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
Paula
Hi, I am considering having laser eye surgery and am doing my rounds of research! The comments I have seen concerning Ultralase have been reassuring, but I would like to hear from those who have a similar slightly unusual prescription like myself which is long sighted (R +3.50, L +3.75) with short sighted astigmatism (R -3.75, L -3.00). My main concerns are the amount of time for my prescription to settle (I have been told 6 months) and the possibility of starburst and halo's at night, can anyone settle my concerns?
Trevor
Has anyone had any experience with Leeds branch of Ultralase? Is the surgeon any good?
Donna
After wearing glasses for over 30 year and never being brave enough to wear contacts, it is an absolute pleasure to have perfect eyesight! I never worry about going out in the rain now. The staff at St Albans have been fantastic and it is the best thing I have ever done. I would recommend Ultralase to anyone!
Ruth Whitehead
I am delighted with the outcome of lasik surgery at the Leeds Ultralase clinic. Dr Cohen is a most competent and caring surgeon who is prepared to spend time with patients to fully answer concerns etc. It is 12 months since my treatment. My starting point was+4.25 and +2.25 presbyopia ( I am 63). I now have monovision and can drive and read. I still find this amazing after having worn glasses all my life.
Ros Hamilton
This surgery has certainly changed my life for the better. The staff at the Ultralase Guildford clinic are great and the aftercare second to none. Now I can actually enjoy walking in the rain and am looking forward to being able to go swimming on holiday.
Aliya
Hello just a question. Has anybody had the lens implant surgery carried out by Optimax at Finchley Road? If so please could you let me know how it was and who exaclty qualifies. Is it a good alternative to Lasik and PRK?
Mark
Deciding to have the LASIK treatment is one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. I had worn glasses and contact lenses for the last 22 years and it is wonderful not to have to bother with either anymore. The Ultralase staff are extremely professional and the whole experience has been very positive indeed.
Adrian beech
I had my eyes corrected with LASIK at the Bristol clinic on friday 13th June (not a good date). The whole experiance was exactly as discribed to me. I had an appointment at 4 and was out by 6 the first night was a bit difficult and my eyes where very tied, but within 3 hours I could see.(with minimal hase) The next day I woke up for the first time and did not havve to reach for my glasses. My eyes from that morning have given me perfect vision and better than 20/20. After a 1-2weeks of drops to stop infection my life is back normal (APART FROM NO GLASSES). The overall experiance was just what I hoped for and I wish I did it years ago. The cost may not be cheap but I felt Ultralase where the most professional company (I went to 3 different ones for consultations) as they would not accept me for a year due to my over use of contact lens and only when my eyes where very healthy would they consider the treatment.
alison
I have been advised that my cornea is too thin for Lasik but that I can still consider PRK. I am concerned about the pain and recovery period and the haze effect. If you have had PRK in the past couple of years please could you let me know about your experiences. Thanks
Steve
I am extremely pleased with the results of my treatment and with the care and professionalism of the Ultralase staff in Chelmsford. My only regret is that I didnt' have the treatment sooner.
