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.
Our Testimonials
I attended the Ultralase clinic in Chelmsford on Friday 24th January for a consultation. I must say, it was very thoroughly done, and I left feeling that their primary goal was patient care, rather than getting patients through the door for surgery. I was told that because of my right eye (-8.25), I was a borderline case for surgery, which was not really what I wanted to hear, but at least they were honest and straightforward with the facts. I am waiting to hear from Ultralase today, as they have referred my file to their chief surgeon, Mr Vinod Gupta, for his expert assessment. I also have another consultation with Optimax on Friday, and it will be interesting to see if they say the same things to me.
I had my first eye operated on Friday 17th. I can’t believe the result and although the eye does get tired and is still a bit tender, I am amazed at what I can see. Everyone was very helpful and I hope the next eye is just as successful.
I spent months researching this topic, probably new as much as the surgeon, or at least that what I thought…
I eventually got Lasik surgery with Wavefront technology. At first I was unhappy that my left eye wasn’t as good as my right eye, but the surgeon told me to give it time, something about being in the + and always stating everything is excellent.
What I noticed over the weeks was that the left eye continued to get better and the right eye if anything got a slightly worse.
Anyway its 6 weeks now and I believe I currently have better than 20/20 vision be not sure if its going to get better or worse as time progresses.
The only side affect I have are dry eyes, I work in IT so looking at a computer all day doesn’t help, this I am advised will return to normal over time but I will have to wait and see. I also am more short sighted than before the operation, something I didn’t even know was a possible side affect, this 2 I am told will improve with time…
Well advise is
1. Pick lasik with Wavefront, its currently the best procedure out today.
2. find the best consultant in the country to perform the operation, ask them what % of patients get 20:20 vision with your vision and what % get 20:10 or 20:30. Because I work in IT I spent a lot of time researching what technology is the best but only really realised that the surgeon plays just as big a role, after the operation.
3. Be prepared for some complication, be it dry eyes, not perfect vision, night vision problems
4. Over time your eyesight will change so if you 20:20 the day after the operation it don’t mean you will be 20:20 a week or two down the road.
5. If your happy with all the above go for it, its still the best money I have spent…
Treated 3 January 2003 at Hammersmith by Mr Gupta. Prescription around -2.5 both eyes. Procedure very quick & painless. Some grittiness same night but next day excellent vision & no pain or discomfort at all. Almost 2wks on & vision better than 20/20 both eyes, although left is better than right. Eyes now feel absolutely normal & no dry eye or soreness. Have just stopped wearing the protective glasses & that’s such a great feeling! Considered the treatment for several years before ‘taking the plunge’ & chose Ultralase Hammersmith as friend was treated there. All staff very pleasant & efficient. As my friend said – would like to recommend it unreservedly, but everyone is different & may not be as lucky as me. Friend still suffers with slight dry eye feeling 1 yr on but is still glad he had it done. I am certainly very pleased with the results so far, but look forward to my sight test in a couple of weeks when vision should be settled.
I had my consultation with Ultralase at their brand new St Albans Clinic on Monday, and was very impressed. All of the staff were very pleasant and knowledgeable and the process was very thorough and efficient (and even the fact that I had to take my two children with me didn’t seem to worry anyone!)
I have astigmatism and long sight and have worn glasses for over 30 years. I been advised that I am a suitable candidate for treatment – so I’m booked in on 12 Feb! I will let you know how I get on.