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
Alison Hodson
From the initial consultation I was very impressed with the professionalism offered - all the staff were fantastic. 7 months now since the op and I've never looked back, I only wish I had done it years ago - worth every penny! I take it for granted so much, I even forget I used to wear contact lenses and glasses!!!
mat mayer
I had surgery approx 10 days ago. right eye is as good as when i wore glasses, left eye is just a bit better than driving standard. overall the sight is very good, and it may still improve slightly. if it doesn't i'll still be delighted. i've only driven at night once and there were a lot of starburts around car headlihghts, but this is supposed to improve with time. again if it doesn't i can live with it. i have large pupils (8mm), thin corneas, and had an average prescription (-4.5, -4), with some astigmatism. i had ultralasik plus on both eyes. at the consultation i was told i couldn't have lasik on my left eye because of thin corneas. it would mean i could not have a re-treatment if needed. but the surgeon said the opposite on the day of surgery- that i couldn't get a retreatment if i had lasek. i was very happy about this as lasik is much more comfortable/faster healing time, but it was a bit confusing. the procedure itself was quite uncomfortable and i'm glad i took a valium. they don't supply these so if your squemish like me get your own. they don't supply painkillers either so its work bringing some for the drive home as it does start to sting a bit after a while. the next day vision was great and improved slightly over the next day or two. my right eye has a red mark still but this is just a bruise and will wear off soon. overall i'm delighted i spent the extra money to go with ultralase, if i run into any problems (such as nightvision) i'll post again, if not assume it was a complete success :)
Dawn Bradshaw
I had ultra-lasik plus with wavefront treatment on Friday morning. By teatime I was reading the teletext from the other side of the room and had no pain whatsoever. I had worn glasses since the age of 2 and had quite bad astigmatism. I was actually turned down by another company but I have acheived 20/20 vision at the first attempt and am over the moon! Pay for the best and get the best, I wouldn't recommend anyone else!
Nasreen
I had Ultralasik plus November 10th 2005 and have to say I'm one of the unfortunate ones that might have to have surgery again. My eyesight was -2.50 and -2.75 and now -0.50 -0.75, as it's now been 4 mths I have to wait another 3mths to see if my prescription has stabalised. The surgery at the time was weird it's knowing what they were doing and not feeling it at all, the staff have been very understanding. As my eyesight has not been up to scratch I was prescribed a temporary prescription for glasses if I wanted to drive but have decided to wait the extra 3 mths as I'm scared my eyes wll get used to glasses again. I have to say the aftercare is great. Well I'll have to wait and see how my eyes are in 3 mths time but will keep you posted.
Helen Wilde
I have been totally amazed by the freedom that the treatment has given me. When I went for the initial consultation I was advised that the treatment may leave me unable to see uncorrect for driving, but on tests following the treatment my eyesight is now better than when corrected with glasses. It is possibly one of the best things I have ever done and would advise anyone to follow suit.
Debbie Demetriou
Without doubt my experience with Ultralase was one of the most positive of my entire life. My only sorrow is that this procedure was not available when I was younger. Having been severley short sighted from the age of 11, I suffered years of wearing milk bottle bottom glasses and subsequently contact lenses. My lasek procedure was effortless, painless and instantly effective. It's now almost two years since I visited Ultralase and in that time I have swum with dolphins, climbed a waterfall and bathed with elephants in India - all remarkable experiences that would have been impossible for me to experience either wearing glasses or lenses. I am evangelical about Ultralase and have already promised my 14 year old daughter that on her 21st birthday (or earlier if they ever reduce the age limit) I will pay for her to have her vision corrected. Well done to Ultralase on their excellent service - keep up the good work !
Allan Bewick
My eyesight was so bad that I was rejected from having corrective laser surgery by another laser company. On seeing an advert for the Ultralase new wavefront laser, I decided to make an appointment and see if laser technology had progressed enough to correct my eyesight. An appointment was made and several tests by the professional and friendly staff, I was delighted when I was told I could have the lasek surgery. After surgery, I attended several check up sessions, and on my last visit I was told I need not attend anymore. My eyesight had improved so much that I could read the bottome line on the eyesight chart quite clearly whereas before surgery, without spectacles, the large letter at the top of the chart was just a blur. I owe my sight to this wonderful technology and the proficiency of the surgeons and I have already convinced my son to make an appointment. He has had the check up and is pleased that his eyesight will be corrected by the same team next year.
Amanda Fitzgerald
The staff were fantastic, the service was also second to none. The difference it has made to my life - well...... Always shy and hiding behind glasses no more. I met someone within 2 weeks of having laser treatment, married him in June of this year, and we are now trying for a baby!!!! Can't get much more life-changing than that!! And my extra self-confidence has resulted in 2 promotions at work in the past 12 months!!
Leigh Stapleton
Having laser treatment on my eyes was the best thing I ever did. I now have almost perfect vision. The aftercare was excellent.
Steven Weston
Quite simply superb. Very professional from the outset, fast service and gave me 100% comfort that things would be OK. End result is superb and have recommended Ultralase to almost every short-sighted person I've met !
