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
Matt Southgate
I have been for a consultation at Boots and Ultralase and on the whole I have been more impressed with Ultralase,the staff are v friendly and answered all my questioned,I have booked up for treatment on Thursday 28th March with Niel Marshall and will spend the next week crapping myself im sure. I will post how it all goes but would be glad to hear from anyone who has used this surgeon.
Cheers
Alan Breckin
Went to Ultralase clinic in Manchester in December 2001 for an initial consultation.There is no surgery in Manchester yet but I was told that the plan was to open in Spring 2002. My prescription is quite strong (-6 in both eyes) but my problem was that the corneas were not thick enough to allow surgery. However they did state that new technology was expected soon which would cater for such conditions so I haven't given up hope. All in all found the staff to be very helpful. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has faced the same problem with corneal thickness.
Angela Stevens
2 weeks since my op. My eye has healed very well, I've stopped using the eye drops now. I've had no pain, but my eye does water sometimes, especially on bright, sunny mornings, which makes driving awkward. I will mention this when I next visit the clinic (29th Nov). I've noticed a definite fluctuation in focusing range, very good in the morning, but quite poor at night. Hope this settles down. I've spent the past 2 weeks winking at everything to check the very big difference in my 'new' eye and my 'bad' eye, which has been a great source of amusement for my work colleagues. I hope your op has been a success, Michelle, have you now been able to get rid of your glasses?
Philip Daveran
I had my consultation last Saturday. The staff at Ultralase were very helpful. Unfortunately I am not suitable for treatment, my eyes are pretty bad (-7 in both eyes) and I was told my Cornea was too thin to treat.
If anyone else has had this problem and managed to get some other form of treatment I would be grateful for any information.
Louise Holden
Had the treatment 2 weeks ago and things are going well. Right eye treated fine but some difficulty applying the suction ring on the left eye but may be due to me having small eye sockets. Was slightly worried about vision being hazy straight after but was told normal and next day great improvement. I can now read the next but last line on chart and am a lttle disappointed as others seem to be reading the bottom line no problem. Tear film not sorted yet but can take up to 2 months so fingers crossed. On the whole well worth it to be without glasses for driving etc.
Sarah-Lee Robertson
I had both eyes treated by Murad Mossa at Tottenham Court Road on 29th November. I was -5.00 right and -4.50 left. I was very nervous but the staff were great, the actual op was fine the suction ring a little uncomfortable but it was far more pleasant than a trip to the dentist. The next day I could see but things were a bit blurry. Now about a week later my right eye is perfect but my left has -0.5 still left. It is a bit strange as I have two different views of the world as my brain can't put them both together. Ultralase says my left eye should sort itself out. I do have a little haloing but my vision is no where near as good as it was with my contacts. All in all I'm a little disappointed as I have read about so many people having 20/20 the day after. I'm just hoping my left eye will correct itself eventually. Also the surgical tape that you secure the lovely space goggles with leaves my face with big red welts the next day but I'd rather have that than something go wrong.
Helen
Nearly 12 months since I had LASIK for -4.25,-3.75 with astigmatism. I have excellent vision in L eye and a -.25 in R eye which is noticeable when tired etc. but not a big problem. I still use preservative-free drops for dryness which can markedly affect vision. No night vision problems at all. I'm glad I had it done. However, being a nurse, I do think that those considering it should make a rational decision to proceed based on statistics / facts and not be swayed by evangelical urges to "just do it".
Kathleen Cooper
Treatment carried out on 28.6.02 at the Bristol branch. Probably the most frightening thing I have ever done! My eyesight was quite bad -7 with an astigmatism in my left eye that had taken some time to settle when I stopped wearing gas permeable contact lenses.The procedure itself was uncomfortable but not at all painful and the nurse was very supportive, holding my hand! I spent the first week convinced I was going to wrinkle my flaps or get an infection! To begin with I was longsighted and the astigmatism was still a bit odd giving me double vision. This appeared to make me feel very sick and I was glad I had booked time off of work. I also found the drops clogged up my eyelashes and I was too frightened to clean them off so I ended up with my eyes weighted down until I went for my chech up. I cannot fault the support given to me by ultralase every time I phoned and the check up a week later was very reassuring. Today is my first day not wearing the clear glassess which is a relief and I feel much happier with the results. To be fair my surgeon had warned me that with my prescription I may well need to wear glassess for fine work but so far I can see to drive, read work etc. The sight does seem to vary a little each day and the astigmatism is still noticeable if I look out of the one eye but my brain seems to have come to terms with it and so generally I don't notice it. I was warned that I would probably have some problems with dry eye but so far this has been OK - infact I find the drops tend to crystalise and cause more problems so I have stopped using the artificial tears. So all in all I am pleased with the result and I am sure once the month is up and I can return to normal, eye make-up, washing my face etc I will appreciate the freedom I now have. To wake up and see the alarm clock is truly amazing! Thanks to all those who have added to this site. I found it extremely helpful.
Karen Fixter
Leeds clinic - good but average at keeping appointment times
TC
Nearly six months since my treatment. I had my eyes treated by Mr Gupta at Tottenham Court Road after have all the other stuff done at Chelmsford. Both eyes are a tad dry, particularly when I'm tired. Not a great problem though - preserve free drops are great! Vision is great and I keep reminding myself that I used to wear glasses! I have kept my glasses and from time to time I put them on and wondered how the hell I wore them in the first place! Nope - no problems here! TC
