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
Lisa Mc
Having the treatment was quite uncomfortable as my eyes kep watering and I couldn't keep them open for long but I had it done and it's wonderful! I don't need to worry about finding my glasses in a morning etc. My eyes have been a bit watery, but my vision is perfect!
Vinay Farmah
I am very pleased with the treatment given towards my eyes and feel this is a worthwhile investment. The freedom of eyesight given is something I thought I would not appreciate again but today it excites me to see clearly each and every morning. Excellent!
B. Ashmore
Eight months after treatment I played 'Peter Pan' in pantomine. What a joy not to worry about the dreaded lenses falling out whilst up in the wires! This treatment has been life changing. I wish everyone else the same gift. Good luck - go for it!
Susan Surridge
It's like a miracle. After having worn glasses for 40 years I can now read, drive and have better than 20/20 vision! And all for a short painless procedure. Thoroughly recommended.
Valerie
I had lived with severe short sight and astigmatism for decades. Any discomfort during treatment is far outweighed by throwing away my thick glasses. It has changed my life. I love swimming and can now see when I swim with my grand-daughter.
Jay Dermott
Hello Paula I saw your posting on LASIK-eyes.co.uk and I thought I'd introduce myself. I am Jay Dermott, Professional Services Manager for Ultralase, and I'd welcome any other technical queries on refractive surgery that you may have. Your prescription is long sighted, with an amount of astigmatism of each eye, but as such it does fall within our treatment parameters. Were you ultimately to choose to have a consultation at one of our clinics, we would probably be able to put you in touch with one of our treated patients who had a similar prescription to yourself. Both of the phenomena you mention, time to settle and the haloes/starbursts effect, are manifestations of the healing process. If we are doing something to the eye, we are unavoidably going to stir up the healing process. For long-sighted patients, the laser works on more tissue and consequently there is more of a healing response. We work with this effect in long sighted people in that surgery makes the eye initially short sighted, and that improves with time to give the final result. This has the nett effect on the patient in that although near vision is good at first at the expense of distance vision, the patient "trades" that near vision to give better distance vision as the initial short sightedness subsides. This is the reason for the "time to settle" effect being longer. Haloes and starburst effects around lights also happen as a result of the healing process, due to the hazy nature of the healing cornea and its optical effects. It is overwhelmingly temporary in nature, only being noted for up to six weeks in the vast majority of patients. In patients with large pupils for instance, where there might be a risk of the problem persisting, Ultralase can now offer wavefront-guided laser treatment. This is designed to customise the treatment profile to lessen the risk of persistent haloes. At this time, however, although wavefront is being offered to our short sighted patients, we are awaiting the release (Autumn 2003) of the software to allow us to offer it to more people. I hope that this has gone some way to answering your questions. If I can be of any further assistance to you, please don't hesitate to ask. Jay Dermott Professional Services Manager Ultralase jay.dermott@ultralase.com
Tracey Cooper
I was treated yesterday at Birmingham and my surgeon was Matthew Starr. Boy, let me tell you that I nearly backed out twice on the day! I am the biggest chicken out. I knew I wasn't going to feel any pain, I knew and accepted the risks - so illogical fear is what I had on the day. Matthew Starr was FANTASTIC! He was so busy and I saw him rushing around during my time at the clinic and yet, during the consultation with him before surgery I felt that it wouldn't have mattered if we took all day! He was also brilliant during surgery. His voice was very calming and he kept me informed all the way. It was quick and painless. I have read comments about the pressure being intense when the ring is place on the eye etc. but I was expecting much much worse. Yes, there was some pressure but nothing more than having your blood pressure takent at the doctors with one of those arm wrap things! I recommend anybody has treatment - and if you can get him - go for Matthew Starr!! My presciption in both eyes was just over -3.00 and today, during my follow up I have read all of the BOTTOM LINE with my left eye and the second line up in full and half of the BOTTOM LINE with my right eye (which also had an astigmatism). THANK YOU to Matthew Starr and all of the staff at Birmingham. I have felt that nothing has been too much trouble, all my questions have been answered and I have really felt supported all the way through.
Gary
I would recommend laser eye treatment, it is quick and painless and the staff at Ultralase St Albans are most professional. After wearing glasses and contact lenses for 20 years it has changed my life.
Jacqui Evans
Ultralase were fantastic. They explained everything, answered all my questions and made me see! It's the little things like reading an alarm clock and not playing swap the glasses when going from sunshine to indoors that I like the best. It makes me smile!
Lynda
It's a miracle, it really is. No more fiddling about with contact lenses. All the staff at Guildford have been fantastic and the aftercare has made me feel it was worth every penny.
