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
David McLellan
I underwent LASEK treatment with Ultralase in February 2004 from -2.25 prescription. I am delighted with the results. It did take me 2 weeks to get to driving standard initially, which had been described to me. My sight is now as good as it was with glasses. Going to the beach, playing 5-a-side, going away for the weekend, now all hassle free
Yvonne Finnis
I was incredibly nervous before having the treatment but the staff at Hamersmith were very good to me holding my hand all the way through the procedure. At my 1 month check-up in April I was told I had 20/20 vision which made my trip to Australia the following week even more wonderful without the hassle of my glasses or contact lenses!!
Oliver Connolly
The Ultralase staff were incredible and managed to fit me in a very tight schedule for my surgery and aftercare since I had to fly over from the Channel Islands each time. One more aftercare appointment next week and then Im free to live my life without worrying about glasses at all. Thank you so much Ultralase!
John Tucker
I was so pleased with my LASEK treatment at Ultralase that I persuaded my wife Marie to have a treatment too. She had LASIK and we've both got perfect vision for the first time since we were small children. Fantastic.
Teresa Edwards
I can honestly say that from the first telephone call to the last appointment, my treatment by all the staff at Ultralase Chelmsford was impeccable. I had Wavefront laser treatment and have gone from -9.00 to +1.0. Its been amazing. For the first time on holiday this summer, I actuallly played with my daughters in the sea and pool - something I had never been able to do before! Although this may not seem much to most people, to me it has changed my life. I would recommend laser treatment to anyone. Thank you Ultrlase!!
Jaki Chart
I was amazed at the immediate change treatment made to my life! My eyesight had always been a real problem for me. Now I enjoy swimming without fear, and I no longer suffer from the dryness that contact lenses caused. I would recommend treatment to anyone with less than perfect eyesight and frequently do!
Paula
I had my eyes lasered at Ultralase 2 years ago and can honestly say it's the BEST thing I've ever done in my life. Before surgery I was -7 in both eyes. I can now see perfectly. I knew it was a risk as I was -7, but having worn glasses or contact lenses for most of my life, I decided it was worth it. I was probably the most scared I've ever been about anything, on the day. But it didn't hurt and it was all over so quickly. There aren't many days that I don't think of the benefits of having it done. No more tired, red eyes; waking up not being able to see the clock; hassle on holidays. I'd say to anyone thinking of having this done - GO FOR IT, you will NOT regret it. I'd welcome the chance to talk to anyone pre-op to give them the encouragement they need.
Andre Vanhuls
After waiting two years to make the decision to finally do it, I am over the moon. The freedom it has given me since the treatment is beyond belief. I didn't wear glasses all my life but always wanted to go back i time to get my eyesight back. Now it's done, perfect vision. I can only thank everyone at Ultrlase (Chester) for the way they dealt with everything, never have I been to any hospital or clinic where I have been treated with such a friendly attidute. Keep up the good work, I will recommend Ultralase always.
Olwyne Pitcher
I looked at a few companies offering laser treatment but decided on Ultralase because of their professional approach and superb patient care. I felt that Ultralase were very honest about expectations and it was reassuring to know that there are patients who are found unsuitable for the treatment. Ultralase did not disappoint- my treatment was firstclass and the after care excepional- and I could have yhis locally! I have gone on to recommend Ultralase to many people - and quite a few have actually gone ahead with the treatment after seeing how it has changed my life!
Paula Bourne
Having Laser eye treatment is the best thing I have ever done. I had to wear glasses all time for 14 years. it has given me a new lease on life as I play alot of sport which was a pain with contact lenses all the time. I now have the best vision I have ever had in my life, which means you can enjoy and appreciate things more. I was so nervous about the treatment as I could not even stand having eye drops before booking in. The staff were fantastic, they made me feel so at each and the lady who saw me first actually came in with me and stayed all the way through. The whole thing lasted about 10 minutes per eye and was totaly painless. The amazing thing was I could see clearly immediately afterwards. I nearly started to cry with exitement. I still look out of the window each morning and enjoy the freedom of being able to see clearly. Highly recommend and guarantee there is nothing to be nervous about.
