Mr David Allamby specialises in LASIK, LASEK, Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) and other laser eye treatments at Focus Clinic, which he himself founded, and where he now works as the medical director.
Mr Allamby also happened to be the first surgeon in the UK to perform CK for long-sightedness (presbyopia), helping to free his patients from reading glasses. He also stands out as one of the only laser eye surgeons in the UK to focus solely on refractive laser treatment full-time, making him a leader in this field.
For these reasons and many more, David Allamby sits proudly in the list of the 10 top laser eye surgeons in the UK, based on thousands of patient reviews on Lasik Eyes since 2002.
☝ So, is Mr Allamby the one? To receive a tailored match and quote from a top-rated clinic near you, just click here to use our simple tool.
1. Qualifications
Mr David Allamby, FRCS(Ed), FRCOphth graduated from Sheffield University Medical School in 1987, and has specialised in ophthalmic surgery since 1989. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and then a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in 1993.
David Allamby has worked at some of the United Kingdom’s leading eye centres, including Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
As you would expect from a leading laser eye surgeon, Mr Allamby has published work – in ocular scar formation – whilst at the University of Manchester, which received funding from the prestigious Wellcome Trust grant.
2. Experience
Mr Allamby peforms the main types of laser eye surgery: LASIK and LASEK laser eye treatment, and CK radio eye correction – an innovative treatment for age-related vision issues – using state-of-the-art technology.
He works closely with each of his patients to determine which procedure most suits them, believing in the importance of his clients’ active participation through a process of full informed consent, so they can decide together which option is best.
In addition to clocking up more than 3,000 LASIK and LASEK laser surgeries to date, Mr Allamby has performed over 2,000 CK radio eye treatments, as well as providing CK surgery training to visiting consultants from countries around the world.
His particular expertise lies in the enhanced ‘light touch’ CK technique (a technique now adopted as standard by surgeons across the globe), which he partly pioneered at FOCUS Laser Vision and has more experience in than any other doctor in the world.
As a thought leader, David also runs a new informational blog for anyone wanting to learn more about LASIK and PRK laser eye surgery. It includes general information for UK patients, polling on key topics (currently on LASIK prices), informational videos and PDFs including watching live LASIK eye surgery and of course the opportunity to post your replies to blog topics, ask questions and request blog postings on subjects of interest.
3. Focus Clinic
Mr Allamby is the Chief Surgeon at Focus Clinic, a renowned Harley Street eye clinic. Focus enjoys a reputation as the go-to for celebrities, and claims of a 99.7% success rate for standard surgeries.
What makes it different? As you would expect from any independent eye clinic, it’s the consultants who led Focus Clinics, which means you’re unlikely to face hard sales strategies to use particular equipment, or accept a specific treatment.
Is there anything to look out for? As always, when choosing the right laser eye surgery provider for you, you don’t need to feel pressured into paying than you are comfortable with. With no finance options, and some of the highest laser eye surgery costs, this clinic won’t be for everyone.
4. Mr David Allamby Review: The Verdict
So, is Mr Allamby the right eye surgeon for you? Of course, that all depends on where you live, which treatment would suit your prescription, and what your budget is.
David Allamby is the medical director of one of the best laser eye surgery clinics in London, so if you live in the capital you may like to arrange an initial consultation with him to discuss your options.
That said, you’ll find cheaper laser and lens replacement costs elsewhere. If your optometrist diagnoses you with uncomplicated eye health, common procedures such as LASIK have a high success rate wherever you go, so you don’t have to feel pressured into paying more than you would like.
☝ 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 David Allamby Reviews
K Kwang
If you ever decide to have laser eye surgery, Focus Clinic is the place to have it!First of all, I am not paid to write this review. I only decided to pen down my experience having seen some less distinguished practices elsewhere. Naturally I understand the results of taking un-calculated risks especially that my work entails risk management in a large bank. I had been to two other consultations elsewhere, one who supposedly housed a top Lasik surgeon but I found the connectedness lacking. Risks were dismissed altogether in the other clinic.My consultations with Focus Clinic brought a different dimension to this. I chose Focus for a variety of reasons, chief of them were:1. Good size set up which means there is more connectedness with patient, unlike larger franchises. I had 3 per-operative consultations (and 4 sets of scans) because I want to understand more about Lasik risks and the staff and surgeon were very accommodating. Even judging from post-operative care, they couldn’t have done much better- a good acid test of whether Focus was more interested in customer care above simply closing a sale. 2. Great surgeon. To sum up my thoughts about him- has a wealth of experience in Lasik, answers questions with depth and foremost has an unshakeable faith in helping you assess whether Lasik is best for you.3. Provides me ample time to read through the consent form and encouraged to ask as many questions as I wish which were then either answered by the optometrist who attended to me and by Dr Allamby himself.4. Very thorough consultations which live up to their promise of treating good candidates only. Depending on how you view it, I find this a good measure of risk mitigation.5. There is no persuasion whatsoever to close out your sale. There is not one single mention in my pre-operative consultations that I should go ahead with the surgery or urged to book my surgery as soon as possible. Focus appears to be neutral whether I decide to go ahead with Lasik and with them or not which can only mean that they do consider the well being of patients first, unlike other commercial set ups or franchises.5. Lifetime aftercare guarantee. Although I hope never to need this, but it does bring a peace of mind. This distinguished Focus from the entity housing my previous consultation with a top Lasik surgeon where aftercare is only limited to 12 months.6. £30 of every treatment goes to a charity foundation. In brief, I was served well by a great team of staff lead by Dr Allamby. Many thanks to Malisa, a brilliant patient care coordinator who had always attended to my calling and who is my first contact person for Focus. Both Caroline and Ritu did an excellent job examining my precious set of eyes pre and post-surgery.If you are reading this, please do not take this review as a guide that Lasik is best for everyone. After that, it is an elective surgery. But based on my experience, if you ever decide to go for Lasik, then Focus Clinic is highly recommended!
Mandi
Z Lasik Crystal Plus-I have worn glasses or contact lenses for 26 years and finally had the opportunity, financially, to look into having laser treatment. I was recommended Focus by 2 separate friends and particularly Dr Allenby. From my first contact with Emma on the phone everyone at the clinic has been friendly, helpful and very reassuring. The clinic carried out various tests on my first visit and were able to give me a number of options. I was sent away with a set of contact lenses to simulate what my vision could be like. This help tremendously with the decision making process of what treatment I would undergo. On the day I was obviously very nervous and once again the staff were fantastic at reassuring me and helped put me at ease. The actual treatment was very quick and Dr Allamby and his team talked me through each step – even giving me stress balls! Immediately after the treatment I could see more clearly. I am at day 2 and everything is exactly as they had described. Looking out of my bedroom window this morning was a joy as I could see clearly! Which was as exciting as I had hoped it would be. Thank you everyone.
Sarah
Blended Vision- All at Focus were extremely pleasant, reassuring and professional and Mr Allamby is clearly a highly skilled surgeon. Focus was recommended to me and I will recommend to others. I wish I’d had it done years ago!
Chris
Ab-so-lute-ly incredible. I can't stop grinning. It's the morning after and literally no more than 18 hours ago, I was nervously lying down on a clinical bed being told to stare directly at a green flashing light. Now, for the first time in 15 years, I'm looking freely out of the window, tracing the tops of houses in the distant horizon and typing without the need for glasses or contact lenses. For me it feels unreal and I can only describe this 10 minute procedure as bordering miraculous.It's amazing to think that yesterday, I was short-sighted by around -3.75 in both eyes and suffering from astigmatism. I felt embarrassed and disappointed by my inability to define even the largest full-sized letter E without assistance. Today, on the other hand, in the very same examination room, I somehow managed to surprise myself by being able to reel off the tiniest letters on the bottom of the chart entirely unaided and with my own two eyes. That aside, I was thrilled to learn that my eyes were not only corrected and recovering well but I had attained near 20/12 vision... overnight. Almost twice better than the average 20/20? Gobsmacked is an understatement!Like most, I've been considering having laser surgery for a while and researched thoroughly into several companies. Having had consultations with most major clinics, I can report that all were highly professional and welcoming - but it was Focus Clinic who stood out as a clear cut above the rest. From the outset, I sensed my eyes would be under the safest supervision and best care possible. Perhaps it was the fact that every staff member here - from reception to treatment room, assistants, technicians, the lovely Emma from patient-care to the formidable surgeon David Allamby - all without exception appeared dedicated to offering the maximum information along with uncompromising attention. Or perhaps it was the unfailing smiles, the extremely thorough examination and re-examination or the proud confidence of having the best laser equipment in the country with an outstanding 100% track record to match? Whatever it was, you won me over and I can truly say that my expectations have been surpassed beyond what I thought was possible! Thank you so so much.For the first time, I can now understand why the same cliched responses appear again and again from your patients. Yes, the procedure really is that fast. Yes, you really do get the results (if you comply strictly to the aftercare programme). Yes, I really do wish I had done it sooner. And yes, if anyone happened to be considering it, I would urge them to go ahead and do it - and to look nowhere else but you. I cannot recommend you highly enough.
Angela
After several months of deliberation, I decided that I would like to proceed with having laser eye surgery. So, I went to a very well-known High Street opticians to find out how to proceed, but they told me it was impossible to have laser eye surgery, due to the fact I have an astigmatism in both eyes. After doing some extensive research online I found that Focus Laser vision were able to operate on some patients with astigmatisms. So, I phoned to find out more. From the moment that I picked up the phone and spoke to the receptionist, who was extremely friendly and informative, I had no hesitation in booking my initial consultation.The thought of having laser eye surgery was extremely daunting, but I can honestly say that from the moment I walked into the clinic, I knew I was in the best place. Every single member of staff I dealt with was friendly, informative, helpful, and caring. Dr Allamby and his team were absolutely fantastic. The procedure didn't take very long and Dr Allamby talked me through every single step. I felt no pain whatsoever. The after-care service and support is second-to-none. I am happy to report that I now have better than 20/20 vision and no need for glasses anymore. Had I known it would be this easy, I would have had this surgery a long time ago. I simply cannot recommend Focus Laser vision highly enough, they are absolutely outstanding in every way
Robert
I have just come in for my 24 hour post surgery check-up. Yesterday was very stressful as I was very nervous beforehand as laser eye surgery was something I had wanted to have done for several years but hadn’t had the nerve to do until now. I did a bit of research beforehand including asking friends of their experiences and I have to say that I definitely chose the right place. From the moment that I arrived for the initial consultation until today the team at Focus have been so friendly, reassuring and thoroughly professional. My surgeon David Allamby gave me absolutely no doubt that he was about to do the best job possible and thus far the results are proving this to be true as my vision is amazing. Thank you!
Brian
As I write, 24hrs after treatment, I can only say good things about this clinic, their staff and Mr Dave Allamby in particular. All my research into this procedure and choice of Focus feels supported now by my own experience. The key factors for me were the honesty of the clinics (website 100% accurate), competency of staff – surgeon especially, technology – best in UK.My case was a mid range myopia, -4.00 each eye with differing astigmatism to boot. They were happy to boast the Uk’s only 100% 20/20 or better record since their latest technology investment in 2011. By my calculations, this has to be about 1000 treatments by now.So now for me, with my own 20/20 only 24hrs in, I am confident of further improvement to come.I remain confident that all their aftercare promises will be met – all has be to the high standard I expected thus far.For this Focus charge a fair premium, but are far from the most expensive around. If like me you want the very best for your eyes, then all things remaining equal, Focus would be an excellent choice for you too.
Peter Williams
From the first free consultation to the day of the procedure my treatment has been fantastic, I can now read everything clearly and my distance vision is 20/12, which is better than the normal.After wearing contact lenses for over 35 years I had to wait for my eyes to settle down, I had thorough eye examinations each month to check if the prescription and astigmatism were changing. After 4 months the procedure could go ahead.Mr Allamby was truly wonderful, explaining everything clearly and putting all my nerves to rest, prior to him undertaking one final eye examination before the procedure. It is now over 1 month since the procedure and my vision is perfect.I can fully recommend Focus Laser Vision.
Roel
I got my eyes lasered in August 2011, and am still it every day. Service, including check ups, was excellent at Focus. Unsurprisingly, I was a bit scared before-hand, but everything worked out perfectly. My eyes were about -4 with cilinders, and after the operation I got 16/20 vision (I didn’t now it could be better than 20/20!)Since the operation, the only thing that I’ve experienced is dry eyes. But I’ve always had pretty dry eyes, so I have no clue whether it has any relation to the operation. Even if it has, I think putting in some eye drops from time to time would be a small price to pay for perfect eye sight.The ladies at the clinic were great, very professional and personable. I only met the surgeon for a very short period, which could’ve been a bit more, but he did a great job, so lots of thanks to him as well.I waited to write this review to see whether there were any long term side effects, but I’ve experienced none so far.
Barbara Jukes
I had LASIK in both eyes five years ago, for 'blended vision' and was delighted with the result. Two years ago when I started a degree course, I started to wear reading glasses to support my 'distance' eye. Ie to make both eyes reading eyes. I came to rely on them more and more until I couldn't read without them. I was unhappy about this and remembered that Focus provide lifelong aftercare, so went back for a consultation. It appeared my prescription had changed, which is quite rare, but it could be corrected by either more LASIK in my reading eye, or by having the Kamra inlay procedure. As I'd previously had surgery at Focus, this treatment would be at 50% of the cost for one eye only. Everything was thoroughly explained to me from the treatment to payment, including all the aftercare. The staff are so friendly, as well as being totally professional. Mr Allenby is an excellent surgeon who installs confidence. The surgery, equipment and waiting rooms are modern and spotless. I really enjoy my visits for check ups and afterwards do a little shopping on Oxford St and Bond St which is about 5 minutes walk away.I have recommended Focus to my friends and family and would recommend them to everyone.
Gabriella
I saw an offer for half price eye surgery and I was very undecided on whether to take advantage of it. I finally decided to phone Focus and find out more. From the first phone call I felt I was in safe hands, and I decided to go ahead and am so glad I did. The eye tests to decide whether I was suitable for this type of surgery were rigorous and if I had been found unsuitable I would have been told and Focus would not have performed the procedure. I found this very reassuring as I'm sure there are less professional clinics who would operate regardless, or maybe I'm just cynical... I met David Allamby who performed the procedure on the day of the operation and I immediately felt I was in safe hands. I was very nervous before I was taken into the operating theatre but there really wasn't anything to fear. The procedure is painless. I can now see really well and I'm so glad I've been able to ditch my specs - I've never enjoyed wearing them and I love the freedom of not having to reach for them as I wake up. It's quite miraculous and I spent the first few days being amazed by how well I could see.All the staff at Focus are very professional and put you at your ease. So a big thank you to all of them and I can't recommend Focus Vision highly enough.
