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
Michelle Woods
Excellent service and excellent results. Thanks all that were involved!!!
Stephen Lynch
For your reference I would confirm my distance and near vision is (in my humble opinion) very good and would say that it is better than when I wore my varifocal glasses. And sometimes, if the wind is in the right direction (to avoid risk of permanent squint)I can read without the need for glasses. I experienced no real discomfort following the treatment, not even from bright sunlight and we have plenty of that here in Azerbaijan. The only downside was the complaints from my wife who became frustrated at hearing my constant verbal updates of my quickly improving eyesight and asked me to stop, which I totally ignored. On visiting Mr. Wade he appeared to be more excited than I was at the success of my laser treatment and having first obtained my consent invited two of his associates to view my eyes. He was even more impressed when he learnt that I had previously had RK treatment in 1989. I really thought he was going to have an emotional organism (if such an experience is possible) and I began to realise what my wife was having to put up with. Mr. Wade informed that my eyesight was the equivalent to the minimum required to join the RAF - although I have no desire to join. I had originally wanted to be able to drive without the need for glasses and believe my expectations have been exceeded. I have recommended laser treatment and Advanced VisionCare services to all who have an interest or who are prepared to listen to me. Almost all are amazed to learn how quickly the process takes (I calculate a maximum of 2-1/2 minutes per eye from start to finish and if it is longer it certainly didn't appear to be). With Lasik there was no pain either during the process or after the treatment. On the day of the treatment I spent the afternoon with my wife in central London and although my sight was hazy it did not stop us from shopping in Oxford Street, and my noting that the price of a dress or shoes was expensive when asked for my opinion (she got her revenge by ignoring me). In the evening we walked to Covent Garden for a meal in a restaurant followed by 1 (or was it 4) pints of Guinness in a nearby pub. I had no difficulty sleeping but that has never been a problem for me and may have been helped by the Guinness. I could watch television although it was blurred but watchable and could even make out the time on the LED display. I did note that my eyesight varied over the first two weeks and at one time could clearly read unaided that my watch was "Swiss Made" which is now difficult to read even with glasses. I consider my eyesight reached 90% of its current level within 14 days of the laser treatment I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all of the consideration and courtesy extended to me during the consultation and treatment stages. I was impressed by the attention to detail given to me and my condition by Mr.Pillai and the professionalism of the Advance VisionCare staff. Should you receive enquiries from anyone who has previously had RK and is seriously considering laser treatment, but is apprehensive; I would confirm my willingness for my details to be given to the interested person. They are welcome to contact me and I will endeavour to answer all questions which I am able to do so and which is relevant to my particular circumstances.
Lindsey Galer
Extremely happy with the service and results. Amazing not to have to wear glasses or contact lenses anymore. Surgeon and staff very helpful + friendly.Would definitely recomment it to anyone suitable. there is nothing to be afraid of - no pain felt whatsoever!!!
Rachael Ahmed
I was adviced I would need to have the LASEK wavefront treatment. The downside is the longer recovery period. The procedure itself was really quick and i didn't feel anything. The hardest part was concentrating on the bright lights. When I got up from the couch, I would already see better than without my glasses. I already wished I had done this years ago. I've used my drops scrupulously, and drank lots of water. The worst discomfort was the evening after the treatment. My eyes were streaming and felt irritated. I upped the drops from 1 to 2, and haven't looked back. I've had no more discomfort, and one week on i'm really happy. My vision is still blurred at times to be expected with LASEK, but so far I am really happy - I WISH I'D DONE IT YEARS AGO.
Wendy Beynon
It's 6 months now since my wonderful laser treatment. From -7.75 and -8.50 to perfect vision!! No Lenses or glasses needed after a lifetime of shortsight. Fantastic experience, no discomfort or problems at any time. I am a frequent visitor to the Lasik - Eyes website, and I read of so many problems which people experience after going elsewhere. NEVER have there been any problems posted from AVC patients! I can't recommend LASEK treatment at AdvanceVisioncare high enough - anyone dependant on glasses or CL's should have it done - BUT AT AVC!!!!!
Claire Sayer
The service was excellent, if i had any concerns however small, they were answered fully, I was never made to feel silly when needing things repeated, everyone was very kind and patient. The end result was amazing!!
H. D. Scott
I am very pleased indeed with the procedure and all other matters. The actual surgery was quick and I didn't feel a thing!!!
Richard Slee
I have worn glasses since I was 16 and was aways wary of laser eye surgery. However, Mr Pillai was recommended by a friend and I attended Classic Eyes in Bournemouth in March this year. I am also a television reporter and decided that the whole process would make an interesting feature. On further investigation of the industry I discovered that AdvanceVision Care was indeed the best clinic with an impeccable record and Mr Pillai is highly regarded. So I decided to go ahead with the procedure with every aspect of the progress being filmed. The surgery happened in May and it is a credit to Mr Pillai and his team that the results have been excellent. I was about -3.5 in each eye but had much better than 20/20 vision with glasses. Three months on I now have better than 20/20 vision without glasses. The staff were helpful and reassuring. At all times I was informed what was happening and Mr Pillai was involved all through the process. The procedure was painless. A few hours after the surgery my site was to driving standard and in the evening I was watching tv. By the next day my vision was close to what it is now. Over the next few weeks I did experience some minor focus problems, but apparently this is the eye muscles adapting to the new situation and this has now passed. I also experienced some dryness which manifests itself as a sort of headache behind the eyes. This was controlled with eye drops and is now much better - drops perhaps once every few days. In conclusion, anyone considering laser eye surgery can have total confidence with Mr Pillai and his company. The service and after-care is excellent. This is a bespoke service - not a conyer belt which appears to be the case elsewhere. Mr Pillai genuinely seems to have his patients welfare as the number one priority. Highly recommended.
William Lumley
Having had my right eye treated Mr Pillai stopped the treatment on my left eye, because he wasn't satisfied that it would be successful. In the month between my treatments i was well looked after. But cannot deny being able to see out of one eye and having to put a contact lens in the other was at times frustrating. When I returned for a different treatment on my left eye, i was treated like a long lost friend!! now - sometimes I have to pinch myself at my vision without specs or lenses, it's the best thing i've ever done.
Emma Palser
The service was excellent, better than expected. I would strongly recommend the treatment especcially at Advenced VisionCare. All the staff done their best to make the experience relaxing and conforting.
