Focus is a well renowned, prestigious specialist laser eye clinic based in the London Harley Street medical enclave. It has a reputation for treating celebrities, and claims to have a 99.7% success rate (excluding very high prescriptions).
What makes it different? This is a consultant led clinic, meaning UK-trained eye surgeons combine their advanced surgical skills with the specially selected laser systems that are 100% committed to achieving 20/20 vision.
Is there anything to look out for? Yes, check what you are comfortable paying. Focus is one of the pricier options for vision correction, and the success rate barely differs from clinics that charge half the price.
1. Focus Eye Surgery Treatments
Focus has often led the way in terms of technology advancement over the years. It was the first clinic to correct reading vision using Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) radio waves, which uses radio waves rather than lasers to reshape the eye surface (cornea). The chief surgeon, Mr David Allamby, has performed more CK procedures than any other surgeon in the world.
Mr Allamby is also the first surgeon in the U.K to pioneer and perform the first Z-Lasik Blended Vision (another treatment for reading glasses). He remains at the forefront of specialist surgeons for presbyopia in the UK, and has provided surgical training to visiting surgeons worldwide.
So what’s on offer? The standard procedures at Focus include: Z-LASIK, LASEK and PRK (all with Wavefront technology). The clinic additionally specialises in these popular lens replacement surgeries: refractive lens exchange (RLE), implantable collamer lens (ICL), cataract surgery.
2. Focus Costs
Focus is one of the most expensive places in the UK for laser eye and lens replacement surgery, along with its friends on Harley Street: the London Vision Clinic and Moorfields Private (just around the corner).
Nearly 200 patients told us they paid on average £6,200 for laser eye surgery and £6,700 for lens replacement surgery at Focus. These prices are among the highest out there, and around double what you can pay elsewhere in the UK.
Laser eye surgery costs (both eyes):
- LASIK cost: £6,500
- LASIK specialist cost: £6,000
- LASIK blended vision: £5,400
Lens and cataract surgery costs (both eyes):
- Refractive lens exchange cost: £6,500
- Cataract surgery cost: £6,500 (standard lens) – £7,500 (premium lens)
- ICL surgery cost: £7,500
Then there’s the VIP Package for £12,000, all in. Focus doesn’t reveal what’s involved in this eye-watering price tag, so we’ll go out on a limb and say you may not find great value for money here.
Are there any hidden costs?
You’ll be please to learn that the quotes above are fixed prices, meaning you should avoid some nasty surprises. These costs include a generous 10-year guarantee, and initial consultations are free.
Interest-free finance options are also available, from £179.17 per eye per month, with a £500 deposit. Other clinics, however, offer monthly payment plans for around a quarter of the price.
So is it worth paying more?
Well, it may be if you are looking for: the most up-to-date ophthalmic tech, some of the UK’s most experienced surgeons, and being treated like a king in general. Plus, all procedures use Wavefront technology as standard: a slightly pricier add-on that improves the accuracy of the laser by measuring the eye’s exact measurements.
But don’t feel pressured into paying more than you feel comfortable with. Laser eye surgery is considered a safe procedure, with over 95% of people being satisfied or very satisfied with results, according to NICE. Optical Express, for example, is so confident of achieving 20/20 vision, it has a moneyback offer if you don’t. And prices there are half what they are at Focus Clinics on average.
3. Focus Review: The Verdict
FOCUS Clinics features as one of the best places for laser eye surgery in the UK. Plus, with friendly staff and a “Good” CQC rating, it also makes its way onto the list of the 10 best laser eye surgery clinics in London.
But is it right for you? Focus Clinics does offer plenty of excellent perks for the higher price tags: cutting-edge lasers, pioneering eye surgeons, and hard-to-fault customer service. That said, your money will also fund perks no one really needs: things like the prime Harley Street location, spa-like rooms, and VIP treatment.
Anyone looking to bag a bargain eye surgery should keep looking. Well-reviewed high street clinics such as Optical Express, Ultralase and Optimax might be a better fit if that’s the case.
☝ Ask the eye experts: To see if there is a better rated laser eye surgery provider near you, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and get a tailored quote from a clinic you can trust.
Surgeons
Focus Clinics Reviews
Kerry
I had my surgery on Tuesday afternoon. I am totally amazed at the results. I have better vision now than before when I was wearing glasses. The procedure was painless, quick and the results instant. To the staff and Dr Ali Mearza thank you - I should have had this done years ago.
Rachel Thomas
I had a consultation at Ultralase 3 years ago and was completely put off having surgery. It was very much a hard sell approach and didn't give me confidence that I would be able to see as well as with my Glasses/contacts as they said my prescription was quite high especially with the astigmatism(-5.5 & -4.5 and astigmatism -1.5 & -2.75) I gave up on the idea until I saw Dr Allamby on This Morning and this got me thinking about it again. I had a consultation in January and had the surgery on 31st March (2 weeks ago today) I had another consultation on the day of surgery with Dr Allamby and he explained the procedure and said that 10% of people with my prescription may need a top up at 3 months but this is all included in the price. It was only slightly painful for about half an hour after the anaesthetic wore off then the stinging eased. I went back to the hotel and slept for a couple of hours and felt much better afterwards but still aware of some grittiness. There were lots of drops to put in for a week and eye shields to wear every night which were a pain but I could see without my glasses so it was well worth it! I went back for the follow up the next day and Dr Allamby couldn't even see where the flap was. At my 1 week check I had a few worries that I couldn't see as sharply at distance as I expected especially when driving. I was told that my eyes were exactly as they should be after a week and that everything would settle in 2-3 months. My eyes are sometimes dry in the evenings but this is also improving every day. Since this appointment I've actually seen a lot better so I think they put my mind at rest. I saw another patient and she said her vision was still improving 2 months on. Everyone was very helpful at the clinic and having the surgeons mobile number after surgery was a huge reassurance. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I wish I'd known about them 3 years ago.
Aurelie Blanchet
The customer service was excellent and the surgeon Doctor Ali Mearza was brilliant, very good at communicating with the patient. I would recommend this clinic. My eyesight is perfect now and the surgery was only yesterday. The surgery was fine and I felt pain for about an hour afterwards. Now I feel no pain at all.
Tania Mann
Treatment was brilliant. Staff lovely. The next day I had better than 20/20 vision. Would recommend it to anyone.
Mr williams
Total success 20/20 vision,wonderful surgeon Mr Allemby great staff
Alan Goodwin
I am amazed by the change in my sight. I had obviously expected benefit from the treatment but not to the degree I have recieved. I drive a powerboat as my chosen sport and was reaching a position whereby my licence would be difficult to achieve. I am now in a position to continue driving for some years!! Incidently I am 70 years of age. I cannot express my gratitude for the difference the Staff at Focus have made to my continued pleasure in my sport. My thanks in particular to Mr Allenby who was both professional and calming......not an unpleasant experience...... I shall be reccommending the Focus to anyone who mentions laser eye surgery!!
Sandra Elsdon-James
I had my treatment on 22nd October 07. My prescription was very high and to be honest I didn't think I would be able to have it done. After seeing Paul Ross have his eyes done on 'This Morning' and realizing that his prescription (as advised on the program) was very similar to mine I decided to make an appointment. I had been to 'Ultralase' several years ago but they told me my prescription was too high to get a 'satisfactory' result. I was told after lots of tests that I would be able to have my eyes done and was also able to speak with Dr Allamby who explained in great detail the best treatment for me would be Lasek and what results I could expect. I didn't get any jargon or nothing that I couldn't understand and found the whole team exceptionally kind, helpful and reassuring. At the time they were getting a new scanner so was asked to wait until October so I could have my eyes scanned with the new scanner. The night before the operation I nearly cancelled it I was soooo scared. When I got to the Clinic on the day everyone was very calming and kept telling me I would be fine. I couldn't believe the whole procedure was finished in minutes and I could see for the first time without my glasses. I actually asked if the contact lens 'bandage' I had to wear had a prescription in as I couldn't believe what I was seeing almost straight away. (I had been told that my sight wouldn't be perfect straight away as it is in Lasik.) I have had to wear glasses since I was five years old (I am 40 now). My mum had come with me on the day and most of the way home I was telling her all the car registrations and signs that I could see. I returned 3 days later to have my contact lens bandages removed and they seemed really pleased with my progress. I am now a month on and just had my months check up last week. I can see as well now as I ever could with either my glasses or contact lens. I can't thank Dr Allamby enough for giving me the sight I have never had before. Even now I still go to take my glasses off at night before I go to sleep! Every time I have been up for a check up I have brought the DVD's home with me to give to my friends and family. I can't recommend this clinic enough. Everyone at the clinic are really friendly and helpful and ready to answer even the questions you think might sound silly!! If you are thinking about having your eyes done do not hesitate in going to this clinic - I can assure you, you won't be disappointed in the results and you will have wished (like me) you had had it done years ago. Believe me I am the worst chicken anyone could ever meet and the team at Focus were able to calm and reassure me right from the start
David Reavell
Surgery date July 2006 David has given me an excellent service. I was very unsure whether to have the surgery done. His reassuring manner he convinced me that it would go well and I have had a wonderful year of seeing everything well again. The aftercare is second to none.
Carole Williams
Steamed up glasses when I opened the oven or walked in the rain; guessing bottles in the shower by colour or shape as I couldn't read the writing; not being able to read a menu when out for a meal! Minor frustrations perhaps but very wearing!! Also with a very pressured PA role I was finding it ever harder to cope with my worsening eyesight. I read a newspaper article about Dr David Allamby and decided to risk a consultation despite my fear of surgery (it still took me 18 months to pluck up the courage!!). I found him and his team confident, calming and reassuring. The initial check was very thorough and, a couple of weeks later my surgery was over in minutes. Immediately I could read from a magazine. There was some initial discomfort but no pain. I was concerned that I should need to take lots of time of work but needed only 2 or 3 days overall. Two months on I have just had my check up and my vision is better than 20:20. My only regret is that my fear stopped me doing this years ago!!!
Robert Ayers
It is the morning after my LASEK eye surgery to both eyes. I went to bed last night with eyes feeling full of grit ( as promised) and have woken up after a good nights sleep (the clinics sleeping tablet helped).My eyes feel only slightly uncomfortable but i can read this screen as i type !! Cant thank Dr. Allamby enough .
