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
Helen
Had surgery on 19th Jan in Bristol. Op was fine, best to relax, can't go anywhere after all! The surgeon, Farouk Iram, found it easier to apply the suction thingy by holding my eyes open manually as there wasn't room for the retractor and suction together. Vision was -4.25 R and -3.75 L, now it is 6/4, 6/5; better than 20/20 which means I can read the bottom line on the chart and more! I had some discomfort until the eye drops finished because I am sensitive to preservatives. I found my vision and comfort improved when I reverted to my contact lens comfort drops - Refresh by Allergan - because they are preservative free unlike most artificial tears. Happy to provide more detail if e-mailed.
RH
Update: I had the surgery about 48 hours ago. Everyone was very helpful, and everything went smoothly. My eyes were light sensitive and my vision was blurry for about 4 hours afterwards. By the morning after my eyes felt normal, and my vision was similar to when I'm wearing glasses. I've been told it should improve further over the next few weeks.
I am very impressed with my treatment and will report back at the end of the month as to how good my eyesite is. My only complaint is that I've seen a total of 6 different people over the consultation/surgery/first checkup. I know it's probably easier to fit more people in this way, and that each of the jobs can be performed by a different person, but it would have been nice to have a least one of the people consistently around during the whole thing.
Ruth
I had surgery at the Manchester clinic with Dr Chaterjee over a month ago now. I'm fairly pleased with the results. I had an eye infection the other week and felt that the clinic took me seriously and I received a high standard of care. My vision is not perfect, but certainly an improvement on before and so far (touch wood), I'm happy with the outcome. I do have very dry eyes and that has also been a bit of a problem. My only other gripe is that until my infection, I saw a different consultant every single time.
Michelle
Had surgery in my left eye on 18 October and was amazed at how quick and painless it was. Very little pain experienced the next day, though eyelid very swollen, and I was very nauseous. Had it tested Wednesday after and eye tested at -0.75 (was previously -5.00) and still had a slight astigmatism which meant everything was a bit blurry, but two weeks after the surgery it had regressed to -1.75. Apparently my eye healed too well? I'm not sure how this works, but it does mean I will have to have follow up surgery to that eye in three months, and I cannot read with the eye. I was warned this might be necessary, but it is annoying all the same. I will have to get new glasses made up for that eye in the meantime. It has been difficult during the three weeks since, mainly because I had to wear a contact lens in my right eye, which I am not used to, so I have struggled at work, especially looking at a computer. As I am now within 5 days of my second eye op, I cannot wear the lens, so I am having to wear my glasses with the left lens covered (there is too much of a difference between my eyes to simply take out the left glasses lens). Second op is on 15th November. Hoping for a better result this time - will have a very difficult time of it next week if its not!
Angela Stevens
its been a week today since my treatment. I am still wearing my glasses, but have taken my lens out of the left side of my glasses. This balances my sight a lot better, My eyesight is better in the mornings than at night. Still using the eye drops, which sometimes sting, but overall I am still really pleased. Hope all goes well with your treatment, Linda.
Andrea
Had LASIK Monday at Cardiff (surgeon - Neil Marshall) and if I wasn't wearing the cheap clear specs you have to wear afterwards, vision would be excellent! No real pain - just mild discomfort after the op. Just one negative comment - I was the last appointment and felt as though the staff were keen to get me through as quickly as possible. The detail on aftercare just before I had treatment was rushed so I didn't really take in what was said, especially as I was nervous too. Top Tip: Wear good quality swimming goggles and showering/hair washing is no problem afterwards. ****Note*** Ultralase have advised us that they would not recommend wearing swimming goggles for showering /hair washing for two reasons. Firstly, these are elasticised - if you let them go accidentally, you could risk dislodging the corneal flap. Secondly, the seal between the goggles and the area around your eyes forms a vacuum, and this could partially detach the flap ***‘Zeus’-Webmaster ***
Christina Evans
Ultralase were very upset that I was unhappy with the follow-up appointment I received and rang to ask me if I wanted to see the surgeon himself. I agreed and went back to Bristol on October 4th. I also saw my original optician who was very helpful and reassuring. I have been told that due to the high prescription and astigmatism, it can be six months before I will know the final outcome. I felt much better having the surgeon just check that it was all OK. I also received a very helpful e-mail from someone else who had had the treatment and took some time to adjust. I think that is what this website needs, others who are happy with their treatment but not "instant" recoverers to reassure those of us who think we are the only ones?
Linda
Had my consultation this morning and all questions dealt with. Very professional and realistic. I am keen to go ahead only worried about coping 4 weeks with one eye, how are you managing Angela?
Michelle
After a consultation with the elder Dr Jory, I have decided to go ahead with surgery on 18 October. If anyone has had any experience with this surgery could you PLEASE get in contact with me and let me know what to expect? Thanks
Angela Stevens
after having my left eye treated at the above clinic on 1st Nov., I can say I am really pleased with my result. It is not perfect, but my prescription was -6.5 and my sight is getting better each day. no pain, which I am grateful of, and can't wait to get my other eye treated so I can perhaps wander around without specs
