laser Vision to friends, family and work colleagues.
Thank you the Focus Laser Vision Team.
Tracy Pottle
