With a strong track record in surgical innovation and over 60 publications in international medical journals, Mr Bruce Allan is one of the UK’s leading academic refractive surgeons.
The good news? Mr Allan comes high up in the list of the 10 best laser eye surgeons in the UK, based on thousands of patient reviews since 2002.
Is there anything I should know? As you would expect from a top Moorfields surgeon, Dr Allan costs a fair bit more than his contemporaries at other clinics. You may like to read all our surgeon reviews to find if there is an equally esteemed professional at a lower price point, if budget is a priority.
So is he the one? If you would like a second opinion, you can find the top-rated eye surgery clinic near you using our simple tool here, and book a free consultation with an eye expert to discuss your options.
1. About Mr Bruce Allan
Mr Bruce Allan qualified in medicine from Cambridge in 1985 and was appointed as a Consultant Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in 1998 after advanced specialist training in the UK, South Africa, and Australia.
He was appointed as the Service Director for Refractive Surgery at Moorfields in 2012, and has remained at this clinic since 1998.
He and his wife, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Maria Teresa Casasus Borrell, live in North London with their three daughters. He is a keen football fan and sailor.
In a nutshell:
- Clinic name: Moorfields Eye Hospital
- Qualification: MD FRCS FRCOphth
- Address: Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Rd, London EC1V 2PD
- Area: Central London
2. Clinical Experience
Mr Bruce Allan has a range of expertise in sight correction treatments, including laser refractive surgery, ICL implantation, cataract and corneal transplantation, refractive lens exchange, and keratoconus treatment.
That means, he may be help you achieve 20/20 vision, even if you have been turned away by less experienced surgeons at other clinics.
Current professional activities include:
- NHS practice specializing in cataract surgery and corneal transplantation
- Private practice specializing in laser eye surgery and implants for vision correction
- Regular presentations at international research meetings, press, radio and television comment on developments in laser eye surgery, cataract and corneal transplantation
- Peer review for international medical journals and research grant funding bodies
- Specialist advice for NICE and MHRA
- Current research interests include
- Multiple regression analysis to enhance accuracy in wavefront LASIK
- New techniques of corneal endothelial transplantation for Fuchs dystrophy
- Non-transplant interventions for keratoconus
3. Training and Qualifications
Bruce Allan graduated in medicine from Cambridge in 1985, and was appointed as a Consultant Surgeon at Moorfields in 1998.
Before that, he engaged in advanced specialist training in the UK, South Africa, and Australia. He was Training Director for the Corneal Service at Moorfields for over 10 years, and Service Director for Refractive Surgery from 2012 to 2019.
He is currently chairing the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Refractive Surgery Standards Working Group and is an EU Cornea Board member.
Current research interests include:
- Enhancing treatment accuracy in laser refractive surgery
- Laser assisted corneal transplantation
- Early intervention and visual rehabilitation in keratoconus
4. Patient Reviews
“From initial consultation to final check up the whole process was amazing – the procedure was quick and totally pain free I had no problems at all following the procedure and my sight just kept improving on a daily basis it was worth every penny – i don’t need glasses at all.
Would highly recommend Moorfields Private clinic for anyone thinking if having this done they are the best. Thank you Mr. Allan.“ –
Mrs S Whiting
“If I could give higher than a 5 rating I would.
Bruce Allan was absolutely brilliant from my initial consultation onwards. He answered all my questions in a calm and reassuring manner, which made me feel immediately at ease.
He talked me through all the benefits and the drawbacks of the procedure, in a highly professional manner, which made me feel like I was in very, very, safe hands.” – Jack Green
“Excellent result and no longer need glasses for reading and writing with eyes getting better every day. Would thoroughly recommend Bruce and the process from start to finish was outstanding.” – Mike McMillen
5. Prices
As you may have seen, Moorfields Private offers prices at the upper end, given the top-of-the-range equipment and high experience levels of its surgeons.
The exact cost of your treatment will depend on the surgeon ou choose. That’s because the laser eye consultants are employed by Moorfields, and set their own fees.
Laser eye surgery costs with Mr Bruce Allan cost £2,485 per eye for common laser eye surgery such as LASIK or LASEK. These prices rise to between £3,320 and £4,155 per eye for more complex procedures including cataract surgery and ICL.
An initial consultation will set you back £200, or £300 for a second opinion. If you would like a free consultation to explore your options, it’s worth considering clinics such as Optical Express or Optimax where you can receive free quotes.
Consultation costs
- Consultation: £200
- Second opinion: £300
All post-surgical consultations are included within the procedure fee, as part of your comprehensive aftercare package.
Patients considering laser eye surgery usually book one to two consultations prior to receiving treatment. You can book your first appointment on the Moorfields Private website.
Treatment costs (per eye)
- LASIK or LASEK eye surgery: £2,000 – £2,500
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE) or cataract surgery: £3,000 – £4,000
- ICL implantation surgery: £3,000 – £4,000
Are there any extra costs? You may also need to consider covering your potential stay in the hospital for private treatment. Moorfields Private hospital fees tend to range from £900 to £1800, depending on the procedure.
However, recovery times vary, and many eye treatments allow you to leave following the surgery.
☛ Want a tailored quote? The only way to compare exact quotes is to see an eye expert for a check-up. These can cost up to £250, but with our simple tool, you can find out how much laser or lens surgery will cost you at Optical Express for free.
6. The Verdict
So, is Mr Allan the right eye surgeon for you? Of course, that all depends on where you live, and what you’re looking for.
His prices are some of the highest in the UK. But then again, he is extremely experienced, and if the reviews are anything to go by, you are likely to get what you pay for.
That said, eye surgery is considered a safe elective surgery by the General Medical Council (GMC), so no one should feel obliged to spend any more than they are comfortable with.
If you’d like to find out more, you can always attend free consultations with a range of surgeons to see where you feel happy.
☝ To find a top-rated laser eye surgery clinic near you, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and receive a tailored match and quote from a clinic you can trust.
Mr Bruce Allan Reviews
Colin Day
I was very apprehensive about having surgery on my eyes, I choose Moorfields for their long standing reputation as one of the leading world eye hospitals. Bruce Allan and his team made me feel completely at ease. The procedure was painless and I had no discomfort or problems of any sort afterwards. I was -5 in both eyes and have just had my 3-month check up – to say I’m pleased with the results would be an understatement, I wish I’d had it done years ago. I highly recommend Moorfields and especially Bruce Allan.
Keir Wilkinson
First class hospital, friendly and highly professional team. I was made to feel very comfortable and relaxed about the whole procedure, and always kept fully informed at every stage. Bruce Allan and his team were second to none and I would highly recommend them to anyone thinking about having laser eye surgery. I am thrilled with the results and went from -3.5 in both eyes to perfect vision, I had my 3 month checkup a couple of weeks ago and could read the smallest line on the chart which is what I could only dream of doing before the surgery. Even the procedure itself was over very quickly, in about 20 minutes, and I was back to work 2 days after. No regrets and worth every penny, like everything in life, you get what you pay for and Moorfields are worth spending a bit more money on in my opinion.
Helene O’Donnell
Like many people, I yearned for the benefits of laser eye surgery but felt apprehensive about undergoing the procedure. However, upon meeting Dr Allan and his team, I had no doubt that I was in the best possible hands and could have complete confidence in them to treat my eyes. The risks and benefits were clearly explained to me, not only in generic terms but also in relation to my specific situation (being treated as an individual in what is obviously a busy and successful practice was something I valued). There were plenty of opportunities for me to ask for further information, and my questions were patiently answered. On the day of the surgery, being talked through the various steps and associated feelings I should anticipate helped minimize any stress, and I was surprised at how relaxed I felt during the actual procedure. I actually enjoyed the sense of amazement that came with the thought of what was being performed (ok, call me weird).I was lucky to experience virtually no discomfort in the hours or weeks that followed, and achieved perfect vision much earlier than I had imagined possible.Today I am able to see 20/20 without having to wear glasses or contact lenses. I am much happier for it and feel immensely grateful to the team of people that made this possible. So a big thank you goes out to them.
Christine Browne
I had surgery to remove a cattaract on friday I can promise its definatly pain free I have no brusing and feel good Mr Allan is a first class surgeon I Felt so confident i am returning this friday for the other one to be removed
Emily Macdonald
Bruce Allan and his team did an excellent job on my eyes. I felt confident in their abilities throughout. There was a thorough initial eye test and assessment including a meeting with Mr Allan where I was encouraged to ask any questions. On the day of surgery everything went very smoothly and during the actual procedure Mr Allan talked through what he was doing and what I should expect to see and feel which helped immensely. Recovery afterwards was amazingly quick. I went for a check up the following morning and then went to work. Puting the eye drops in for 4 weeks afterwards was a bit of a hassle, but well worth it for my now better than 20:20 vision eyes! I couldn't be more pleased!
Alan Charles
Had look round the usual high street laser eye treatment opticians. All I can say is dont even bother with them, go straight to Moorfields!! Before I went to Moorfields I did have an appointment booked wih Ultralase, after being told by everyone at work to go to Moorfields I realised I had made the wrong choice, so cancelled my appointment with Ultralase. Whilst on the phone the lady who had called me to keep my appointment asked who I was going with, once I mentioned Moorfields she didt even bother trying to prevent me going with them, and even said if she was going to get the treatment that she would go with them too!! After that it was clear I had made the right choice. Went with Dr Bruce Allan and it was brilliant. Whole process went really well, few issues while in the operation theatre which caused one eye to become very bloodshot but made no difference what so ever to my vision. I now have better than 20/20 and eyes feel perfect. I dont even have issue with night driving, I am so happy with the results!! Go with Moorfields, seriously its a no brainer!! Its your eyes....dont mess around with them....the extra cost is nothing for the safety of your vision.
Chloe
Thrilled with the results. Very professional team, I dealt mainly with Angelique and she was very helpful in terms of responding to information requests, making appointments,after-procedure support etc. Mr Allan inspires great confidence and I felt I was in very capable hands. I had been considering Laser corrective surgery for a long time and so by the time I'd made the decision to pick up the phone, (assuming I was deemed a suitable candidate) I was keen to proceed asap. I was fortunate in that when I called to arrange the initial consultation, I was also able to provisionally book in for the procedure so from first phone-call to seeing without lenses/glasses was less than a month in total and I was able to plan the appointments and the procedure/recovery afternoon around work, travel, family commitments.... The procedure itself was less than 20minutes and Mr Allan talked me through with as much detail as I wanted (not much!) After the follow-up appointment the next morning, I went straight to work. Just been for 3month check up and vision is perfect. I have no discomfort, no dry eyes - no negative effects whatsoever! Incredibly pleased with the results and wouldn't hesitate in recommending Mr.Allan and his team to friends. Its such a pleasure to not faff about with lenses anymore - really life changing!
Alessandro Noceti
Doctor Allen nad his staff were amazing at every stage of the process! The operation was pinless and in less than 3 days I was back to my everyday life..
N. Karim
My treatment was truly life-changing. As the weeks and months go on my sight is improving all the time. I only suffered from a 'haze-effect' or 'light-scatter' at night in the first few weeks after my treatment (which is normal) and now I have no problems. I don't even suffer from dry eyes, which as a contacts wearer before, was always an issue. Nothing can prepare you for that wonderful moment when you wake up the day after your surgery and you can see for the first time, without scrambling for your glasses. If you are considering surgery then I'm sure you've done a lot of research and I can wholeheartedly encourage you to go ahead with it. I was so nervous on the day of my surgery but Mr Allan put me at ease and calmly talked me through the whole procedure. He was fantastic. Now, three months on I have 20:20 vision and I'm still banging on to anyone who'll listen about how amazing it was to have laser eye surgery. If you follow the rules, and are religious about administering your drops after surgery you'll have a speedy recovery. I can't thanks Mr Allan enough.
A Brown
After much research, and a few consultations, the reviews here led me to Moorfields and an appointment with Dr Allan. I had a number of questions and doubts that were answered quickly and professionally. Ultimately, the decision to choose Moorfields came down to the reassurance of a consultation with the surgeon that would carry out the procedure (not possible with other clinics), the best possible equipment, surgical expertise and aftercare (if a follow-up surgery was needed). On the day, the procedure went well. It was not painful at all, thanks to the drops, and the team were great. I only experienced brief dizziness when sitting up immediately afterwards, a result of my nerves in the situation, but this soon passed once I relaxed again. The 1st 24 hours were foggy/hazy. At the follow-up check up the next day, the protective lenses were removed, and fog disappeared. At that point, my vision was tested and already exceeded 20/20. It was an amazing moment, the relief and realization that it was going to be a very good result, better than I had hoped for, with no need for a 2nd procedure. On the way home I remember being amazed by the detail I could already make out everywhere I looked, especially in the distance. The 1st weeks involved a regime of numerous drops, and my eyes were very sensitive, as expected. Personally it took me a while to adjust to viewing computer and TV screens again, and vision at night was problematic (also expected). In the months since the procedure there has been a constant improvement and stabilization. At the 3 month check-up, I was fully tested again and examined by Dr Allan, who said the results were very very good.Now, 6 months later, I've almost forgotten my vision before the surgery. The freedom from glasses/contacts is wonderful, and I'm still amazed each day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr Allan and the Moorfields team.
