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
Hilary Bird
Extraordinary! Having only one eye treated, I hadn't expected such a dramatic difference. But my overall sight is improved, plus, I only need off-the-shelf reading glasses - what a difference.
Sue Pirrue
I have been very short sighted since school days and I still enjoy each morning waking up and not having to bother with glasses or contact lenses - the pleasure goes on! The staff were all very helpful, putting me at ease, answering questions etc - in fact I can honestly say that the service Ultralase has provided me with has been faultless. I continue to recommend the company and the procedure to everyone I meet.
Michelle Breslin
The opertion itself was more scary thean childbirth, but unlike childbirth is short and painfree. The results were dramatic within a day, I can honsestly say that this has been life changing. I had severe long sight and had given up not wearing glasses or contact lenses, but now have 20/20 vision. I am able to enjoy my life (even in a rainstorm). So much so, I sometimes forget I ever wore glasses. Truely recommened and the staff were also excellent.
Michelle
I had UltraLASEKplus on Tuesday 5th October at your Birmingham Clinic, and I have to admit that for the first few days or so it wasn’t pleasant, and my eyesight whilst improved was not brilliant and my eyes were very uncomfortable. I had my contact bandages removed on Saturday morning, and on Sunday morning I woke up and couldn’t believe it, whilst my eyes were still a bit gritty, my sight had dramatically improved, and since Sunday it has improved even more on a daily basis. Before having the surgery, other post laser surgery people had told me that the transformation is amazing, and it truly is! One week on and I still can’t believe it, I can see… and I’m not wearing any contact lenses… I can not express how happy it has made me, its totally life transforming. All the staff at the Birmingham clinic have been excellent. Everyone one of them has been friendly and supportive, helping to put me at ease with what I was about to do. I would especially like to thank the nurse who held my hand whilst I was having the surgery, I was so nervous and that comforting hand on mine helped beyond words. I can’t wait for my next appointment to see how far down the board I can read!! Thank you Ultralase, you have changed my life! Michelle Thompson
Louise Lucas
I found Ultralase experience excellent, the staff were very helpful and the treatment was first class. It has been 2 and hald years since having the treatment and I have had no problems with my eyes. Also, the aftercare service was very thorough and professional. Because of the experience, I recommended 2 of my friends to Ultralase, they both had the treatment and also found the experience to be first class. The treatment has changed my life, as I can now do more activities, my eyesight is better than before. I used to hate wearing contact lenses and glasses so the treatment has had a big impact on me.
Rhian Gwynn
I had my Wavefront-guided Lasik treatment at the Chester clinic on 9th August 2004 and the following day had 6/5 vision in both eyes. I couldn't believe how simple and completely painless the whole experience had been. As an operational Police Officer the freedom of not having to wear contact lenses or spectacles is fantastic. The only complaint I have is that I am now aware of all the cobwebs on my bedroom ceiling when I wake up in the morning!
Beth Waterson
It has been just over 12 months since I had my laser surgery at Ultralase in Chester and I am just so pleased that I had it done. The staff were so helpful, supportive and friendly and the service could not be faulted. I would reccomend Ultralase without a doubt. Thank you Ultralase!!!
Darren Parker
The Best thing I EVER did, the results gave me PERFECT Vision, i can scuba/ride bikes/swim etc with no need of worrying about my lenses falling out or drying! Worth every penny, Great customer service, made me feel assured the whole time, NO Pressure, I have recommended 4 friends so far and 3 are having the treatment very soon, I cant imagine why i waited so long! My advice to any one thinking about it, is, "JUST DO IT" You wont regret the service ultralase give you and the results i have cannot be any better!!! Dazza
Mike Groves
Having considered the procedure for some years I took up the no obligation free consultation. Arriving at Ultralase in Chester, feeling nervous I was pleasantly surprised to receive a warm informal welcome and be introduced to the staff. They were all friendly and very professional. My initial consultation was very thorough and all my questions were answered in great detail. Everyone knew their job and would give advice with confidence. I as never pressured or pushed into the treatment and left feeling fulfilled. I phoned the very next day to make a booking. Two weeks later I returned and felt remembered and welcomed. Feeling nervous once more, I had time to relax, drink (excellent) coffee and review the literature and read testimonials of many other very satisfied patients. The rest was a breeze! Every step of the procedure was clearly explained and I never felt pushed or hurried at any time. Within 48 hours I could see clearly and was back to work and enjoying excellent vision without the aid of my glasses or contact lenses. I had trouble with keeping some of my check-up appointments and had to re schedule a couple of times but this was not a problem for Ultralase. In fact nothing was ever too much trouble. I am a very happy customer of Ultralase and thank all the staff for being so damn helpful.
Ben Smith
I cant speak highly enough of Ultralase. I was treated a week ago in the Leeds clinic for a prescription of (left) -3.5 (right) -4.25. The result - 20/20 vision, and I have to say I've beem delighted not only by the outcome but by how nice all the people were. On the day, I was not actually particularly nervous, cos I felt comfortable with the staff around me, and had already had the whole process explained in detail. I've since been back for a couple of checkups and although I already had what I thought was perfect vision the day afterwards, I'm sure my sight is actually still improving! I would happily recommend laser eye treatment for obvious reasons, and specially Ultralase, as I found all the staff to be kind, competant and considerate. Thanks Ultralase for everything.
