1. Review of Advanced Vision Care
Advanced Vision Care (AVC) is an independent surgeon-led clinic founded in 2003 by Mr Pillai on Harley Street, London. With no affiliation with any manufacturers, you should be able to count on treatment that’s best suited to your needs.
AVC’s Medical Director and lead surgeon, Mr Pillai, has nearly three decades of ophthalmic experience and is one of the few surgeons to have fellowships for both refractive laser surgery and cornea treatment. Patients even enjoy the benefit of speaking to Mr Pillai during the initial consultation, and can look forward to a stress-free aftercare plan, including any retreatment if necessary.
What makes AVC different? This clinic prides itself on being able to treat any eye prescription using a wide mix of treatments, meaning it may just be able to help you, even if other clinics have turned your down. Its patients also give this clinic the thumbs up, leaving hundreds of positive reviews on our site over the years.
- AVC tailors treatments to its customers’ specific visual needs.
- You can receive eye care from a small team of eye experts, each with 25 years of experience.
- Laser and non-laser treatments sit under one roof, for customer convenience.
Is there anything else I should know? As you’d expect, cutting-edge eye surgery on Harley Street comes at a price, and this time it’s higher on average than you’ll find at some of the other top-rated eye clinics dotted around the UK. And unless you happen to live in central London, there may not be a clinic near you.
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote.
2. Treatments
Advanced Vision Care specialises in laser as well as non-laser vision correction treatments, including all the usual suspects: LASIK, LASEK, implantable contact lenses (ICL surgery), lens replacement surgery, cataract surgery and keratoconus treatment.
- Advanced Wavefront LASIK / LASEK – Highly accurate laser surgery for those with thin eye surfaces or active lifestyles.
- Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) – Therapy for treating long-term eye conditions.
- Implantable Contact Lens (EVO Visian ICL) – Suitable for patients with complex eye prescriptions, thin corneas or dry eyes.
- Lens Replacement (Refractive Lens Exchange) – Eye surgery for those over 40 with a reading prescription.
- Cataract Surgery – Removes cloudy lenses, and replaces them with artificial clear ones.
- Corneal Implants – Reshape irregular eye shapes to make contact lenses more comfortable.
As is standard with eye surgery clinics, all AVC treatments come with a 12 month aftercare package, which includes: regular check-ups, 24-hour eye expert support line, and post-op medication for the first month.
In the unlikely event that you require eye surgery enhancement, any laser fine tuning or YAG laser capsule thickening removal (following cataract treatment) is available at no extra cost.
3. Technology
Advanced Vision Care was the first clinic in the UK to house the complete Alcon Refractive Suite, which it claims is the safest non-laser technology in the country. It creates a personalised treatment plan that starts with a Verion Image Guided system in your first consultation, and continues throughout the surgery with devices that ensure superior visualisation.
The laser eye surgery treatment is also advanced. The femtosecond Intralase 5F Laser works blade-free by using pulses of harmless light to create a corneal flap, and the Bausch Teneo 317 Excimer Laser takes just 3 to 5 seconds to correct your vision.
What’s more, the highly accurate Advanced Wavefront technology is included in all laser treatments as standard, and an Eye Tracking System tracks eye movements, so you don’t need to worry about blinking during the procedure.
4. Advanced Vision Care Prices
AVC has some of the most reasonable payment options out there. It’s not the cheapest – high street clinics such as Optical Express and Ultralase take the crown for cost – but the free consultation, fixed prices, and flexible interest free finances all help their treatments work around you.
Is it worth paying more? Of course, that’s for you to decide. But to give you an idea of the prices, laser eye surgery at AVC costs £2,100 (per eye), compared to well-reviewed alternatives such as Optical Express and AccuVision which come in at around half that on average.
| Eye Surgery Procedure | Price (per eye) | Finance Options (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Wavefront LASIK | £2,100 | £66.67 (24 months, 0% APR) |
| Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) | £2,100 | £66.67 (24 months, 0% APR) |
| ICL Surgery (Simple Lens) | £3,450 – £3,750 | £122.22 – £138.89 (18 months, 0% APR) |
| ICL Surgery (Specialist Lens) | £4,150 | £161.11 (18 months, 0% APR) |
| Monofocal lens surgery | £3,150 – £3,450 | £105.56 – 122.22 (18 months, 0% APR) |
| Multifocal lens surgery | £3,750 – £4,050 | £138.89 – £155.56 (18 months, 0% APR) |
| Keratoconus Treatment | £2,150 – £2,450 | £91.67 – £108.33 (18 months, 0% APR) |
Are there finance options?
Yes, AVC has partnered with Hitachi Finance to offer flexible payment plans, meaning you can pay the full cost of eye surgery in bite-size monthly installments.
For example, you could pay for laser eye surgery in chunks of £66.67 a month for two years interest free, or £33.59 for 60 months at 9.9% APR. That’s generous – most clinics require 11% APR, and only the first year at 0% interest.
Does medical insurance cover the surgery costs at AVC?
Yes, AVC is an accredited provider of ophthalmic surgery for many of the UK’s leading insurance companies, including:
- Allianz
- AVIVA
- AXA PPP
- BUPA and BUPA International
- Cigna
- Simply Health
As always, you’ll need to confirm how you would like to pay before booking your surgery, both with your chosen clinic and your medical insurer.
Read more: Laser eye surgery costs explained
5. AVC Review: The Verdict
Advanced Vision Care consistently receives a five-star rating from hundreds of patients, which is why this clinic makes it to our list of the best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK.
With in-depth consultations providing an honest assessment of whether eye surgery is right for you, Advanced Vision Care also takes the prize for being one of the top places for laser eye surgery in London.
☝ Is Advanced Vision Care for you? To see if there is a better reviewed laser eye surgery clinic near you, just hit here to use our simple quote tool, and get a tailored quote from a clinic you can trust.
Surgeons
Advanced Vision Care Reviews
SUE BENNETT
I have been wearing glasses for 20 years and soft contact lenses. Over the past few years I have suffered eye problems due to prolonged use of contact lenses and dry eyes. This has been a pain as I do a lot of active sports which are difficult to do wearing glasses. I first thought about laser surgery 5 years ago and visited a few clinics for advise. I felt like a number and asked to meet the surgeons but this wasn't possible. After getting an ulcer in my eye I then visited my local consultant ophthalmic surgeon who recommended me to Mr Pilla and his team. The service was excellent and I felt at ease and trusted them. I was very nervous on the day of the surgery but I can honestly say that I felt no pain or discomfort and in less than 24hours I had 20/20 vision. My confidence has increased and I feel like a new person! Thank you so much and I just wish I had come to AVC years ago! Best wishes Sue
Hannah Durden
Many thanks to Mr Pillai and his team - they were all superbly professional throughout. I still can't quite believe how well I can see less than 48 hours down the line, but it is amazing. David Optometrists' profits will be better next year now that they don't have to supply me with glasses and contact lenses any more!
Peta
Advanced Vision Care has provided me with clear vision after having clear lens exchange. My prescription was +5.5 and +9.25 now I can even drive my car without contact lenses or glasses! I was very apprehensive about the surgery, but after talking to previous patients and the staff, I was totally reassured.The surgery was so quick and life changing. I have NO regrets
Paul Goodman
My experience with advanced vision care it was excellent, my life has changed after the treatment as my lone sight is excellent and still improving. I do feel that the use of pre-op medication should be tailored to the individual.
Alison Turnbull
I have decided to have the treatment based on my brothers recommendation who has also had the same procedure, the treatment has changed my life for the better and I wished I had done this years ago. No glasses or contact lenses this really is freedom. I would like to thank AVC for such a proffessional service and would recommend them to all of my friends and family. Thanks Alison Turnbull
Alison Turnbull
I have decided to have the treatment on my brothers recommendation who also had Clear Lens Exchange ( the same treatment) a few months ago, and is extremely happy with the outcome. My life has changed for the better and I wish I’d had it done years ago.
No glasses or contact lenses FOREVER – This is FREEDOM!
Thank you very much for all your help and assistance
Alison Turnbull
Julian Hay
The level of care was second to none. The explanation of all suitability tests was great and very appreciated. Being able to meet Mr Pillai before the procedure was of huge benefit and re-assurance. Throughout the procedure the re-assurance and support was fantastic by Pawel, Mr Pillai and the Nurse. When I phone AVC I am greeted by someone who knows me and this is also of great benefit.
Rosalind Johnstone
HAVING WORN GLASSES FOR 40 YEARS AND FINDING CONTACT LENSES NOT AS COMFORTABLE AS PREVIOUS YEARS, THE TIME WAS RIGHT BOTH MEDICALLY AND FINANCIALLY FOR ME TO HAVE TREATMENT. THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE AT AVC WAS IMPRESSIVE, WITH EVERY QUESTION ANSWERED AND EVERY CONCERN TAKEN SERIOUSLY FROM MY FIRST CONSULTATION TO MY AFTERCARE APPOINTMENTS WHICH MADE ME FEEL VERY SATISFIED AND AT EASE FROM DAY 1. THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN A REVOLUTION, WAKING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND BEING ABLE TO SEE THE TIME IS AMAZING. I CANNOT PRAISE AND THANK ENOUGH ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH MY TREATMENT. THE SERVICE I RECEIVED WAS SECOND TO NONE AND I AM SINGING AVC’S PRAISES TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO ARE IN A SIMILAR POSITION TO ME.
Mrs Patricia Browne
I am not a vain person but I did find having to wear glasses stressful, especially when I started to need them for distance as well as close work. My optician casually mentioned Advanced VisionCare in Harley Street and various treatments knowing I was so unhappy with glasses and contact lenses, which I had been trying. 2 years later I really had had enough of my glasses and had been quite unsuccessful with contact lenses. I phoned Advanced Vision Care and following an informative conversation with one of the team, received detailed information about the treatment that would be most suitable for me. I arranged an appointment in Harley Street for a consultation which was very thorough and at this appointment I also met Mr Pillai, the surgeon, who was very approachable and put me at ease. This was the start of a very successful journey; I would recommend it to anyone! I am 67 and for me it was a choice between a facial treatment or my eyes, I know I have chosen right. It has made me feel so much younger, no hassle with glasses or contact lenses. I wish I had it done years ago!
Deborah Handford
I DECIDED TO HAVE TREATMENT BECAUSE I HAVE A VERY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE AND GLASESSES AND CONTACT LENSES CAN BE A HINDERANCE AT TIMES. I HAD THE BEST TREATMENT FROM AVC. AFTER I TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE WHO WENT “CHEAPER AND ELSEWHERE.” I FEEL MY EXPERIENCE AND TREATMENT HAS BEEN FAR SUPERIOR AND WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD. I AM STILL BLOWN AWAY BY MY NOW “NORMAL” VISION IT HAS BEEN SO EASY TO TRAVEL AROUND NOW AS I DON’T HAVE TO CARRY SPARE GLASSESS, CONTACT LENSES AND SOLUTION. FROM THE INFORMATION PACK THROUGH TO MY TREATMENT AND AFTERCARE I WAS MADE TO FEELLIKE I WAS IMPORTANT AND NOT JUST ANOTHER ACCOUNT OR SALE. THIS WAS A HUGE FACTOR FOR ME.
