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
al kirk
great clinic
Margery Gretton
I had considered having laser surgery on my eyes for some time but it was only when an optometrist recommended Advance Visioncare to me that I finally made enquiries. I was around -9 in both eyes, so I thought it was unlikely that they could do anything. However, I was beginning to have problems with contact lenses, having worn them for 33 years, so I went along for an initial consultation. The staff and equipment at the surgery were impressive and the consultation was really thorough. My eyes proved perverse in every way - corneas thin, pupils large and prescription high - but the surgeon, Mr Pillai, assessed me as suitable for Lasek treatment. After some deliberation, and a purblind return journey with my pupils stubbornly dilated, I decided to go ahead with the surgery. This entailed more thorough pre-operative assessments. On the day of the operation, I was further reassured on discovering that the patient due to go in before me was an optometrist. He emerged exclaiming over his now perfect vision and asked me if he could observe my treatment, along with his whole, medically qualified family. Bemused and distracted, I consented but immediately regretted this as, on going through the glass door to the operating room, I heard him comment that the surgeon had less experience with this procedure, so it would be interesting to watch! The treatment proved painless, however, and I could immediately see a bit further than before, although it was not the Damascene experience produced by Lasik treatment. I had intended to return to work three days later but this was not possible, as I was still very sensitive to light and experiencing a scratching sensation in one eye. Dr Jenkins was patient and accessible when I began to panic and, on returning to have the bandage contact lenses removed, Mr Pilai put another lens in my scratchy eye. This became smeared by the eye gel I had to apply at night, so I went back to work looking and seeing squint-eyed, but I had been given Viscotears by this stage and they proved to be a balm for my sore eyes. Then the blurred contact lens was removed and, a week after the operation, everything began to ease up. Almost five months after treatment, my vision is much improved, at -2.5 in one eye and -1.5 in the other. After so long in the clouds of myopia, this seems miraculous, and I still catch myself going to take my contact lenses out. If, like me, your pupils stay dilated for a long time, you should take someone along with you to assessments, to act as a guide afterwards. It would also be a good idea to read the instructions for the drops you need to put into your eyes after the operation before you have undergone it, as your vision may be affected. With Lasek treatment, you do need to allow for a bit more time to recover but the results are really worthwhile and I strongly recommend Advance Visioncare for its thorough pre-operative assessments and post-operative care. Margery Gretton
Nicola Moody
I had Lasik nearly two years ago in London with Mr Pillai. I was -2.50 in both eyes and needed to wear contact lenses all the time. Even though contacts became a way of life, it was inconvenient to have to take them out at night and put them back in, in the morning! I was very nervous before having it done, but felt totally confident with Mr Pillai as he is such an experienced and confident surgeon. The whole procedure was very quick and pain free from start to finish (the only thing I noticed was some pressure on my eyes.) I wish I had it done sooner, and couldn't thank the surgeon or nurses enough. Within a few hours I was driving as I had healed quickly! My vision is better than 20/20 and I must admit I feel quite sorry for people who have to mess around with contact lenses or wear glasses! If anyone has any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.
Sarah Godfrey
I had been considering lasik for several years but never really did anything about it. I booked a consultation at Ultralase, however I did not feel very comfortable with talking to someone different each time and not seeing the surgeon until the day of the operation. I had an appointment at my opticians, and he advised that if he was going to have surgery Mr Pillai was the only surgeon he would allow to do it. I rang straight away and spoke to Angela, who was really friendly and professional answering all my questions - and there were many! Dr Jenkins carried out my assessment and explained everything very clearly, covering all the risks. I then saw Mr Pillai, who recommended Wavefront to correct my -2.00 vision. During the time of my consultation and surgery day I carried out alot of research, and I have to say majored on what could go wrong! In the end I was terrified, however on telephoning the clinic both Tracey and Mr Pillai were reassuring, and so I turned up for my surgery appointment! Mr Pillai knowing how anxious was spent time with me prior to surgery. I have to say the surgery was absolutely painless, the smell was a little like a horse being hot shod and was all over in what seemed minutes! The only slight discomfort I felt was pressure of the suction cap on the left eye and some of the drops stung afterwards. I could see well the night of the surgery and watched a little television, and drove 2 days later. At my week check up Mr Pillai advised that my vision was 6/4 amazing! I still go to take my lenses out. I cannot thank Tracey and Mr Pillai enough for spending so much time with me the day before and the day of the surgery. The customer care provided by the clinic is second to none and I agree with my optician Mr Pillai is the best.
Keren Davies
I had surgery five weeks ago for vision of -3.5 in each eye . I had worn gas permable contact lenses for more than 20 yrs and only wish this excellent treatment had been available sooner. The treatment at the clinic is totally professional,full details of the procedure including possible complications are given and the whole consultation and asessment process is very efficient. At present I have 6/6 vision and no longer rely on lenses or glasses. I had a smooth operation and an excellent result
Sue
Treated with wavefront lasik 3 weeks ago by the excellent Mr Pillai in Harley Street. What can I say? Exceeded all my expectations - from -7.00 in both eyes with a good degree of astigmatism and night-time myopia to 20/20 vision (and improved night vision!). Vision has settled remarkably quickly and the consultation, treatment and aftercare have been thorough. After previously approaching other providers, what a relief to be examined thoroughly by the surgeon I would be entrusting my sight to! The inclusive overnight stay in a lovely hotel was much appreciated and my aftercare appointments are local, a godsend for those of us not living in the big city! If you're debating the cost, I'll stick with the old adage that you get what you pay for. I've received excellent care from a highly qualified Consultant Refractive Surgeon and his team and I am delighted with the results.
Carole Kouki
I visited several Eye Laser Centres and found that at Advance VisionCare, I was kept extremely well-informed and felt like a valued patient and not merely a number. It was this caring attitude that convinced me to opt for Advance VisionCare. The clinic charge nurse and the doctor were lovely. The procedure itself was surprisingly painless. I was extremely nervous and apprehensive on the day of the procedure only to find I didn't feel a thing. The nurse and doctor spoke to me during the whole procedure, explaining each step before it happend, which went a long way to helping me feel more relaxed. Is till have more aftercare to come but I trust them completely to do the very best for me. Thank You.
Julie Breenan
After being short-sighted for 20 years, I felt this treatment would totally change my life. My eyes have held me back so much over the years. Hopefully now I can go skiing, do watersports, apply make up, silly things for normal people but it will make such a difference to my life. The treatment was pain free and to me a miracle to be able to see again.
Kamal Moukeiber
Excellent, life changing experience. Being able to watch the procedure done on someone else was very reassuring and key in the decision. Outstanding team! Very professional and experienced."
Paula Goad
From wearing contact lenses and glasses for 15 years this is the best thing I have ever done. I have perfect vision thanks to Advance VisionCare. Everyone at the clinic are very helpful and caring, they really put you at ease and look after you. I would recommend laser treatment to anyone who wishes not to wear glasses etc anymore. I would definitely recommend Harley Street.
Anthony Stone
I was concerned at first with going through the treatment but I am very pleased with the results and the care I have received. After care service was excellent and extra appointments were made available when requested. I have no hesitation in recommending Advance VisionCare. The staff have been very reassuring with regular communication as to my progress. It shows that age is no barrier to this treatment."
