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
Nigel Ball
I would just like to say that the effects of my refractive lens exchange treatment have been fantastic for me. I am 55 years of age + my life had been a "blur" up to now. The vision is now so clear, I found it difficult to believe. I want to thank Mani for being such a brilliant surgeon and all the Ultralase staff for their help + kindness.
Alka Soni
Ultralase have changed my life! I had a perscription of -8.50 and -9.00 and never thought that I would be free of glasses and contact lenses. I now have perfect 20/20 vision! Their service was very professional and staff were excellent - friendly and supportive. I am so glad that i chose Lasik Wavefront - it was brilliant!
Chris Hopkinson
I was very nervous before the treatment and it took me 5 years to work up the courage to have the treatment. There was no need to worry, it was completely pain free, with every step explained clearly before it happened. The results are beyond my expectations. To say I am delighted is a massive understatement. A first class treatment, which has changed my life. Well done Ultralase and a "BIG" thank you.
David Talbot
6 months on and couldn't be happier. I've been well looked after by both their Tottenham Court Road (consultation and some aftercare) and Leeds (surgery and some aftercare). Anyone wondering about their prize draw, yes it is for real. All better than 20:20 vision has cost me is some petrol money and a few tube fares.
a m j
I went to the Newcastle branch today for my first consultation, from start to finish it was very professional. After reviewing my previous prescriptions and testing my eyes he consided my eyes were not too bad and was advised not to have surgery. He said if my heart was set on it they could do the surgery but his advice was not to do so.
Angharad Truelove
I had my eyes treated with the intralase at the Chelmsford clinic back in March this year. Considering I was so shortsighed I couldn’t even read a book without my glasses on, waking up the morning after treatment with 20/20 vision was just priceless. I've just had my 3 month check and I can now see two lines better than 20/20! The whole experience has been fantastic, from the initial consultation right the way through my treatment and now with my aftercare. All the staff at the Chelmsford clinic were great answering all my many questions fully and really putting me at my ease. They even managed to calm my on the day nerves! Looking back now, I don't know why I waited so long - I wish I had had it done years ago!
karen considine
I had both eyes done six months ago. One has good vision, not quite as good as with my contacts but perfectly OK. The other is still a bit blurry but improving very slowly. I think the one thing I have to say is that you are not sufficiently warned about the pain after the procedure. 'Discomfort' hardly covers it! I couldn't open my eyes for three days and it was real head banging pain. I think it was well worth it but feel the clinic where I went - Guildford - did not make this clear enough.
Helen
I had my surgery at the Tottenham Court Road clinic on Thursday morning.I was very apprehensive but everyone there was so nice it really helped reassure me. The surgery went really well, it is such a small amount of time for such a life changing event, I would probably do it every year if I had to. I must thank Heidi who held my hand throughout, it made such a difference. I'm looking forward to getting past the first month so that I know everything's healed as it should have. It's just struck me that I'm sitting writing at a computer without specs or contacts...something I could never have done before :o)
Samantha Yates
I went for a consultation at Ultralase's Tottenham Court Road branch in London. Everyone was very helpful and friendly, but I did feel a bit passed around from one person to the next. The optician was very informative, and as I had a small prescription (-1.0 and -1.25) told me that I would be suitable for any of their procedures - it was up to me. However when I was passed to the final person - the salesman - he basically rubbished the cheaper two options, and really implied that the only sensible choice to make was the £3000 wavefront option. When I explained that this was out of my budget, he tried desperatley to sell the £2600 option instead. The basic Lasik at £2000 was barely even mentioned. He made me feel like a fool for wanting a cheaper option on something so important as my eyes. Beleive me I understand how important my eyes are, but price does not neccessarily equal quality, and if Ultralase are that uncertain about the resluts of their basic Lasik service, then why offer it? I ended up having my treatment at Accuvision in Fulham, where there was no pressure, and only 2 procedures offered which are based on your prescription and eyes, rather than choice.
Helen Mansell
I am having my surgery tomorrow at the Tottenham Court Road clinic. I'm obviously feeling apprehensive but I can't help feeling excited too. I keep looking over the top of my glasses at the view from my desk to try and memorise how little I can actually see. I really hope that it goes well and that I don't regret it. Everyone was so nice when I went for my tests so I expect to feel perfectly at ease when I arrive. I'm having Lasik with the intralase technology to cut the flap rather than the blade. I'm very glad I found this site and was able to read about others experiences, it really helps reassure you.
