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
Elaine McKay
"I chose Ultralase because they had more experience than anyone else and offered great value. I'm absolutely delighted with my treatment. Wakening in the morning with clear vision is incredible."
Andrea
I had laser treatment with Ultralase in April, 2002, so very soon it will be one year since it was done. I am more than happy with the result. I can see the bottom line on the chart and have been told that this is better than 20/20 vision. The procedure is very quick and painless, and the aftercare is very easy to follow and mostly just common sense. I was impressed with the follow-up care, It was stressed how important the check ups were and that the drops would help me to avoid any infection which was one of my biggest concerns. Naturally it is nerve racking because it is your eyes, but the procedure was fully explained so nothing was a surprise on the day. I would recommend laser treatment to anyone, and certainly tell them to use Ultralase.
Fiona McPherson
I had Lasik Treatment 6 Months ago at Ultralase in Reading. I have had 20 20 vision since the day after my treatment and have not looked back, I couldn't be happier!
Amanda W
I had my eyes treated just over a year ago and now I wish I had had it done sooner. After years of careful consideration and thorough research I decided to have the procedure at Ultralase in Leeds. Ultralase were caring, professional and extremely informative throughout the whole experience. The treatment itself was not as scary as I had first anticipated as I knew exactly what was happening to my eyes, it was slightly uncomfortable but certainly not painful and it was over very quickly. The aftercare was simple and subsequent checkups were reassuring, I could see the bottom line the day after treatment. I have now been discharged from Ultralase but feel that I could still call them if I had any queries, presently I don't feel there will be any need as my eyesight is brilliant, the best thing I have ever done.
Jules
I had my eyes treated at Ultralase in October 2002. I was quite nervous prior to having the treatment but was put at ease straight away by members of staff in the Leeds Clinic. I actually felt fairly relaxed whilst having the treatment as I was told step by step what was happening. I couldn’t believe how clear everything was the next day. Life is fantastic without the nuisance of taking contact lenses in and out! Really glad I chose Ultralase as they have been very professional and helpful throughout the whole process. The aftercare is second to none.
Wendy Malby
I had lasik treatment at Ultralase in Chester last year. I was -3.50 in my right eye and -2.75 in my left . I now have 6/6 or 20/20 vision. My experience was of a very professional and caring company with wonderful friendly staff. Well recommended !!
Laura
I was very, very nervous about the procedure but actually found it painless & quick (more pleasant experience than going to the dentist!). I was very well looked after. Staff were very professional & put me at ease. There was no pressure to go through with the procedure.. I now have 20/20 vision and I am enjoying fantastic freedom from glasses & contact lenses. I would recommend Ultralase to anyone.
Jim Ebbs
After much consideration I had the treatment at the Manchester clinic on Thurs 27th March. At the consultation I was described as borderline but deemed sutiable for treatment (+4.50 L & +6.00 R both with astigmatism). No doubt about it, it is a big decision. Now nearly three weeks on I'm well pleased with the result. During the two week period of wearing clear lenses it was weird because it felt exactly the same as wearing glasses everthing looked more or less the same, except you had to remind yourself this is without a prescription. After one week I was able to drive, being above the MOT driving standard unaided. For reading purposes when required I use an off the shelf pair of glasses (+1.25). It is not a suprise or a problem as I was advised of this at the consultation and also they would take around four weeks to settle down. The professionalism throughout I found faultless and the whole process was made that much easier with the pleasant and positive manner of all the staff. Writing this is easier than reading the testimonials, which is probably why you are reading them, exactly as I did and for the same reasons. There is only one person who can make the decision and you know who it is, be comfortaable with it whatever you decide.
Swapna
Too happy after getting it done. Thanks to Dr.kasu prasad reddy.hyderabad
Barry Clayton
From initial enquiry through to continued aftercare the staff of Ultralase at St Albans have been first rate. Always polite, friendly and professional and always seemed to be up to date with my details whenever I arrive for an aftercare appointment. It feels as if I am part of the 'family'. What better comment can I make! Having had my treatment in November (with Mr Vinod Gupta) I must say that the result is great. My right eye is absolutely perfect and the left has a little long sightedness. Together they perform perfectly with no correction. I did have an imbalance prior to treatment so this is not as a direct consequence of the surgery. The only downside that I have found is that I am experiencing light sensitivity for much longer than expected. It is improving week by week and is not a real handicap anymore. The clinic staff have been great during this period supporting me with extra aftercare checks whenever I need them. I would, and indeed have, recommended them to others. (My sister in law recently underwent treatment with great success.) First class Ultralase. Should have done it years ago! Thank you.