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
Sara
Treatment was surprisingly pain free with minimal discomfort afterwards. The retreatment I required 9 months later corrected the minor short-sightedness left after the original procedure. All staff, both administrative and clinical, were incredibly helpful and efficient. I have no regrets about undertaking the procedure - it's one of the best decisions I have ever taken. To have perfect eyesight after years of glasses and contact lenses is like a minor miracle.
Leslie Hill
I am interested in someone commenting about their experience with PRK lasix surgery. I only have two more days to decide if I should cancel my surgery. I would really appreciate some feedback before 7-15-03. Please write!!
Andy Goodwin
Thanks to everyone for writing here. Having read all (that took a while) the comments I have decided that there is no way I would go ahead anymore. My vision is good with contact lenses and I can't bing myself to risk it! cheers
Andy
I was a little apprehensive at first, but I still can't believe how simple the treatment was or how much a difference it has made to my day to day life.
Ray
After wearing glasses for 30 years, it is such a relief not to rely on them anymore! This amazing technique is a credit to modern medicine and Ultralase are second to none in this field. This truly professional outfit put me at ease from the word go and I would recommend Ultralase to anyone who was thinking about having laser eye surgery.
Martin
Everything from the first consultation, through to the operation and aftercare was done in a very thorough and professional manner. I would have no hesitation in recommending Ultralase to anyone considering eye laser correction.
Melanie Ward
Just a quick message to say how good the world looks when you see it through eyes which no longer need glasses. I had my treatment on Thurs 3 July at the St Albans branch and the surgeon was Mr Gupta. The experience was exactly how they had explained it to me and although some of it was uncomfortable it did not hurt one bit. I would have no problems in recommending Ultralase to anyone in fact many of my friends are now looking into having the procedure done with Ultralase.
Jo
Reply to S Kalyan from Ultralase: Research has shown that LASEK is comparable to LASIK in its effectiveness for the treatment of myopia (short-sight) of up to -11D. The advice you were given at your consultation is consistent with this, and your prescription falls well within our treatment parameters for LASEK, using the Bausch and Lomb Technolas laser. Other clinics may choose their own treatment parameters depending on the lasers they use or on their surgical expeience, which is why you may have previously been told that LASEK was only appropriate for milder prescriptions. In your personal situation, there are definite benefits to LASEK being offered as you rightly highlight and I hope that this feedback will give you reassurance in light of differing information from different providers. My name is Jo and I am part of the Customer Services Team at Ultralase. We will happily answer any questions that you might have, so please don't hesitate to post your queries!
Claire
I had my treatment at Ultralase in Hammersmith on 11 Apr 2003 and the surgery was carried out by Dr Gupta. I was very panicky about having the treatment, however, needn't have been as it was over so quickly. The procedure was a little uncomfortable and the experience surreal but there was no pain. My eyes streamed for a little while after the surgery, however, this didn't last too long and I had been advised that this might happen. From the next morning when I woke, I was able to see perfectly. Luckily I have experienced no side effects and now have 20/20 vision. I only wish I had had the treatment years ago. Would recommend it to anyone.
S Kalyan
I had a consultation today at the Hammersmith Ultralase clinic and am a little confused now. Since my prescription is -7.5 in both eyes, I only researched LASIK since I thought that this was my only option. The consultant has however advised me to go for LASEK since my cornea is not thick enough to withstand further treatment to achieve driving standard if necessary. My main aim is to get rid of my glasses but am not sure if this is possible if I have LASEK as I thought that this could only treat short sight from -4 to 0. Can anyone help?
