Laser eye surgery is usually only available privately in the UK, so you pay the clinic directly. The NHS says you may be able to have it on the NHS only if you have an eye condition that could lead to loss of vision, or sight problems that glasses or contact lenses cannot correct.
Prices vary between clinics and between types of treatment. Some clinics charge one fixed price, while others start from a lower price that depends on your prescription. The prices below are taken from each clinic's own website.
Laser eye surgery prices by clinic
These are the prices each provider showed on its own website when we checked. Always confirm the price at your consultation, as it may change.
| Clinic | Treatment | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Express | LASEK | From £549 per eye, depending on prescription |
| Optical Express | LASIK | From £1,295 per eye, depending on prescription |
| Optical Express | LASEK or LASIK Advanced | From £1,495 per eye |
| Optimax | LASIK or LASEK | £1,295 per eye, fixed regardless of prescription |
| Optegra | LASEK | £1,495 per eye |
| Optegra | LASIK | £2,095 per eye |
| Optegra | ReLEx SMILE | £2,695 per eye |
| Optegra | Presbyond | £2,995 per eye |
| Moorfields Private | Laser eye surgery package | £5,682 for both eyes |
Why prices vary
- The type of treatment, such as LASEK, LASIK or SMILE
- Your prescription. Some clinics' lowest prices only apply to some prescriptions, while others charge one fixed price
- Whether the price is per eye or for both eyes
- What is included, such as consultations, aftercare visits, eye drops and any further treatment
Types of laser eye surgery
With laser eye surgery, a surgeon uses a laser to change the shape of the clear front surface of your eye (the cornea). LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea, LASEK treats the surface layer without a flap, and SMILE removes a small piece of tissue through a tiny opening. Your surgeon will advise which, if any, suits your eyes. Some people are better suited to lens surgery instead.
What to check before you book
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists publishes a checklist for people considering laser eye surgery. It suggests checking that:
- Your surgeon is on the GMC specialist register for ophthalmology
- Your surgeon holds the Royal College of Ophthalmologists' Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS)
- The clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England
- You meet the surgeon before the day of surgery and know who to contact if there are problems afterwards
Side effects and risks
The NHS says most people have some side effects, such as glare, halos, blurred vision or dry, sore eyes, which normally improve within a few months. Less often there can be complications, including under or over-correction, needing a second operation, or, rarely, serious loss of vision. Your surgeon should explain the risks for your eyes before you agree to treatment.
Before laser eye surgery: have an eye test
An up-to-date eye test shows your current prescription and checks the health of your eyes. Many high street opticians, including Boots Opticians, Specsavers and Vision Express, can do this, and some people find a new pair of glasses or contact lenses suits them better than surgery.
