Compare Laser Eye Surgery Costs

In 2026, most people in the UK pay roughly £1,300 to £3,000 per eye for private laser eye surgery, depending on the procedure, prescription and clinic. Standard LASIK or LASEK at national chains often starts from around £1,295 to £1,995 per eye, while premium procedures such as SMILE, SmartSight or PRESBYOND commonly sit between £2,500 and £3,900 per eye.

For both eyes, prices range from about £2,600 to £6,500. Some advertised “from” prices are much lower, but these usually apply only to simpler prescriptions or specific treatment types.

This guide pulls together current prices from major UK brands and independent clinics, explains what actually drives the cost, and helps you decide whether laser eye surgery is worth the money for you.

How much does laser eye surgery cost in the UK in 2026?

The price you pay for laser eye surgery will depend on your prescription, your eyes and the clinic you choose. That said, most 2026 UK prices sit in the broad bands in the table below.

A few key points to keep in mind:

• Headline “from” prices are not what most people actually pay. Very low marketing prices are often reserved for the simplest prescriptions and a small percentage of patients. For example, only 22.8% of individual eyes assessed at consultation had a prescription which qualified for Optical Express LASEK surgery priced at £595.
• Most real quotes for both eyes cluster around £3,000 – £5,000 once you account for standard diagnostics and aftercare.
• High-end packages and complex prescriptions can exceed £6,000 for both eyes, especially in London and premium hospital-based centres.

Always ask clinics whether a quote is per eye or for both eyes, and what is included.

Laser eye surgery prices (per eye) by clinic

Here are the current prices for laser eye surgery in popular clinics as of March 2026.

Lens surgery & cataract prices (per eye) by clinic

Here are the current prices for lens surgery, including cataract surgery, in popular clinics as of March 2026.

Prices accurate as of 18th March 2026.

Cost by procedure type

Different laser procedures sit at slightly different price points.

LASIK

LASIK remains the most common type of laser eye surgery. Public UK prices currently start from around £1,295 per eye at some national providers, with many consultant-led and premium clinics charging £1,995 to £3,250 per eye, depending on the technology used and whether pricing is shown per eye or for both eyes.

LASEK / PRK / surface laser treatments

LASEK / PRK / TransPRK often starts lower than LASIK. Current public prices range from around £575 to £595 per eye for limited simple-case promotions, up to around £2,200 to £2,950+ per eye at premium or consultant-led clinics.

ReLEx SMILE

ReLEx SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction), SMILE Pro, and SmartSight are newer flapless laser procedures and are usually priced above standard LASIK or LASEK. Current UK pricing typically ranges from £1,995 to £2,595 per eye, with some premium London clinics publishing broader laser treatment bands up to £3,750 per eye.

SmartSight

SmartSight™ is an evolution of the SMILE procedure and uses keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLex). It is an invasive, flapless technique that ensures quick recovery and minimal discomfort. Current public prices vary by clinic, with examples ranging from £1,995 per eye at OCL Vision to £2,500 per eye at Laser Vision Scotland.

Presbyond, blended vision and other advanced treatments

PRESBYOND, blended vision and other reading-glasses correction laser treatments are usually priced at the top end of the laser range. Current public prices are commonly around £2,827 to £3,900 per eye, depending on the clinic and complexity.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) or lens replacement

A lens-based procedure that swaps your natural lens for an artificial one. It is usually more expensive than laser for the same clinic, often around £3,000 to £4,000+ per eye, depending on whether you choose a standard monofocal lens or a premium multifocal or trifocal option.

Implantable contact lenses (ICL and phakic IOLs)

These are tiny lenses placed inside the eye without removing your natural lens. They are typically used for very high prescriptions or for thin corneas and usually cost around £3,000 per eye, sometimes more.

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery prices are generally within the range of £2,000 to £3,000 per eye for a standard monofocal lens and £3,000 to £4,000+ per eye for premium or multifocal lenses.

Some clinics charge the same price for LASIK and LASEK and only increase prices for SMILE or blended-vision treatments. Others have a tiered structure in which each additional level of technology adds a few hundred pounds per eye.

What is typically included in the headline price?

In most reputable UK clinics, the core price for laser eye surgery will include:

• A detailed pre-operative consultation, including scans, topography and prescription checks. Where a consultation fee is charged, it should be clearly shown on the clinic’s pricing page. For example, the Centre for Sight charge £445 for a cataract or lens surgery consultation.
• The laser procedure itself for one or both eyes.
• A set number of follow-up appointments in the first weeks and months.
• Standard medications, such as eye drops and lubricants for the early recovery period.

However, clinics differ in how far they go beyond the basics. You should always check whether the price also covers:

• Enhancement or “top-up” treatments if your vision regresses within a certain period.
• Extended aftercare, for example, follow-ups beyond three to six months.
• Dry eye treatment if you need extra support post-surgery.
• Replacement medications or extra drops if recovery takes longer than expected.

If a quote looks surprisingly cheap, ask what has been left out or charged separately.

What affects the cost of laser eye surgery?

Your prescription and eye health

Two people can sit in the same waiting room and receive very different quotes. That is often because of:

• Prescription strength and complexity: higher short- or long-sightedness prescriptions, significant astigmatism, or a mix of issues can be more complex to treat, which increases the price.
• Corneal thickness and shape: thin or irregular corneas may rule out standard LASIK, so you might be steered towards more expensive surface treatments or SMILE instead.
• Previous eye conditions or surgery: previous infections, scarring, keratoconus, corneal transplants or retinal problems can all change what is safe and what it costs.

The more complex your eyes, the more likely you are to be offered premium technology or more time with senior surgeons. That often pushes prices up.

Procedure type and technology

Laser eye surgery is not one single treatment. Clinics invest heavily in different lasers and scanners, and these choices affect your bill.

Costs are often higher when clinics use:

• Bladeless LASIK (where a femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap instead of a blade).
• Advanced wavefront-guided or topography-guided treatments that customise the laser pattern to your eyes.
• Keyhole techniques, such as ReLEx SMILE, use small incisions and can be gentler on the cornea.

You should always ask:

• What type of laser will be used on my eyes?
• Is the quoted price for standard treatment, or for the most advanced technology?
• What difference does that tech make to my likely vision and risk profile?

Paying more for the latest technology can be good value if it genuinely improves your outcome, but you should understand what you are buying.

Clinic, surgeon and location

Where and by whom you are treated affects cost just as much as the laser itself.

• National chains (for example, Optical Express and Optimax) often have the most competitive prices and regular promotions. You may see more variation in surgeon seniority and clinic size.
• Premium hospital-based centres and boutique clinics tend to charge more. In return, you may see the same consultant throughout, have surgery in a hospital environment and receive more one-to-one time.
• London and other major cities are usually at the top of the price range. Regional clinics, including those run by the same national chains, often charge less for the same procedure.

Consultant-level surgeons with extensive refractive experience may charge higher fees than less senior colleagues. When comparing prices, always weigh it against:

• Surgeon’s experience and qualifications.
• The clinic’s complication rates and outcomes.
• The level of aftercare on offer.

What is included in the quote and what is not

One of the biggest drivers of “sticker shock” is what a clinic chooses to bundle into its advertised price.

For laser eye surgery, some clinics include the initial consultation in the headline price, while others require a refundable or non-refundable deposit. For example, Centre for Sight currently shows a £500 deposit for laser eye surgery that includes consultation and is deducted from the surgery cost, while OCL Vision shows a free initial consultation with a £50 refundable deposit for laser treatment.

Ask each provider:

• Is the consultation free, or do I pay up front? If there is a fee, is it taken off the surgery cost if I go ahead?
• Are all diagnostic tests included? Some clinics charge extra for advanced scans.
• How many follow-up appointments are included? Are later visits charged separately?
• What is your enhancement policy? Will I have to pay again for a top-up if my vision regresses?

You should also factor in non-medical costs, such as:

• Travel to and from the clinic, especially for multiple visits.
• Time off work for the surgery and recovery.
• Accommodation, if you are travelling far and advised not to drive.

Two clinics can quote the same “per eye” price but offer very different overall value once everything is counted.

Comparing UK laser eye surgery providers and prices

Big national brands (Optical Express, Optegra, Optimax, Ultralase and others)

Typically, the big national chains (e.g Optical Express, Optegra, Optimax, Ultralase) offer the following:

• Transparent, tiered price lists for LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE, usually starting at £1,400–£1,600 per eye for standard treatments and rising for premium technology.
• All-inclusive packages that bundle consultation, surgery, a set number of aftercare visits and, in some cases, enhancements within a fixed time frame.
• Prominent finance offers include 0% for 10–12 months with a deposit, or longer-term plans with interest.
• “From £X per eye” marketing, where only simpler prescriptions qualify for the very lowest price. However, they cannot mislead in their marketing offers and must adhere to the General Medical Council’s guidance for all doctors who offer cosmetic interventions.

These providers can offer good value, especially if you are a suitable candidate for mainstream procedures and live near one of their many clinics. Always check how your quote compares to their published ranges and whether you are being upgraded to more expensive options.

Specialist hospitals and premium centres

Hospital-based providers and boutique centres (e.g. Moorfields Private, Nuffield, Harley Street clinics) in areas like Harley Street tend to charge more per eye than national chains. Patients often pay for:

• Direct access to named consultant ophthalmologists with extensive sub-specialist training.
• Surgery in a hospital theatre environment, sometimes with more personalised care.
• Fixed package prices for both eyes that include extended aftercare and, occasionally, a written enhancement policy.

Typical laser packages in these settings can range from around £2,000 to £3,500 per eye, depending on the procedure and technology chosen. For both eyes, quotes of £4,000 to £7,000 are not unusual.

For some people, especially those with complex eyes or particular risk concerns, that premium can be worthwhile. Others will get very similar outcomes from a national chain at a lower cost.

Regional and local clinics

Outside London and the South East, you will find smaller regional groups and independent clinics offering:

• Prices that sometimes undercut London by several hundred pounds per eye.
• A middle ground between big-chain efficiency and boutique-style continuity of care.

Do not assume that a smaller clinic is either better or worse. Check:

• The surgeon’s credentials and caseload. The need to meet the Professional Standards for Refractive Surgery (Dec 2021) set by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
• The technology they use.
• What exactly is included in their quote.

If you live in an expensive area, it can be worth comparing prices with clinics in nearby cities that are reachable by train or car.

Do Specsavers or Boots offer laser eye surgery?

Specsavers and Boots do not offer laser eye surgery.

• Specsavers currently focuses on eye tests, glasses and contact lenses. It provides information about laser eye surgery and may refer patients on, but it does not typically perform laser surgery in standard high-street branches. Where surgery is linked to Specsavers, it is usually performed by a third-party specialist clinic.
• Boots Opticians also concentrates on tests, glasses and contact lenses. Boots previously had its own laser eye surgery centres, but today patients are usually assessed and then referred on to dedicated surgical providers.

In practical terms, that means your surgery price will be set by the partner clinic, not by Specsavers or Boots themselves. It will usually fall within the same ranges given elsewhere in this guide.

Can you get laser eye surgery on the NHS?

Laser eye surgery is available on the NHS, but it has strict eligibility requirements. Eye surgery is not available on the NHS for people who just want to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses. NHS-funded laser eye surgery is reserved for people with serious medical indications, for example:

• Refractive errors that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
• Certain corneal conditions or complications after eye surgery.
• Situations where vision is severely impaired and surgery is judged necessary to protect sight or quality of life.

Even then, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and policies can vary between local NHS regions. If you think you might qualify, speak to your GP or an eye specialist at your hospital. For everyone else, laser eye surgery is treated as elective, cosmetic refractive surgery, which means going private.

Laser eye surgery via private health insurance

Most standard UK private health insurance policies explicitly exclude laser eye surgery when it is done to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

However, there are a few exceptions:

• Some comprehensive or upgraded policies include a limited optical or “laser eye surgery” benefit, which may pay a fixed cash amount towards surgery.
• Specific optical cash plans allow you to claim a portion of the cost back up to an annual limit.

The key is to check the small print. Look for:

• References to “refractive surgery”, “laser eye surgery” or “optical benefits”.
• Any waiting periods or exclusions.
• Whether the benefit is per eye, per procedure or per policy year.

Do not assume that insurance will pay the full amount. Most people will still pay the majority of the cost themselves.

How to check what you are entitled to

A few practical steps:

• Call your insurer and ask specifically about laser eye surgery rather than just “eye treatment”.
• Request confirmation in writing of any benefit you are told you have.
• Read the latest NHS guidance on laser eye surgery and refractive surgery, so you understand how the NHS views risk and suitability.

Is laser eye surgery worth the money?

Long-term costs vs glasses and contact lenses

Whether laser eye surgery is “worth it” is partly emotional and partly financial. A simple way to think about the money is to compare the one-off surgery cost with what you would otherwise spend over the next decade.

Here are two simplified examples.

Example 1: Daily contact lens wearer

• Contact lenses and solutions: £40 per month (around £480 per year).
• New glasses every 3 years at around £200 a pair: roughly £70 per year, averaged over time.
• Routine eye tests: say £25 every 2 years, or about £12 per year.

Over 10 years, that adds up to roughly:

• £480 × 10 = £4,800 on contact lenses and solutions.
• £70 × 10 = £700 on glasses.
• £12 × 10 = £120 on tests.

Total over 10 years: around £5,600.

If you instead pay £3,500 to £4,000 for laser eye surgery on both eyes, you could potentially spend less overall, while also gaining years of freedom from lenses.

Example 2: Occasional glasses wearer

If you mainly wear glasses and only change them every few years, your 10-year spend might look closer to:

• £200 on new glasses every 4 years: £500 over 10 years.
• Regular eye tests: maybe £150–£200 over 10 years.

Total: around £650-£700.

In that scenario, laser eye surgery is unlikely to save money outright. Any value is more about lifestyle and convenience than pounds and pence.

How long do laser eye surgery benefits last?

Laser eye surgery permanently reshapes the surface of your cornea. That reshaping does not “wear off” in the way a pair of glasses might.

However, your eyes and vision continue to age. Common realities include:

• Many people will still develop presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing up close) in their 40s or 50s, even if their distance vision was corrected.
• A minority experience regression, where some of their original prescription slowly returns.
• Eye conditions such as cataracts can still develop later in life and may require separate treatment.

While the surgery itself is permanent, think of it as a long-term improvement rather than a lifetime guarantee. Some patients choose enhancement procedures or future lens surgery if their needs change.

Risks, side-effects and potential extra costs

Like any eye surgery, laser treatment carries risks and side effects, though serious complications are rare in experienced hands.

Common short-term side-effects include:

• Dry, gritty or watery eyes.
• Glare, halos or starbursts around lights, particularly at night.
• Fluctuating or slightly blurred vision in the early weeks.

Most of these improve as the eyes heal, but in a small number of cases, symptoms can persist. Rare complications can include infection, corneal problems and reduced best-corrected vision.

From a cost perspective, you should ask about:

• Whether enhancements are included if your outcome is not as expected.
• Who pays for treatment of complications, especially if you need extra drops, more visits or prescription medications.

The best clinics will be transparent about their complication rates and have clear pathways for addressing problems.

Who laser eye surgery is not right for

Laser eye surgery can be poor value or actively unsafe if:

• Your prescription is still changing.
• You have significant corneal disease or very thin corneas.
• You have certain autoimmune conditions that affect healing.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding, which can temporarily alter your prescription.
• You have unrealistic expectations, such as expecting perfect vision in every situation without any risk.

A reputable clinic will turn people away if the risks are too high or recommend alternative options such as lens replacement surgery or implantable contact lenses.

Finance, monthly payments and how to budget

Typical finance offers and what they really mean

Nearly every major UK provider now offers finance for laser eye surgery, including interest-free credit for 1-3 years. Current financing offers include:

• 0% finance for 10 months at Optical Express
• 0% APR for up to 24 months at Optimax
• 0% APR over 12 to 36 months at London Vision Clinic
• Up to 24 months interest-free at Optegra
• 12 months interest-free at Focus
• Up to 24 months interest-free at OCL Vision.

Deposits also vary, with some clinics requiring £500 finance deposits, others requiring a 10% minimum deposit, and others requiring only a small refundable consultation deposit.

When you see a monthly figure, always check:

• What procedure and price is it based on?
• If a deposit is required.
• The total amount repayable, including any interest.

Example monthly repayment scenarios

These examples are for illustration only. Actual offers vary by clinic and are subject to credit checks.

Scenario A: 0% finance over 10 months

• Total cost for both eyes: £3,000.
• Deposit: £500.
• Amount financed: £2,500.
• 10 months at 0%: £250 per month.
• Total paid: £3,000.

Scenario B: Interest-bearing finance over 36 months

• Total cost for both eyes: £3,000.
• Deposit: £500.
• Amount financed: £2,500.
• APR: 11.5% (a typical example for elective surgery finance).
• Rough monthly payment over 36 months: around £80 per month.
• Total repaid: around £3,380–£3,450, including interest.

In Scenario B, you pay less each month but around £400–£450 more overall. Decide whether lower monthly payments are worth the extra cost.

Spotting sales tactics and avoiding nasty surprises

Watch out for:

• Very low headline prices that only apply to a tiny fraction of patients.
• Heavy pressure to book surgery or pay a deposit on the same day as your consultation.
• Sudden jumps in price once your “complex prescription” or “advanced technology” is mentioned.
• Lack of clarity about what happens if you change your mind after paying a deposit.

You should always feel able to walk away, take time to think and compare at least one other clinic.

How to set a realistic budget

When deciding what you can afford, factor in:

• The total cost for both eyes, not just the per-eye headline.
• Any interest you will pay on finance.
• The cost of taking time off work.
• A small buffer for unplanned extras, such as extra dry-eye treatment or additional follow-ups.

It can help to decide on your maximum “all-in” budget before you start consultations, so you are less swayed by sales pressure.

Laser eye surgery costs near you

London vs the rest of the UK

Broadly speaking:

• London and the South East often sit at the top of the price range, particularly for premium clinics and Harley Street providers.
• Large regional cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, and Cardiff can offer similar technology at slightly lower prices.
• Smaller towns and regional clinics sometimes provide the most competitive deals, especially if they are part of a national chain.

If you live in or near London, it is worth getting at least one quote from a regional clinic to see whether travelling could save you several hundred pounds.

How to choose a safe, high quality clinic

Checking surgeon and clinic credentials

Price should never be the only factor. Before committing to any clinic:

• Look up your surgeon on the General Medical Council (GMC) register to confirm that they are a fully registered doctor and trained in ophthalmology.
• Check whether they hold qualifications such as FRCOphth and, ideally, specific refractive surgery certifications.
• Read the Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidance on professional standards for refractive surgery so you know what to expect.

In a reputable clinic, you should know who will perform your surgery, what their experience is and how many procedures they carry out each year.

Questions to ask at your consultation

Take a short checklist with you and ask:

• What exactly is the total price for both eyes, and what does it include?
• How many follow-up appointments are included, and for how long?
• What is your policy on enhancements if I am not happy with my vision?
• What are your complication and enhancement rates, and how do they compare with national averages?
• What specific procedure and technology are you recommending for my eyes, and why?
• Who will look after me if something goes wrong or I have concerns after surgery?

If a clinic seems evasive or unwilling to answer, treat that as a warning sign.

Price red flags and deal-breakers

Consider walking away if you see:

• Prices that seem far below the ranges in this guide, with no clear explanation.
• No clear written breakdown of what is included in the price.
• No mention of aftercare or enhancements, or very short aftercare periods.
• Pressure to book on the day or stories that a particular discount will “end tonight”.
• A lack of meaningful information about surgeon experience.

Good clinics win patients through transparency and outcomes, not pressure tactics.

FAQ