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
Zarah
Life Changing & Cost Effective I had Lasik on both eyes at the Chelmsford branch, the procedure was carried out by Dr Perera on Friday 12th March 04. I was not at all concerned about the operation, because I had read as much info as I could, asked all my questions and made my mind up, but I did want complete freedom from glasses, otherwise I thought what was the point. I was assured this is what I would get and I have done - I know it is early days, but I have no pain and have had no pain since the day of the procedure, what I did feel however was gritty, stingy, waterey eyes for about 7 hours after and thats it. I have been told that I am healing fantastically well and that my eyesight (currently at 6/5 in my left eye and 6/6 in my right) will stabilise over the next few weeks, either slightly better or slightly worse, we will have to see, but early impressions are great. I believe though that it is as much up to you as it is to your surgeon to make sure you achieve the best possible results, keep you eyes safe and clean, use the drops and rest you eyes when you can. I know that I will now need reading glasses later in life, but I will be free from glasses for at least 10 years. Also the cost of the operation divided by 10 years also totally outweighs costs that I used to spend on glasses and contacts per year. I can't thank the team enough (especially Dr Perera and the nurse on hand that day - sorry couldn't remember your name)- brillant ! I am wearing the clear glasses / sunglasses during the day and when I look in the distance somewhere, I still think I can see because I have my prescription glasses on - then I realise that no I can actually see that far ! It amazing - I know not much is known of the results after 12 years or so, but I for one was willing to take the chance to change my life for the now. There are risks in everything we do daily - you need to work out whether its right for you - we can advise, but its your choice in the end. Good luck
Phil
Have just been for another check up following LASEK at the Newcastle branch on 7th January. My prescription was R 5.5 and L 4.5 with 1.0 astigmatism in each eye. Pupil width is 7mm and cornea thickness 490 microns. I had done as much research as possible before surgery so did not have too many questions for the surgeon or other staff but they were helpful and efficient with the queries I had. The operation itself was quick, painless and a bit of a non-event - I just lay down for a couple of minutes then was out in the recovery room. About an hour later as I was getting home my eyes were starting to sting, presumably this was the anaesthetic wearing off. This lasted about 3 hours then stopped but they continued to be very light sensitive for the rest of the day. For any contact lens wearers it was just like having an eyelash or something similar stuck under your lens - uncomfortable, unpleasant but no worse than that. I had not expected such an immediate improvement but by the time of my check up the next day I met the driving standard on the eye test chart. The improvement continued to be noticeable every day for the next week apart from the day the bandage lenses were removed when the smoothing effect on the surface is lost. I may have been lucky but any halo or starburst effects have been no more obvious than they were pre-op. For the last 6 weeks I have had excellent vision in my right eye but a little astigmatism remains in the left. The difference is obvious when I compare eyes but the left eye is at least as good as it was with a contact lens before the op. My recommendation to anyone considering laser surgery would be first of all to do as much research on the internet as possible. Find out as many potential problems as you can and find out which type of surgery is best for you. LASIK seems to be the option clinics will choose for you, but when weighing up the pros and cons, LASEK might be better for you. If you read about the small number of problems which can occur and are happy with the risks, go ahead. I wish I had not waited as long.
Chris Comer
The whole pre & post op process was less painful and less uncomfortable than Ultralase indicated it might be & the results a lot better! Top quality professionals & a great service. Recommend it to anyone (who needs it).
RACHEL RUDD
I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER AT THE OUTCOME - PERFECT VISION! THE SERVICE PROVIDED HAS BEEN PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS WITH CONCERNS BEING ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
Rob Davies
From beginning to end, I recieved a first class service and the result was even better than I had anticipated. It has made a big difference to my lifestyle. I can't thank the Ultralase staff in Cardiff enough - they are all fantastic.
Nick Major
Having waited about ten years for this, I can say it was worth the wait. I can see properly for the first time in 31 years, and now my vision is better than it ever could have been with glasses/lenses!! What a result! If you are in doubt, go for it. It really is as good as everyone says.
Trish Spindler
I went from being severely short sighted to having 20/20 vision within 24 hours of treatment and couldn't be more happy. I felt confident at every step as everything was carefully explained and I'm sure that my positive attitude engendered by the staff has helped me have such a fantastic outcome. Having laser treatment on my list of best decisions ever made is up there with having children - but without the pain!!
Sahana Khan
The staff at Ultralase were extremely helpful and I can now see perfectly. I'm just relieved that I have no more dry eyes from wearing contact lenses all the time. Overall, the treatment was well worth it.
Graziella
I found the information given from Ultralase, both in the original pack and at the consultation to be excellent. The treatment was also excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. They were very professional throughout.
Carol Grimwood
Wow!! Although I know it is still early days (5 months)I tell everyone to "go for it". As I had a heavy 'script there was one element explained to me that I had to seriously consider. I had an indepth conversation at my clinic over the telephone, time was irrevelent to them and at the end booked an appointment, feeling very confident and sure. My fear allayed. I can only say that I have dealt with Leeds (by phone), Reading and Guildford and not ONE person that I have spoken to or met should not be in the trusted position they are. From beginning I have been treated with politeness, courtesy and care. No question too small for them. Your wellbeing seems to be their only concern. During the operation I felt very safe and calm as everything was explained as we went through the procedure. Checks are very thorough right up until the minute you have your treatment. I had discomfort from light sensitivity for 2-3 hours afterwards (pre-warned a possibility) but no pain and in the morning - normal - except that I did not have to put on my glasses, my last job at nights and first in the mornings. I felt secure in the knowledge that if I had the slightest problem/query someone was on hand 24/7. From then on it has been downhill all the way folks. I do not have a large enough space to write exactly what treatment and care and consideration I had, I only wish I had had it done earlier. I have no doubts, no reservations, and as yet no problems other than any other normal problems you have with any type of surgery, without any pain. I am willing to speak with anyone to reassure them.