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
Rachel Parkhurst
I had been thinking about having laser surgery for a while but was too scared to do it! I went for a consultation at Ultralase which was very informative and made me feel much more confident about having the treatment. I had the treatment in June 2004 and have never looked back! Having worn glasses all my life and never really been comfortable wearing contact lenses its really changed my life. The treatment itself was painless and quick and you are really well looked after. I could see clearly straight away...it was amazing! I would thoroughly recommend it!
Maria Warry
I had my eyes lasered last May and the whole process was excellent, my consultation was informative and covered every aspect of what was going to happen. It helped that the guy giving my consultation had actually been through the op himself so I felt that I was getting real first hand knowledge of what it would feel like. On the op day itself I was a little bit scared but everyone was so good. They really made me feel comfortable and safe and answered any last minute questions I had. Within a few hours I could see clearly again, although I did need to have a sleep as the process is quite tiring mentally. Wearing the eyeguards at night is the only part that I really didn't like, just because they are not the most comfortable thing in the world. Having said that I could easily put up with 2 weeks of discomfort for the benefits that I have now that I don't need to wear glasses or contact lenses. I would recommend Ultralase to anyone considering this treatment, they were profession, thorough and very friendly, nothing was too much trouble.
Muhammer
I had wanted to have the laser treatment for some time, and now I know what a life-changer it is, I wish I'd had it done sooner. I play a lot of football and contact lenses were getting to be a real inconvenience, so the freedom that it has given me is great. There was no pain during the operation itself, which only lasted a few minutes, and after one night's sleep I had clear vision! Now I can read to the bottom line of the eye chart, which is amazing after 17 years of wearing glasses. I would definitely recommend Ultralase to anyone.
Pam Hayman
6 weeks after surgery I still have to pinch myself that I'm seeing clearly without the need for contacts/specs. I found Ultralase highly professional throughout. The consultation at Tottenham Court Road was very extensive - which is comforting! The people I dealt with were all friendly and very competent and at no time did I experience a 'hard sell'. In fact the optomotrist went through the consent form deliberately pointing out risks and possible side-effects to make sure I fully understood these. My treatment was at Hammersmith Clinic and - being one big wuss - I was absolutely terrified. However, everyone was calm and professional - the receptionist asked if I was feeling OK and told me she'd had the procedure 2 weeks previously and it wasn't painful. The surgeon, Mr. Gupta, was very nice and spent time with me before the procedure re-checking my prescription and, as I am in my 50s, discussing whether to under-correct one eye to give me monovision so that I wouldn't need reading glasses. He showed me what the results would be like through lenses, so I could decide We went for the monovision option which I am really pleased with - slight compromise in distance vision but not enough to affect 'real life' vision, and can ready even small print perfectly now my sight has settled :-) The male nurse was lovely and explained the procedure and promised he'd be there to hold my hand if needed. If needed.....poor guy nearly got lasered too!!! Procedure was uncanny but not painful, and the surgeon plus assistants explained each step which really helped calm me down. The aftercare offered by Ultralase has been fine - next day, one week, and my last one was one month after the procedure. You can go back anytime you are worried and ring them anytime. I had Lasik in both eyes from a 'moderate' prescription of -6.00 left, -5.50 right with astigmatism of about .25 (for 'moderate' read entirely unable to function without help!!!). At my one month check I was 20/20 in the left eye with remaining -1.50 in right eye which was as the surgeon planned. However, I feel my sight has improved since the last check up 2 weeks ago - I guess the final true result will be seen at my 6 month check. All in all from my experience so far I can recommend Ultralase - I'm certainly a happy customer!
Kate
I am due to have Wavefront Lasek (not sure which way round that should be) on 18th August 2004. My ultimate dream and goal in life is to join the Police Force. If anybody has had this procedure, please could you let me know how it was and how your sight is now and what you can achieve based on the Snellen Score? My visual acuities are: Right -5.25 Left -7.25
Janet
Ultralase - Manchester Unfortunately I have not got any further than the consultation process... Clinc nice, clean and modern looking, spoke and had tests with an Advisor and then progressed onto the optician. She carried out more tests and suspected I had thin corneas - however not to rule out treatment completely we discussed tissue saving etc and she needed to speak to the surgeon who wasn't around until the following week and she'd discuss my case with him and either call me back in to see him in person or let me know the outcome by phone. Unfortunately that's where the trouble lies - it's been nearly 2 weeks now and still nothing.... In the meantime I went to Boots in Manchester and had another consultation with them where they dealt with me in full there and then. Unfortunately it turns out I'm not a good candidate (Thanks mum for the completely divey eyes!) Good luck to all considering or having treatment - it looks like I have to find a lot more money for Implantable Lenses or carry on with the specs....
Adrian Roberts
Excellent service from consultation, through treatment and aftercare. It has made such a difference in every day life from doing sports to falling asleep on the sofa without a worry. I would recomend Ultralase without hesitation.
Christine
I am wondering? I have a + (PLUS) eye prescription. No-one on any of these sights has this. Why?? I know that Optimax deal with PLUS prescriptions. Does Ultralase?
angela stevens
it's been 18 months since I had diamond microsurgery (or rk) as it used to be known. Going to the LCRS has given me a new standard of life, more confidence, and my only regret is waiting so long, but hey, researching is probably the most important part. I went for loads of consultations (accuvision, optimax, laservision, ultralase) They all told me risks of going for other types of treatments than the ones they offered, and seemed to play down the risks of their tretments. At LCRS the risks of microsurgery were made abundantly clear. I'm not saying to people who are considering eye surgery, that the lcrs are better than the other places i've mentioned. I'm saying go to as many consultations as you can, you will eventually find the surgeon whom you are happy to come near your eyes with a scapel/laser. I had total confidence in my surgeon, and this is the most important factor. Find someone who is knowledgeable, experienced, not afraid to point out the dangers, and willing to answer any question thoroughly. My prescription was -7 in both eyes (ie very short sighted) with bad astigmatism. My prescription is , 18 months on +0.25 in one eye and -0.5 in the other (ie-brilliant). Thank you to all the staff there, and of course the younger DR. Jory.
Chris Hill
After much thought, I finally decided to have the Lasek treatment. It is a big decision and it is your eye sight at stake. Now, having had the surgery and been discharged with better than 20-20 vision and fully healthy eyes the only regret is that I didn't have it done sooner. Thoroughly professional and yet friendly at every stage of the treatment, I thank all at Ultralase for their help and encouragement. A very satisfied customer.
