If you’re tired of constantly wearing glasses or fiddling with contact lenses, you might be considering laser eye surgery as a more permanent solution. But before booking a consultation, there’s one big question on most people’s minds – how much does laser eye surgery really cost in the UK?
The truth is, the price can vary a lot depending on the type of procedure, the clinic you choose, and even your individual prescription. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about laser eye surgery costs, including what influences the price, whether it’s worth it, and how to make sure you’re getting a good deal without compromising your eyesight.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting vision problems like short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The most common types are:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): Fast recovery and popular for its accuracy.
- LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy): Suitable for thinner corneas but has a longer recovery time.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A newer method with a less invasive technique.
Each of these treatments comes with different costs and benefits.
The Average Cost of Laser Eye Surgery in the UK
In the UK, the average cost of laser eye surgery can range between £1,500 to £3,000 per eye, depending on the clinic and the procedure you go for. That means for both eyes, you’re looking at a total between £3,000 and £6,000.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Procedure | Average Cost per Eye |
| LASIK | £1,800 – £2,500 |
| LASEK | £1,500 – £2,000 |
| SMILE | £2,000 – £3,000 |
These prices usually include the surgery itself, initial consultation, and aftercare, but not always. Some clinics offer headline prices that don’t include essential extras, so it pays to read the fine print.
What Affects the Price?
Several factors can influence how much you end up paying for laser eye surgery in the UK:
1. Your Prescription
People with a high or complex prescription may need more advanced treatment or additional care, which can increase the cost.
2. Type of Surgery
Some procedures are more complex than others. For example, SMILE is typically more expensive than LASIK due to newer technology and fewer clinics offering it.
3. Clinic Reputation and Surgeon Experience
High-end clinics with experienced surgeons and a strong reputation may charge more, but they often offer better results and care.
4. Location
Clinics in London and major cities usually have higher prices than those in smaller towns. This is mainly due to operational costs.
5. Aftercare Packages
Some clinics include comprehensive aftercare for a year or more in the price, while others charge separately. Always ask what’s included.
Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Prices
You may have seen adverts offering laser eye surgery for as little as £595 per eye. While tempting, these prices often only apply to people with a very low prescription or are only available through limited-time offers that may come with restrictions. You might also end up paying more for extras like consultation fees, follow-up appointments, or enhancements.
Always double-check: – What’s included in the quoted price – Whether your prescription qualifies for the lower cost – If you’ll need to pay extra for aftercare or enhancements
Is Laser Eye Surgery Worth the Cost?
That depends on how you look at it. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, the cost of eye tests, lenses, frames, and cleaning solutions adds up over time. Let’s say you spend around £250 per year on glasses and contact lenses. Over 10 years, that’s £2,500.
Laser eye surgery might cost more upfront, but it’s a one-time expense. Plus, the convenience of not having to deal with lenses every morning or steaming up your glasses during a workout is hard to put a price on.
Can You Spread the Cost?
Yes. Many clinics in the UK offer payment plans or 0% finance options so you can pay monthly. For example, if your procedure costs £4,000 and the clinic offers 24-month interest-free finance, you could pay around £166 a month. Just make sure you understand the terms before signing up.
Can the NHS Cover It?
Laser eye surgery is not usually covered by the NHS, as it is considered a cosmetic or elective procedure. There are some exceptions for medical conditions, but most people will need to pay privately.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before committing to any laser eye surgery, ask the clinic the following questions:
- Is the quoted price all-inclusive?
- What type of surgery are you recommending and why?
- How experienced is the surgeon?
- What does the aftercare involve?
- Are enhancements included if the first procedure doesn’t fully correct my vision?
Tips for Getting the Best Value
- Shop around. Get quotes from at least two or three clinics.
- Read reviews. Check platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews.
- Ask about guarantees. Some clinics offer lifetime aftercare or enhancement guarantees.
- Check surgeon credentials. A more experienced surgeon may cost more, but your eyes are worth it.
- Consider travel. If prices are too high in your city, look at other locations where costs may be lower.
Real Patient Example
Emma, 26, from Manchester, shared her experience: “I paid £3,600 for LASIK on both eyes with a reputable clinic. It included my consultation, surgery, and 12 months of aftercare. I used their 0% finance plan and paid around £150 per month. Best money I’ve ever spent – I wake up and can actually see.”
Final Thoughts
Laser eye surgery can be life-changing, and while it might seem expensive upfront, many people see it as a smart long-term investment. The key is doing your research, knowing exactly what you’re paying for, and not being swayed by overly cheap deals that don’t tell the full story.
If you’re seriously considering it, book a few consultations to get a feel for the clinics and make sure you’re confident in both the procedure and the people performing it. Your eyes are too important to leave to chance.
