With 20 years performing vision correction surgery under his belt, Mr Julian Stevens has been a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital since 1988.
The good news? Mr Stevens makes the list of the 10 best laser eye surgeons in the UK, based on thousands of patient reviews since 2002. Hundreds of former patients have left positive reviews, praising his surgical skill and caring manner.
Is there anything I should know? You’ve probably already guessed this, but Mr Stevens’s experience and prime London address also makes him one of the most expensive eye surgeons around. As with all Moorfields surgeons, his prices can be double that of competitors.
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 Julian Stevens
Julian Stevens won a scholarship to study Medicine at Merton College, University of Oxford, where he was then awarded a Postmaster scholarship. He graduated top of his year in 1980 and was awarded the Oxford University Prize in Medicine for the top First Class Honours Degree.
He continued his clinical medical training at Clare College, University of Cambridge and at the Cambridge Medical School. Higher training was undertaken at the Oxford Eye Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
2. Training
After completing his general ophthalmic surgical training, Mr Stevens undertook two years of sub-specialist training, with Fellowships in Lens, Corneal and then Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Mr Stevens was appointed as Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in January 1996. His main interest is laser refractive surgery.
He has been involved in the development and application of wavefront refractive surgery and has personally performed over 10,000 wavefront procedures. Mr Stevens was the first Director of Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
3. Qualifications
Mr Stevens joins Professor David Gartry in being one of the UK’s most qualified eye surgeons. He is an examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and holds the Certification of the Royal College in Laser Refractive Surgery. He is an advisor to the British Society for Refractive Surgery and is on the Board of the International Society of Refractive Surgery.
He has won prizes from both the American and the European Societies of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He is the recipient of the 2007 American Academy of Ophthalmology (ISRS/ AAO) Lans award for innovation in refractive surgery.
Internationally recognised as an expert opinion leader, Mr Stevens has published peer reviewed papers on refractive surgery and is regularly invited to deliver keynote lectures at national and international ophthalmic meetings.
Mr Stevens trains Ophthalmic Surgeons in advanced refractive and cataract surgery. He founded the Moorfields basic and advanced IntraLASIK courses and the Moorfields wavefront training course for Ophthalmic Surgeons.
4. Patient Reviews
“My husband and I had lens replacement by Mr Stevens last year, and are both thrilled with our results. After years of wearing glasses, we feel liberated from them from the moment we wake up. I would personally recommend Mr Stevens, and would not hesitate to refer any of my family to see him when the necessity arises for them to seek eye treatment.” – June Clayton
“I had LASIK in 2005, performed by Mr Julian Stevens at Moorfields Eye Hospital. I have absolutely fantastic vision and it stills shocks me just how well I can see. The procedure was quick and painless, and Mr Stevens and his team made me feel at ease throughout the whole process.” – Rosie
“Mr Stevens was fairly brief in his pre-op time given for discussion but you could say, efficient and utterly knowledgeable. His junior doctors were not so well informed and one lady even fobbed me off with false information. His receptionists (especially Janet – a star) were much better informed. Overall I received all the answers I needed (I was annoyingly inquisitive) but had the sense that as a customer of an expensive and commercial procedure, time for chat was necessarily not huge. Delighted with the results.” – Andrew James
5. Prices
As you would expect at Moorfields Private, Mr Stevens does not come cheap.
Laser refractive surgery costs twice the quotes at other leading UK clinics, although the prices for lens replacement surgery are only around a third more, given the higher base cost of the lens itself.
- Consultation: £150 – £600
- Wavefront laser refractive surgery: £4,370 – £4,970
- Refractive lens surgery: £3,825 – £4,430 (per eye)
- Cataract surgery cost: £3,825 – £4,430 (per eye)
Unlike at many other clinics, initial consultations with Mr Stevens are not free – you’ll be paying between £150 and £600, depending on the surgery you’re interested in. If you would prefer to have the option to pay monthly for your surgery, it’s worth looking around, as Moorfields will need the full payment up front. At Optical Express or Ultralase, for instance, you could pay around £50 a month for two years.
6. The Verdict
So, is Mr Stevens 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 industry, but he can also justify them, as one of the UK’s most qualified surgeons.
You’d be in trusted hands with Mr Stevens. That said, with eye surgery considered a safe elective surgery by the General Medical Council (GMC), no one should feel obliged to spend any more than they are comfortable with. You can always attend free consultations with a range of surgeons to see where you feel most comfortable.
☝ 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 Julian Stevens Reviews
Desmond Higgins
I had a lens implant in both eyes with Julian Stevens and his team 1 month ago. The results are better than I expected with my vision restored to clarity from the near distance to the far distance. Julian Stevens and his team led me through the process from the bieginning with confidence and kindness. The whole experience has been painless and exciting
Michael Egenner
I met Mr Stevens in 2006 at Moorfields Eye Hospital London and recently again at his consulting rooms in St Ann’s Street, London. At the age of 54 in 2006 my eyesight became poor to the state that I could not see to drive safely. The problems were not simple but diagnosed and corrected by Mr Stevens. In 2023 I had an issue with one eye which was described by my local optician as way beyond his pay grade. Again, Mr Stevens expertly diagnosed and rectified, a surgeon at the top of his field. My eyesight in 2024 is better than 20/20 thanks to the expertise of Mr Stevens and the support of his excellent staff. From my own experience and in discussions with others Mr Stevens is a surgeon whose experience and skill we can count on in simple or complex eye surgical matters.
Catherine Ford
I’ve had two procedures performed by Mr Stevens, both transformative to my sight and day to day living. Both were quick and painless with practically zero downtime or interference to my life. I would recommend Mr Stevens unreservedly, he is a brilliant surgeon and you will be in the safest of hands with him and his superb team. Catherine Ford
Fiona Kirkness
Both my lense replacements were carried out by Mr Stevens and I am delighted with the results . He is an excellent surgeon and the process was all very easy and professional and I have no hesitation in recommending him and his excellent team .
Archie Tulloch
Julian recently performed laser eye surgery to correct my short-sightedness. The process from start to finish was highly professional. I would strongly recommend his services!
David Wilkinson
I was referred for cataract surgery by my GP who had been successfully treated by Mr Stevens last year. It is now three weeks since the procedure I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. Having discussed the available options with Mr Stevens I now only need reading glasses as my distance sight has been restored. I can’t fault the professionalism of his team as a result of which any concerns were allayed, the whole procedure being quick and painless. Thank you.
Katharine Ugeux-Lewis
Excellent surgeon and team, using the latest technology. Very precise and top quality care. Hoghly recommended
Anthony Waring
Following recent YAG laser surgery I now have incredible near and far vision better than 20 20. I cannot recommend Mr Stevens and his team enough.
Chris Yardley
I had an astigmatism and wore glasses from age 40. Recently, my vision was additionally becoming impaired by cataracts so I arranged an appointment with Julian Stevens in London. Mr Stevens gave clear advice and recommendations and my surgery was carried out a week later. The procedure was quick and easy and entirely painless. He and his team were very friendly and professional throughout. I had no concerns whatsoever. My vision is now 20/20 without glasses. The whole procedure has been life changing and I have no hesitation in highly recommending Julian Stevens to anyone who needs the very best eye surgery available. To anyone involved as I was, in aviation and has annual medicals, I would add that Mr Stevens has specialist knowledge and expertise in the field, including CAA procedures and requirements for aviators. Chris
Callum
I was sent to Julian by a Defence colleague that had visited Mr Stevens to receive vision correction prior to starting pilot training. Once I had a look at Mr Steven’s website and contacted him, I felt assured that he had had dealings with the military before and knew what kind of procedures were best for people in the aircrew profession. Throughout the treatment process I felt like I was in good hands and had lots of support to answer my questions, in what in quite a strange and scary time. I highly recommend Mr Stevens to anyone in and outside of Defence, looking to get laser eye surgery.
Steve Crosby
I would just like to thank Mr Julian Stevens for the fabulous job he has done on my eyes. I went on Monday for a consultation, Wednesday I had the procedure with sedation and the whole experience was fantastic. No pain and virtually immendiate 20/20 vision. I had to return on the Thursday to check everything was okay, which it was and after 3 weeks of 3 types of drops three times a day everything is great, no more glasses. Long and short vision is now fantastic, what a great job you did for me. Kindest Steve Crosby
