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
Sue Pirrue
I have been very short sighted since school days and I still enjoy each morning waking up and not having to bother with glasses or contact lenses - the pleasure goes on! The staff were all very helpful, putting me at ease, answering questions etc - in fact I can honestly say that the service Ultralase has provided me with has been faultless. I continue to recommend the company and the procedure to everyone I meet.
Michelle Breslin
The opertion itself was more scary thean childbirth, but unlike childbirth is short and painfree. The results were dramatic within a day, I can honsestly say that this has been life changing. I had severe long sight and had given up not wearing glasses or contact lenses, but now have 20/20 vision. I am able to enjoy my life (even in a rainstorm). So much so, I sometimes forget I ever wore glasses. Truely recommened and the staff were also excellent.
Michelle
I had UltraLASEKplus on Tuesday 5th October at your Birmingham Clinic, and I have to admit that for the first few days or so it wasn’t pleasant, and my eyesight whilst improved was not brilliant and my eyes were very uncomfortable. I had my contact bandages removed on Saturday morning, and on Sunday morning I woke up and couldn’t believe it, whilst my eyes were still a bit gritty, my sight had dramatically improved, and since Sunday it has improved even more on a daily basis. Before having the surgery, other post laser surgery people had told me that the transformation is amazing, and it truly is! One week on and I still can’t believe it, I can see… and I’m not wearing any contact lenses… I can not express how happy it has made me, its totally life transforming. All the staff at the Birmingham clinic have been excellent. Everyone one of them has been friendly and supportive, helping to put me at ease with what I was about to do. I would especially like to thank the nurse who held my hand whilst I was having the surgery, I was so nervous and that comforting hand on mine helped beyond words. I can’t wait for my next appointment to see how far down the board I can read!! Thank you Ultralase, you have changed my life! Michelle Thompson
Louise Lucas
I found Ultralase experience excellent, the staff were very helpful and the treatment was first class. It has been 2 and hald years since having the treatment and I have had no problems with my eyes. Also, the aftercare service was very thorough and professional. Because of the experience, I recommended 2 of my friends to Ultralase, they both had the treatment and also found the experience to be first class. The treatment has changed my life, as I can now do more activities, my eyesight is better than before. I used to hate wearing contact lenses and glasses so the treatment has had a big impact on me.
Lynne Sharratt
I was quite nervous before my treatment, but all the staff at the Chester clinic were really friendly and put my mind at ease. During the surgery every little procedure was explained, and although it felt a little weird for a few seconds, there was no pain and the operation was over in minutes. I have gone from wearing glasses like milk bottles to having better than 20:20 vision, so I couldn't be more happy with the results. I would definately recommend the Ultralasik Plus treatment and Ultralase as a whole.
Shirley Wills
best money i ever spent, apart from driving or TV, i didnt bother wearing glasses or contacts but used to squint constantly to define objects. now i can 'just do as i please' without having to remember glasses for driving or work computer screens. plus i can even read quite comfortably any subtitles on TV which were too much of a headache to take in previously. the staff in tottenham ct rd branch were extremely kind and explained each process fo procedure thoroughly. plus i was never kept waiting which in todays increasingly busy workstyle was very much an advantage and i could get back to work at my pre-arranged timeslot. well done Ultralase and keep up the good work
Penny Budgen
What a great team at Birmingham Ultralase. I was very apprehensive before attending the clinic for the initial appointment but the relaxed and friendly atpmosphere and the knowledgable staff immediately put me at ease. It has been a life changing expericence for me and one I would recommend to anyone.
Sarah Macinnis
I was one of those people who could not see the alarm clock or even take a shower without my glasses. I could read the little pull sign on the door, 10 feet away, 30 seconds after the treatment was completed. The sense or freedom is unbeleivable! I am afraid of the dentist so was very nervous about the procedure. It was so easy! The nurse makes you relaxed before you go in and it is over before you know it! I would recommend the Ultralase experience to anyone who wants to throw those specs away!
Julie Sceeny
I lost my eyesight when I was 13 years old (now thirty).. I had Lasik eye surgery 2 years ago now. This has been the best thing I have ever done. Not only has it given me huge confidence its given me a new lease of life. I can now do things which were slightly restrictive before. The staff at hammersmith were amazing and did a great job of looking after me. If for some reason I ad to do it again, would I... without a doubt. I dont remember what it was like to wear glasses.. I recommend anyone who can should do it...
Rob Woods
What can I say that hasn't been said before? The whole experience from my initial consultation, through the procedure itself and the aftercare was perfect, you didn't just feel like an object being passed through a process. Everyone explained exactly what was going to happen, what the risks were and what you could expect. The day of the treatment was fine, it really doesn't hurt, it is a little freaky as you picture yourself lying there but it isn't everyday you have the top of your eye lopped off so that's to be expected. Sitting in the darkened room 5 minutes later with a cup of tea reading the name of the watercooler across the room was amazing (I wouldn't have got close to being able to read it before). Now three months on I have no problems, I never needed to use any solutions after 3 weeks and I went snowboarding 7 weeks after (a bit early but there you go).
