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
Les Draper Eames
I had my final consultation at St Albans Ultralase clinic on 22/11/05 following treatment on 29/5/04. I had lasek, as I have thin corneas. I now have "better than perfect vision" which is brilliant and have not suffered the problems that I was told I would get, with being 45 when I had the treatment, of needing reading glasses - I can read fine, unless eyes are very tired or very tiny print. I have not had much of the dry eye which was also indicated as highly probable. I do have a little bit of night halo blurring, but it is not too much of a problem, not as bad as with glasses unless very bright lights. I think I was asked to attend a further appointment after the year, as one optometrist thought there was a slight scratch at a previous consultation and I think they were just being careful. I have found Ultralase to be very professional, kind and helpful. When I wasn't happy with the attitude of one optometrist (he was a little brusque)they kept me away from him on all future visits. So all in all I have been thrilled with the treatment I have received and delighted to be able to see all the tiny pylons on the horizon which I had never seen before! I can see stuff which just wasn't in my view, even with best corrected eyes with glasses. Very well worth the investment. Please feel free to email me for any futher encouragement. Love & Light, Les
Francys
I am really scare! I went for a consultation today at Ultralase Clinic in St Albans. I have a lazy eye, but the surgeon says it is OK to have the surgery. When I ask about the risk, he told me that there have been cases reported of not getting the results expected or getting worse than before surgery. As soon as I came back home, went to Ultralase's website and there are lots of people in the forum that have serious problems with their eyes after treatment. I do not know if I should go for the treatment. Any good piece of advise?
Ian Ruddock
I was treated 2 weeks ago by Ultralase in Leeds for what I considered to be quite a mild myopic prescription. However, the outstanding result has made me realise that I was totally reliant on my glasses without realising it. Driving, TV and distance reading are now effortless - better even than with glasses. I would urge anyone, however little they use their glasses or lenses, to visit Ultralase - the change will be overwhelming.
NICOLA ROBERTS
I HAVE RECENTLY VISITED THE CHESTER CLINIC FOR A CONSULTATION. FOUND EVERYONE THERE REALLY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE ANY OF THE PROCEDURES BUT HAVE CHOSEN THE ULTRALASIK PLUS REALLY BECAUSE OF THE HIGH SUCCESS RATE. I WAS NOT PUSHED INTO ANY DECISIONS AT ANY TIME AND WAS NOT ENCOURAGED TO GO FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE TREATMENT. I HAVE JUST BOOKED IN FOR THE TREATMENT, SO I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED WITH THE RESULTS, WHICH WILL HOPEFULLY BE GREAT.
Peter Roberts
The staff at Ultralase were excellent.Everything was explained, both risks and benefits. On the day of surgery they checked that I understood the proceedure and explained the short and long term aftercare. Everything happened exactly as the surgeon and staff said. I now have 20/20 vision and it is clearer than glasses or contact lenses. I would recommend people to have the treatment if they are suitable.
Yvonne White
I am very pleased with the service I received, very friendly and efficient. The treatment I received was Lasik Plus, and this has enabled me to be free of glasses for most of the time - I only have to wear a low prescription for reading.
Karen Light
I wish I had had the treatment done before. I can't believe how quick and painless it was, and how fantastic it is to be able to see perfectly without having to wear glasses. I'm really looking forward to being able to go into places without my glasses steaming up, and walking in the rain. I have had compliments on how big my eyes look and how different I now look without my glasses. I didn't mind having to wear them before, but now I'm glad I don't.
Sheena Hockey
Excellent from beginning to end. I wish that I had had it done years ago. Thanks.
Anthony Burbidge
Ultralasik Plus - August 2005 The Ultralase experience has opened up a whole new world for me. I am able to notice things when swimming and doing sport. I'm even able to watch myself in the hairdresser's mirror now! The freedom after wearing glasses for 23 years is fantastic. Thank you!
Anna Lane
Excellent service from beginning to end! I was very nervous about the whole thing, but my patient advisor and surgeon explained everything fully and put my mind at rest! The procedure was pain free and the results are excellent. I couldn't be more pleased - it was definately worth it!!
