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.
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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
Dr Laura Martin
For anyone considering laser-eye surgery, I would just say--DO IT! Like a lot of other people who have written on this site, I am wondering why I waited so long. I was about -8.5 in both eyes, and thus totally dependent on glasses. I had had glasses or contacts for 32 years, and then one fine afternoon I walked out of the Advance Vision Care surgery without them! The scariest part about the surgery is the clamp going on your eye, but it really is only your fear, it didn't hurt at all. The treatment itself (I had Lasik) was quick and easy (and the sedative beforehand helped keep me calm, as I was quite jittery!) I was able to travel by train that afternoon, though I needed help finding my seat: my long-distance vision had improved miraculously, but reading was difficult. In fact, the only warning I would give to anyone who like me makes a living from reading (I am a university lecturer) is to be aware that your near vision is weak for a while: I had my treatment 1 week ago and still am having trouble reading paper and computer text. I wish I had made sure to have time off afterwards. My charming Woolworth's reading glasses make my friends laugh, after the snazzy designer frames I used to wear--but I should be able to pitch these in just a few weeks at most. The staff at Advance Vision Care are friendly and professional, and I knew I was in very good hands the whole time. It really felt like a miracle, and it helped to meet a few other patients in the waiting room as I awaited my turn. I'll never forget the man who was resting after his surgery, with a look of wonder on his face as he blinked around the room! And I know I am in good hands still with the extensive after-care plan, available locally, though I live in far-way Glasgow. So--what are you waiting for? Laura
Jane O’Donovan
I was nervous before the procedure, but everyone at Advance VisionCare were so kind and explained exactly was was going to happen. The procedure took between 10-15min and at no point did I feel pain. I now have 20/20 vision after wearing glasses since I was 8, with the prescription of -9 and -8.5. As a result I am free of needing glasses and can go traveling.
Mark Hart
The before and after care was superb, with everything fully explained. The actual surgery does not last long, a matter of seconds, and you do not feel anything at all. Within 24 hours my eyes were fine and I could see long distance without my glasses. I ONLY WISH I HAD IT DONE EARLIER!!
Dilip Pattni
I first contacted Advance VisionCare regarding LASER surgery, as one of my relatives had their eyes done with Mr Pillai, and had an excellent result. My prescription was RE -10, LE -14.5 with a lot of astigmatism. Mr Pillai advised me, that I was not suitable for Laser surgery, as my prescription was out of the range, nor was I suitable for Implantable Contact Lens! The only two options for me to correct my prescription were Clear Lens Extraction, or Lens Exchange With Intraocular Lens. As I was older than 40, and aware of the latest technology with regards to lens surgery, I consented to undergo Lens Exchange With Intraocular Lens treatment for both eyes. I was impressed, that the surgeon, Dr Helgason, who performed my surgery have actually got implantable contact lenses in his own eyes! That really gave me confidence. After 2 weeks post op I could see to drive, and I could see things clearly, which I never could before. I am very pleased with the professional service and clinical care given to me by Mr Pillai and his team at Advance VisionCare. I never imagined that I would be able to get rid of my glasses, and have an excellent vision. I see better than ever before. I am also happy, that I never need to have any cataract operations done for the rest of my life, as I have artificial Lenses in my eyes.
EB
Call me a cynic, but I got a bit suspicious seeing all those 5 star reviews. Too good to be true? Turns out every one of those 5 stars is well-deserved. I had both eyes done earlier this month. I can't say that having the procedure was nice - I was a bit freaked out by the whole thing. But it was very quick and painless. Afterwards I kept waiting for the pain to kick in and my eyes to water. Two weeks later I'm still waiting! As well as no pain, I didn't have any light sensitivity either, and was back at work two days after surgery. The only side effects I've experienced are dry eyes but these are manageable with the eye drops. I'm really happy with the standard of my sight so far - I was driving standard the next day, and my left eye has been excellent since day 2. The right eye has a little catching up to do (but only about .25) and I am hopeful it will settle. If not, I can live with it, and it is fantastic not to have to rely on glasses or CLs. Efficient, professional, caring treatment in peaceful and reassuring surroundings. I wouldn't hesistate to recommend Mr Pillai and AVC to others.
Rebecca Hill
I had my surgery performed by AVC around a month ago, and I couldn't recommend them highly enough! I had a reasonably high prescription with an astigmatism, and can now see better than I ever could with glasses, and without the discomfort of a long day wearing contact lenses. I had a minor but unusual complication post-surgery, in that the flap raised on my right eye became wrinkled. Mr Pillai and the team dealt with this fantastically, I didn't have to wait any time to have it corrected, and received fantastic care afterwards. I do feel that had I not gone with AVC, it wouldn't have been dealt with so quickly or so efficiently. Apart from that, I have experienced very few side effects, my eyes don't feel particularly dry, and have settled down quickly. Overall, I am delighted with the results. I had wonderful service from all staff involved from my first inquiry onwards, and feel I've had fantastic value for money. If you are considering having surgery, you really should think about going with AVC, you couldn't ask for more!
Alastair Paterson
I had consultations at four clinics before choosing AVC. I am now two months post op after LASEK and I am better than 20/20 in both eyes. I am delighted with the treatment. I would suggest taking 10 days off work if having LASEK - I returned after one week and the first ten days were difficult. I highly recommend AVC for the quality of consultation, Expertise and care. No Regrets!!!
David Blackman
I have to say that I think the level of service and care that I have so far received at the Harley Street Clinic from Mr Pillai and his associates is exemplary and I cannot imagine any way in which it could be improved. I would like to draw particular attention to the way in which I was 'talked through' the operation itself, which I found to be very reassuring. In the interests of feeding back some experiences of a typical patient, I'd like to make the following points; 1. The bright light examination following the dilation drops on the day of the suitability consultation was more painful than anything during the operation. 2. It would help to be shown a picture of what the pattern will look like during the operation, and where to fix one's stare. 3. The way Mr Pillai holds the head when the laser is firing is very reassuring.
P Virdee
Had Lasek Wavefront re-treatment last month and a week later I had 20/20 vision in both eyes!! I cannot thank Mr Pillai and his team enough for their excellent service. I had my initial treatment back in March 06 and was advised for the Lasek Wavefront procedure due to having thin corneas. My prescription was -3.5 in both eyes with astigmatism. After the treatment my eyes improved greatly, but I still had a slight prescription of -0.5. I was told by Mr Pillai 3 months after the procedure that I was on the border line for a re-treatment - however through my own laziness I did not follow it up. However, 18 months later I went back as my prescription got weaker. Mr Pillai tested my eyes and booked me in straight away for a free re-treatment - I cannot thank him enough. I don't think I have ever been able to see so sharply!! Thanks Advance VisionCare!!
Daniel Bull
After months of research into the treatment I was recommended to AVC, and the professional work of Mr Pillai and his staff. From the first phonecall I was made at ease, and this continued to date (6 weeks). At present I have 20/20 vision in both eyes, and hardly any dryness. It would be without hesitation that I would recommend Mr Pillai and his staff for such an important treatment procedure. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at AVC for all the care and attention I received.
