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
ruth whitehead
I underwent surgery for farsightedness (plus 4.25) with moderate astigmatism in July 2002 I also have a presbyopia correction of plus 2.25 The operation was performed at the Leeds Ultralase clinic by Dr Gilbert Cohen. . I was made fully aware at the clinic that I was not a perfect candidate. My hope was to be less dependent on corrective lenses and to be able to function part of the day without them. It was clearly explained to me that my farsightedness was on the limit of what could be treated. Prior to surgery I had been used to wearing contact lenses to provide mono vision which worked quite well for most applications but I was no longer able to wear contact lenses for more than a few hours a day. Following the initial surgery which went well I was able to read with my right eye corrected to -1.25 whilst the left eye (the dominant eye ) was just about good enough for driving distance but there was still a significant astigmatism -1.25 After full discussion with the surgeon who was more than happy to give me as much time as I wanted, I decided to have an enhancement on the left eye (dominant) to hopefully remove the astigmatism. Four months after the enhancement and I have 20/20 vision with both eyes together. I am highly delighted with the result as I can now drive and read for short times without the need for glasses for the first time in my life at the age of 63! The experience was not unpleasant and I did not suffer from dry eyes. I do have a certain amount of glare at night and some decrease in contrast sensitivity but I feel this is a small price to pay for my vastly improved vision. I would have no hesitation in recommending this clinic and Gilbert Cohen to anyone considering lasik surgery. If anyone has any questions concerning the treatment I received, I will do my best to answer them. Ruth Whitehead
Claire Horsfall
I have worn glasses since the age of 14. After having laser treatment, the result is amazing. It was a delight to throw my glasses away. Thank you Ultralase.
Maxine merritt
I am really passed with the results and I no longer have to wear glasses or contact lenses. I have recommended the treatment to all my friends.
Janet Davies
Why did I hesitate so long before deciding on treatment! The results were immediate and no problems since.
Neil Smith
Would recommend it to anyone. Very good service and friendly staff.
Jayne Harper
Absolutely fabulous!! Thank you. I no longer need to hide behind my glasses. I am so confident now. Excellent staff.
Sean Evans
The treatment I received was excellent - very professional. Not having to wear glasses and contact lenes with sport has made such a different to my lifestyle.
Ann Guest
I had lasik treatment on 23/05/03 at the Ultralase Clinic at Leeds after wearing glasses and contact lenses for 10 years for short sight. Although the treatment itself didn't hurt, the clamping of the eye was a little uncomfortable, but as the whole procedure only took about 5 minutes per eye from start to finish it was over very quickly. I experienced no pain, except for "streaming" eyes for a few hours after the anaesthetic had worn off. However, when I woke up the next morning I could see as clearly as if I had contact lenses in. To begin with I experienced a few problems focusing close up at my pc and when reading etc., which was a little worrying as I have always had good near sight, but I was told at my aftercare appointment this was normal and would take a little while for my eyes to settle. Almost 4 weeks later I am able to see both close up and distance brilliantly. I would have no hesitation in recommending the treatment to anyone who might be considering it. The staff and surgeon at Ultralase were excellent.
Caroline Gibbons
I wish I could have had the treatment years earlier. One month on and I still wake up every morning and can't believe how wonderful it is to be able to see without lenses.
Matt
Just had my two week check up after my second eye operation. Second operation was a lot easier and I was not nearly as nervous and felt much more relaxed in during the operation. I found that it was more painful as it was the weaker eye and needed more adjustment. After a day however the pain was absolutely fine. It was great to have vision back in both eyes and I have really appreciated every day with better vision. The 2nd eye that was done is not quite as sharp as the first but when using both eyes I don't really notice it. I have an appointment in September where Mr Jory will check again and possibly do a little more surgery to get an even better result. With both eyes I could stil read the 20/20 line for the eye test so any enhancement wil be great if it is needed in September. About 4 days after the operation on both eyes I started to notice starbursts at night This was a little alarming to begin with but I am fully confident that they decrease over the weeks and this is happening with the first eye that was operated on in May. They would not stop me driving either. Seems quite amazing to think that I have been wearing glasses for about 16 years after these 2 operations I have good vision again.
