If you’ve ever Googled “laser eye surgery cost UK”, you already know the problem: one clinic says “from £595 per eye”, another quotes £5,000+ for both eyes, and half the internet argues about which procedure is “best”.
Here’s the truth: laser vision correction is a high-ticket, highly individual procedure. Your final quote depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, and the technology and aftercare package included. That’s also why this topic pays (and ranks): people search it right before spending serious money.
Let’s cut through the marketing and get into real UK prices, what they usually include, LASIK vs SMILE vs LASEK, and the biggest red flags that mean you should slow down or walk away.
Real Laser Eye Surgery Prices In The UK 2026
Below are published prices (not rumours, not “my mate said”), pulled from UK clinics that actually put numbers on their websites.
Published UK prices you can reference right now
| Provider | Published pricing style | Price shown (at time of writing) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moorfields Private | Package for both eyes | £5,490 (both eyes) | Package price includes post-op drops, follow-ups (up to 3 months), and a 5-year commitment (as stated on their page). |
| Optical Express | “From” per eye (tiered) | From £595 per eye (and higher tiers listed) | They list multiple price points depending on treatment type/tech level. |
| OCL Vision | Per eye guide price | £1,995 per eye (Laser: LASIK/LASEK/SmartSight) | Their self-pay page lists per-eye guide prices and deposit examples. |
| Optimax | Per eye fixed price | £1,295 per eye | Their treatment cost page shows a per-eye price. |
| Alex Day | Package for both eyes | £5,440 (both eyes) | Pricing page lists a “both eyes” fee for laser eye surgery types. |
| Vincenzo Maurino | Package for both eyes | £5,490 (bilateral) | Pricing page lists bilateral laser treatment. |
| AccuVision | Range guidance | Typically £1,200–£3,000 per eye | They publish a typical UK range (final quote depends on assessment). |
A couple of important takeaways:
- Both-eyes packages around £5.4k–£5.5k exist at some consultant-led centres and hospital-linked private services.
- Large chains advertise low “from” prices, but that doesn’t mean most people pay that. Consumer reporting has warned that starting prices are often not the final bill, especially for more complex prescriptions or “premium” mapping.
- Some sources analysing real quotes suggest many patients end up in a few-thousand-pounds-for-both-eyes band once you include the typical diagnostics and aftercare structure. Treat that as a trend, not a guarantee.
Why Laser Eye Surgery Prices Vary So Much
If you only remember one thing, make it this:
You’re not just paying for the laser. You’re paying for the whole pathway.
Here’s what usually moves your quote up or down:
1) Your prescription and treatment complexity
Higher prescriptions, more astigmatism, or tricky corneas can push you into a more advanced plan (or a different procedure altogether).
2) The technology and customisation level
Clinics may price differently for:
- wavefront or topography-guided treatment
- femtosecond flap creation (LASIK)
- lenticule platforms (SMILE and similar)
3) Surgeon-led vs sales-led model
Some centres are structured around consultant-led care and longer follow-up; some are designed for high volume. Neither automatically equals “good” or “bad”, but the experience and aftercare can feel very different.
4) What’s included (and what’s not)
One quote may include:
- all pre-op scans
- post-op drops
- follow-up visits
- enhancement/top-up policy
Another may add those later.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists specifically highlights the importance of clear fees and clarity on what’s included as part of good standards and informed decision-making.
LASIK vs SMILE vs LASEK: What’s The Difference In Plain English
Let’s translate the procedures without the brochure language.
LASIK (laser with a flap)
What happens: A thin flap is created on the cornea, the laser reshapes underneath, then the flap is put back.
Why people choose it:
- Fast comfort and fast visual recovery is common
- Often chosen for convenience (work/commute)
Trade-offs:
- The flap is a real thing. It’s usually stable, but it’s still part of your eye going forward.
SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction)
What happens: A laser creates a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue (a “lenticule”) inside the cornea, removed through a small incision.
Why people choose it:
- No large flap
- Often marketed as less invasive in that sense
Trade-offs:
- Recovery can be a bit slower than LASIK for some people (not always, but it’s a known pattern).
LASEK (surface laser family)
This sits with PRK/TransPRK/surface treatments.
What happens: The surface layer is moved/removed and the laser reshapes the cornea from the surface.
Why people choose it:
- Can be an option when LASIK isn’t suitable (for example, if a flap is not ideal)
Trade-offs:
- The first few days can be more uncomfortable
- Visual recovery can take longer (often around a week or more before you’re comfortably at driving standard, depending on healing).
One useful way to think about it: the main practical difference many patients notice is recovery speed, not the “end result” at 3 months (where outcomes are often similarly good in the right candidates).
What’s Typically Included In A UK Quote (And What You Must Check)
Here’s what you want included, especially if you care about total cost (and not getting surprised later):
Usually included in better packages
- Pre-op consultation + scans
- Surgery for both eyes
- Post-op drops
- Follow-ups (weeks to months)
- A clear enhancement / top-up policy (if needed)
Example: Moorfields Private explicitly states its both-eyes package price and mentions inclusions like drops and follow-ups.
The common “hidden cost” traps
- Paying separately for extra scans
- Short aftercare window
- Enhancement not included
- Finance deals that look cheap monthly but cost a lot overall
If you’re comparing quotes, compare total cost + total aftercare + enhancement policy, not just the headline.
Finance Options: Helpful Or A Trap?
Finance can make laser eye surgery feel “easy” (which is exactly why it sells).
Some providers publish finance examples and deposits. For instance, Optical Express lists deposits alongside treatment types on its finance info.
And OCL Vision mentions monthly pricing examples (with representative APR details).
Two rules if you’re financing:
- Always ask for the total repayable amount (not just the monthly).
- If a deal requires a big deposit, treat it like a partial cash purchase and still compare full totals across clinics.
Risks And Side Effects You Actually Need To Know
Most people hear “it’s safe” and stop thinking. But even common side effects matter because they affect quality of life.
The NHS lists common side effects such as glare/halos/starbursts, blurred vision, soreness similar to dry eyes, and red blotches—usually improving over months.
Some clinics also describe night-vision disturbances and dryness as recognised issues, often improving but still important to discuss upfront.
The money question: if something goes wrong, are you paying for extra care, extra drops, extra visits, or “top-up” treatment? That’s why transparent aftercare matters as much as the laser.
Who Should Avoid Laser Eye Surgery Or At Least Pause
Not everyone is a good candidate. And “not suitable” doesn’t mean “never fix your vision” — it often means a different option is safer.
Here are big, widely cited red flags:
1) Unstable prescription
If your prescription is still changing, your results can drift.
2) Thin or irregular corneas
There are safety limits because laser treatment removes tissue.
3) Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Because it’s elective, many surgeons advise postponing.
4) Severe dry eye or eye surface problems
Dry eye can be temporary for many people after surgery, but severe existing dry eye can be a deal-breaker (or needs treatment first).
5) Certain eye diseases or risk factors (example: glaucoma)
Some providers list glaucoma as a reason you may not be suitable.
Practical advice: if a clinic seems too eager to “make you fit”, that’s your cue to get a second opinion.
The 12 Questions To Ask At Your Consultation
These questions protect your eyes and your wallet:
- Which procedure are you recommending for my eyes, and why?
- What are my corneal thickness and topography results?
- Do I have any signs that increase ectasia risk?
- What side effects are most likely for my lifestyle (night driving, screens, dry eyes)?
- What’s the realistic outcome for distance vision?
- Will I still need reading glasses later (presbyopia)?
- What’s included in the price—scans, drops, follow-ups, enhancements?
- How long is aftercare included, and what happens after it ends?
- If I need a top-up/enhancement, what’s the policy and cost?
- Who is the surgeon, and will I meet them before surgery day? (Standards emphasise proper consent and clarity.)
- What are the clinic’s outcomes for my prescription range?
- What alternatives fit me if you decide I’m not suitable?
Alternatives If You’re Not Suitable
If laser isn’t right for you, that’s not the end of the story.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists patient information explains alternatives like staying in glasses/contacts, and lens-based options such as refractive lens exchange and phakic intraocular lenses for some patients.
Also worth remembering: the NHS notes laser eye surgery is usually private for vision correction (with limited exceptions).
So… Which One Is “Best” In 2026?
There isn’t a universal best. There’s best for your eyes, your job, your risk tolerance, and your budget.
- Choose LASIK if you value faster recovery and you’re a good candidate for a flap-based approach.
- Choose SMILE if you want a small-incision approach and accept that recovery can be a touch slower for some people.
- Choose LASEK/surface laser if your cornea or circumstances make LASIK less suitable, and you can handle a slower, more uncomfortable first week.
The right clinic will explain why they’re recommending something — not just sell you whatever’s on this month’s promotion.
Quick FAQ
Are the cheapest advertised prices real?
They can be real for a small subset of patients, but they are often “from” prices and not what everyone pays. Consumer reporting warns that starting prices aren’t necessarily the final price.
Does a higher price always mean safer?
Not automatically. But higher prices sometimes reflect longer aftercare, surgeon-led care, and more advanced diagnostics. You still need to check what’s included and how consent is handled.
How soon can I drive or work again?
It depends on procedure and healing. Guidance notes LASIK patients often return to work quickly, while surface laser may need a week or more before driving standard, with SMILE recovery sometimes a bit slower than LASIK.
What side effects should I take seriously?
Glare/halos (especially at night), dry-eye symptoms, and visual fluctuations are commonly reported early on and often improve, but they’re still important to discuss before you commit.
Medical Disclaimer
This post is for general information only, not personal medical advice. Only a qualified eye surgeon can confirm what’s safe for your eyes. Prices can change.