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Since the London Vision Clinic opened its doors in 2002, it has sought to provide the highest possible standard of clinical and patient care in the field of laser eye surgery.
As you would expect from a Harley Street address, the London Vision Clinic offers advanced laser technology, extensive eye assessments, and a range of treatments, even for very high prescriptions.
What makes the London Vision Clinic different? It provides an expert, personalised service for every patient, including one of the most rigorous and detailed screening processes anywhere in the world.
Is there anything to look out for? The London Vision Clinic is one of the most expensive centres for vision correction in the UK – with LASIK eye surgery prices starting at £2,600, you may end up paying double what you would pay elsewhere.
Based on independent reports from the CQC, objective research, and nearly 500 real customer reviews,, here is how the London Vision Clinic ranks in terms of its clinic, costs, treatments and surgeons:
| Overall Rating | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (4.0 out of 5) | (4.4 out of 5) | (3.7 out of 5) | (4.5 out of 5) | (4.3 out of 5) |
Does the treatment justify the costs? To find out if there’s a better rated eye clinic near you, use our free tool here. Or, read on to dig deeper into:
- London Vision Clinic Review
- Treatments Offered
- Prices
- London Vision Clinic Surgeons
- The Verdict
- Surgeon Reviews
- 472 Patient Reviews
1. London Vision Clinic Review
(4.0 out of 5)
“I should not have waited so long. The experience of the London Vision Clinic has almost been a pleasure!” – Andrew E.
Based on the hundreds of reviews previous patients have left on our site since 2002, the London Vision Clinic really seems to be providing a five-star laser eye surgery service.
Customers particularly appreciate the professionalism of the staff, as well as the honesty the surgeons show in initial consultations. If surgery is not right for you, you can rely on the London Vision Clinic to tell you straight. Those who opted for ophthalmic correction with the London Vision Clinic did not regret it.
However, you will also be paying a premium with the company’s services. Laser eye surgery costs well above average, and it’s simply not truthful to claim that if you’re not paying top dollar for a Harley Street clinic, you’re not taking your vision seriously. Eye surgery procedures such as LASIK and LASEK are considered low risk, and there are plenty of well-reviewed alternatives that charge much less.
Pros: Specialists in laser eye surgery, reliable assessments, fixed prices, 0% finance options, highly experienced surgeons, comprehensive eye assessments, treatments for high prescriptions
Cons: Extremely high costs (around double competitors)
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote – as well as free eye tests worth £800!
2. London Vision Clinic Treatments
(4.3 out of 5)
“I had zero discomfort, and an almost immediate return to normal life. Best thing I have ever done – hands down!” – Jakob Aungiers
The London Vision Clinic specialises in laser eye surgery, and 96% of its customers choose either ReLEx SMILE or LASIK surgery. That said, lens replacement surgery (including cataract surgery) is available on a personalised plan.
Here are the main procedures offered by the London Vision Clinic:
- ReLEx SMILE / LASIK: A minimally invasive laser eye treatment
- Laser Blended Vision: Laser eye surgery to treat the need for reading glasses
- PRK / LASEK: Eye surgery for those who are not suitable for LASIK
- Permanent lens implants: An alternative treatment to Laser Blended Vision, if you have a very high prescription
- Surgery for astigmatism: Laser surgery to correct the shape of your eye
- Cataract surgery: Treatment for cloudy lenses
This is a wider range of treatment than in many eye clinics, and the laser eye surgery plans on offer are all tailored to each individual eye.
3. London Vision Clinic Costs
(3.7 out of 5)
Laser eye surgery at the London Vision Clinic costs between £2,600 and £3,250 (per eye), depending on your prescription, and whether you choose the standard or high profile treatment. These prices are head and shoulders above rivals, with £1,789 the average cost of LASIK and LASEK treatments in the UK.
| Treatment | Cost (both eyes) | Finance Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ReLEx SMILE, LASIK, PRK / LASEK | £5,200 | £392 / month (12 months, 0% APR) or £196 / month (24 months, 0% APR) |
| High profile ReLEx SMILE, LASIK, PRK / LASEK | £6,500 | £500 / month (12 months, 0% APR) or £250 / month (24 months, 0% APR) |
Though expensive, the London Vision Clinic’s prices are refreshingly transparent. Consultation is also free, as it is at most other clinics. Sadly, prices for lens replacement surgery (including cataract surgery) aren’t publically available, so you can expect some sweet-talking sales calls to find out what this process will cost you.
So, is it worth paying these prices? How much you are willing to spend will of course be up to you, but given the general safety of laser eye surgery as a procedure (95% of eye surgeries are complication free, according to the RCOphth), you shouldn’t feel pressured into paying through the nose.
What if I can’t afford it? You have two options – pay between £196 and £250 a month over two years interest free on the London Vision Clinic’s finance plan, or select a well-reviewed high street clinic such as Optical Express or Ultralase.
4. Surgeons
(4.5 out of 5)
“Having worn glasses since the age of 8, my life has now changed completely. As I travel frequently, life has become much easier without glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses. I can’t thank Prof Reinstein and all the staff enough.” – Susanne S.
The London Vision Clinic prides itself on its internationally renowned optometrists, Professor Dan Reinstein and Mr Glenn Carp.
Professor Reinstein is an expert in laser eye surgery, having devoted his life to this practice, while Mr Carp has won awards for clinical research. Both surgeons receive solid five-star ratings on our site.
The clinic strives to remain at the forefront of technological developments. Professor Reinstein even helped to develop the Artemis™, which claims the title of the world’s most accurate corneal scanner.
The clinic is also home to a number of specialists, including Mr Alastair Stuart, who is a member of the General Medical Council and fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
5. The Verdict
(4.0 out of 5)
The London Vision Clinic is the go-to for patients with complicated or unusually high prescriptions, including many people who have been turned away by other clinics. It uses pioneering techniques, such as ReLEx – an innovative ‘flap-less’ treatment for short-sightedness – and Laser Blended Vision, a revolutionary new treatment which can liberate you from reading glasses for a number of years.
But for anyone who is looking for safe and effective laser eye surgery that won’t break the bank, the London Vision Clinic is probably not your best bet.
The main benefits of the London Vision Clinic are:
- Its surgeons have the most extensive experience of treating presbyopia by laser eye surgery in the world.
- Its advanced technology is able to safely treat far higher prescriptions than other clinics.
- It has a very large staff to patient ratio, so you can expect a highly personal service.
- It has world-renowned surgeons, with particular experience in complication management.
- You are in safe hands, with a stellar safety record, and the highest level of pre-operative and post-operative testing in the UK.
However, you can find negative reviews on the London Vision Clinic due to its high costs. These uncompetitive prices are what knock it off the top spot of the best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK, which you can read here.
That said, with a reputation for providing excellent attention from staff, the London Vision Clinic still comes in at number 5 in our list of the best laser eye surgery clinics in London.
To see how other eye laser surgery clinics compare with the London Vision Clinic, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and receive a tailored quote from trusted clinics near you.
6. Compare Clinics
So, is the London Vision Clinic right for you? 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 thousands of readers a 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 are eligible for surgery (we don’t share your number with anyone else)
- Book a free consultation: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust to arrange a free eye test and a personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and receive your very own tailored quote.
Our Testimonials
After 20 years of short-sightedness and wearing glasses, I decided to bite the bullet and look into getting my eyes 'fixed'. It was vanity that pushed me into getting LASIK, my eyes would no longer tolerate contact lenses. My prescription was right eye: -4.50 Cyl -2.00 Axis 161 and left eye: -5.75 Cyl – 1.25 Axis 17. My first port of call was my local Optical Express clinic in Glasgow (Autumn 2002). They were helpful and friendly and then told me that I was 'borderline', this was due to my large pupils. I was told that I might still have to wear glasses following the procedure. Definitely not the result I wanted.
I did some more research, trawling through web-sites; reading conference papers; e-mailing clinics and corresponding with other lasik patients before I stumbled upon London Vision Clinic in summer 2003, thanks to Rebecca Petris. I went for a check with Dr Dan Reinstein who was extremely knowlegeable and immediatley put my mind at ease. It was also good to know that he would be doing the check-ups as well as the procedure. He was confident that following Wavefront LASIK, I should have 20/20 vision. After a few more months of deliberation I decided to book in for April 2004. (Thanks to a little bit of persuasion from Sarah!)
I came to London from Glasgow for the treatment and stayed with a good friend who had PRK about 10 years earlier. I had a morning appointment and I don't think I have been as nervous or anxious at any point in my life – going into the 'operating room' was nerve-wracking and I even asked if I could have something to calm my nerves! Once the procedure got underway I was fine and happy to be in Dr Reinstein's capable hands. It was all over so quickly and even though my eyes were very sensitive I was amazed that I could see the clock on the wall! I was advised to keep my eyes closed for the next few hours and keep applying the various drops that Carey, the nurse, had given me. I had also been given painkillers, but I didn't have any pain at all, only a mild stinging, as if you are chopping an onion, for about two hours straight after the procedure. That evening I watched a little TV and was so amazed by the clarity of the vision. I had never been able to see like this. Dr Reinstein called me that evening to ask how I was feeling and if everything was okay. It was more than okay, it was fantastic! It is so hard to believe that a procedure that lasts less than 10 minutes can have such an wonderful results.
The followind day on my return to the clinic my eyes were in great shape. I was back at work 3 days afterwards and also back driving. At the one week check-up I could see 20/20 in my left eye and 20/12 in my right. For the first week I suffered quite badly from dry eye. I was up 2-3 times each night to put in the eye drops.
I also work with a PC and continued to experienced 'dry eye' for a couple of months afterwards. I also found that when I watched TV my eyes became very dry. I went through the eye drops pretty quickly and was sent a regular supply by Sarah. But it is a minor complaint and I became very experienced at putting in eye drops wherever I was!
I am due to go for my 6 month check next month and the 'dry eye' has now gone completely, I will sometimes put the drops in at night if I go out, or if my eyes feel tired.
One of the reasons that I chose London Vision Clinic, was the high standard of personal service offered by them. I made a few calls to Dr Reinstein at various times when I was concerned about things and he was never too busy to take my calls.
I would like to thank all of the staff at London Vision Clinic, especially Dr Reinstein, Carey and Sarah, who are always happy to help and offer us an endless supply of chocolate biscuits!
In all honesty I do not think that I would have received any better treatment at any other UK hospital or clinic. I have no regrets and consider it money well spent. It is still a novelty to wake up in the morning and not reach for my glasses before I get up, and to actually see the alarm clock withut having to bring it up to my face! I can now see other people in the pool when I go swimming and don't have the hassle of wet/ steamed up glasses when I am out in the rain. If you are thinking about it go and see Dr Reinstein, he knows his stuff!
Do not be afraid of PRK!
At 37 years of age and a contact lens wearer for nearly 20 years i decided that i would treat myself to “new eyes”.
The moment Professor Reinstein told me my eye shape wasn't suitable for LASIK, and PRK would be the most appropriate procedure, my heart sank. During my research into corrective surgery I had spoken with people who said that PRK was an incredibly painful and “old fashioned” procedure. I thought seriously about sticking with my disposable lenses and glasses. Fortunately, I spoke with Professor Reinstein again and he gave me a measured view on the pros and cons of PRK and why it was the most appropriate procedure. I had no doubt that if I visited a different clinic they would have met my request to have LASIK. All the staff at London Vision Clinic are helpful and friendly making each visit there a real pleasure.
One month on from my PRK surgery I am reading the 20:20 line. I suffered NO pain whatsoever thanks to the medication and follow up visits. My night vision is perfect – one of the benefits of PRK over LASIK.
I would recommend anyone thinking of having laser surgery to speak to the London Vision Clinic and Professor Dan Reinstein.
I had CK treatment in October 2003. I was surprised that the treatment was completly painless. My eyes have steadily improved since then and Mr.Allamby tells me I now have 20/20 vision! Not bad for a 60 year-old!! I have never worn glasses since having the treatment and tell all my friends about it. I would thoroughly recommend the procedure to anyone who is fed up with constantly having to bring out spectacles for reading menus etc.
At the time I decided to have the laser surgery (Summer 2002) I was working on oil exploration rigs off the coast of West Africa. My work required me to switch between an airconditioned office unit and the warm moisture laden tropical outdoors. Immediately after leaving the office I couldn't see a thing because my glasses were fogged! Contact lenses were a waste of time because the chemicals used around the rig caused them to irritate my eyes. I spent many hours reading reviews of clinics on websites such as this and procrastinating over the decision!. I was very worried but in the end came to the conclusion that the risks of surgery were very small compared to the vast quality of life improvement. I used Dan Reinstein's clinic because the reviews I'd read, although few, were overwhelmingly positive, the technology bang up to date and like a bottle of Stella Artois, the treatment “reassuringly expensive!” It is over a year now since the surgery and I am very happy with the results. The surgery was carried out quickly and efficiently and the follow up appointments regular. My eyesight was -1.75 in each eye before the surgery and now needs no correction. My left eye suffers occasional dryness after “recreational drinking!!” (somekind of dehydration perhaps) and is slightly weaker than the right but these are really minor irritations. I have nothing but praise for Dan and his team – many thanks guys!.”
I had LASIK at the London Vision Clinic in January 2003. I wanted my eyesight corrected because I found it inconvenient wearing glasses and could not get on with contact lenses. I went to about 5 different clinics for pre-screening interviews and came away with the opinion that my sight would be safest at the London Vision Clinic. Dr Reinstein was the only surgeon who met with me at the consultation and he talked me through the procedure and the risks and answered all my questions. The surgery itself went well and I could see well the next day. Less than 2 days after the surgery my eyesight was as good as it previously was with glasses. My eyes were uncomfortable for about a week because of the drops I was putting in them but after that it was as if I had never had bad eyesight! I have been back for several check-ups and every thing has been fine. I would recommend LASIK and Dr Reinstein to anyone.