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
Jenny Cross
Ultralase has changed my life beyond all expectations - it is lovely waking up and seeing the time on the alarm clock and not having to fumble for glasses or wearing contact lenses!! I had my treatment at the Chelmsford clinic which is quite near to where I live - the staff were wonderful (even helping me choose which clear lense glasses suited me best!!) and very helpful. I would, and have, recommended the treatment to friends, colleagues etc. One of my colleagues had the surgery carried out in London and got better than 20/20 vision and then decided to quit his job and go travelling - he said it changed his life and wished he did it years ago!! here here I say. Thank you.
Jason Brogden
Ultralase really changed my day to day life. I used to really struggle with contacts, when I went out and without them couldn't recognise people from more than 5 meters away. I used to spend a fortune on glasses and never really liked wearing them - I used to wear prescription sunglasses but had to carry round normal glasses as well for when I was in buildings. I do alot of clay pidgeon shooting and wear glasses for safety on dry days but when it was raining, one drop of rain on my glasses would distract me completely. When I go swimming I can see the other people in the pool as well . So all in all it really has changed so many of the things that I had had to make do with before - I reccomend it to everyone - IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE !
Emma
It took me a long time to decide whether or not to go ahead with this type of treatment - even to have a consultation. Having spoken to the staff at ultralase I was fairly sure it was the right thing to do. I didn't want the treatment for vanity reasons - I actually liked wearing glasses, but was finding glasses and contact lenses increasingly inconvenient. I particularly found it difficult to cope when on holiday abroad. The staff in Chester were fantastic, really helpful and supportive - I was really scared of the procedure but it was over within minutes and I was astounded by the immediate results. I remember clearly sitting up and being able to read the time on the clock on the wall opposite me - a small thing, but something I'd not been able to do beforehand. Since then it's just been great, I can't remember now what it was like to have poor eye sight. I also found the staff on the central telephone helpdesk really helpful. If people ask me about the experience, I tell them the procedure itself wasn't particularly pleasant, but it was very quick and well worth it. It's the best decision I've made so far!
DON TRANTE
Having Ultralase treatment was like being born again. With a minus 9.0 prescription I never thought even with treatment that I would get un-aided perfect vision again. I can now enjoy holidays in the pool and sea without worrying about contact lenses and this has made a vast impact to my personal life as well. Staff were brilliant and would recommend treatment to anyone .
Grace Ashton
My experience with Ultralase at the Birmingham Clinic was excellent from the very first. At my initial assessment time was taken to explain the tests carried out, what the treatment itself would involve and all the aftercare requirements. On the day of the procedure great care was taken to ensure that I knew what was happening at every stage and that I was as comfortable as possible. Having the treatment has improved my life beyond words. I had reached the stage of needing two pairs of glasses - for distance and for reading - and was completely fed-up of changing between the two! As I work a lot with computers, I needed both pairs of specs with me constantly as I could not even walk across the office without swapping them over. The freedom I have now to get on with life confident that I can see clearly whatever I need to is marvellous. And now that I no longer need to carry two spec cases around I've been able to swap my kitchen-sink size holdalls for dinky little handbags!
Heather Bolton
I've become a laser eye surgery bore I'm afraid and feel that I just have to tell anyone I meet that wears glasses just how having the treatment can change your life! I had surgery at Ultralase on 5 November 2003 and I've never looked back!!! I've really noticed the difference 1st thing in the morning being able to see the time on the alarm clock and swimming and holidays - not having to take prescription sunglasses with me as well as normal glasses and contact lenses and being able to swim & snorkel in the sea and to see perfectly is just amazing! I can't recommend the treatment enough! Heather Bolton, Meopham Kent
Simon Mellor
I was a little aprehensive about the treatment at first but shouldnt have been , the surgery was pain free and other than the sensation caused from chopping onions for the few hours following surgery i had no side effects.The aftercare is also superb and more importantly the results are much better than i could of wished for !!
Noreen McCarroll
I had my laser treatment on 12/2/2004. Since then, I discovered at my final checkup that my vision is now BETTER than what it was with glasses. Who can ask for more?? The staff at Guildford were excellent, especially the nurse, without who, I may not have gone through with the treatment. She was very reassuring. I recommend Ultralase to everyone I know who wears glasses. You may not be the cheapest option but considering I felt no pain at all, it was worth every penny. I've heard it said before by friends who have also been treated at Ultralase, I now believe it. 'It's the best thing I've ever done!'
Nim Patel
Using Ultralase is the best thing I've ever done, they are very professional from start to finish and made me feel special.It's definetly made my life a lot easier having the treatment done. I have no regrets because I chose the best.
Suzanne Ward
Having my eyes lasered was the best thing I ever did, it was either having my eyes done or a house deposit. I chose my eyes and have never looked back. It has now been over 6 months and I have 20/20 vision. Not only was the treatment quick easy and painless the aftercare was of a very high standard which is why I chose Ultralase. There are no hidden costs its all in the price of the treatment. All the staff I delt with were extreamly helpful.
