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
Susan Oliver
I can't speak highly enough of my experience at Focus Laser Eye Clinic. Prior to my consultation there I had had a consultation with another large laser clinic. There was no comparison between the two. Focus was much more personal and right from when I entered the reception area I felt " looked after ". The staff were friendly and cheerful. When I met Mr Ali Mearza who carried out my treatment I was reassured by his knowledgeable, confident and professional manner. He talked me through everything in detail and I appreciated his honesty. He recommended that I only had my right eye corrected as this would benefit me later on, delaying the need for reading glasses as I aged. I was impressed by this advice as it greatly reduced the cost of my treatment. It also showed me that Mr Mearza was advising me on what was the best treatment for me personally and not trying to make more profit for the clinic. The previous clinic I had attended had not mentioned that only having one eye treated would be an option. On the day of my treatment everything went well and I'm sure that was down to the efficiency and skill of everyone at the clinic. I was due to have new glasses ( including prescription sunglasses ) the cost of which would probably have been in excess of £400. My treatment cost £595 and I no longer have the expense of buying new specs every couple of years. The advice, care and treatment I received at Focus was Five Star, yet I feel I paid a bargain price. I have highly recommended the clinic to all my friends and colleagues who are pondering over having treatment. My advice is don't delay, get it done.! It's the best thing I've done, thanks to everyone at Focus.
Sandra Harrison
I arrived into London from Somerset on the day of my operation 21st October as nervous as hell. I had already backed out twice before from two other Lazer clinics over the years as I did not feel secure in the knowledge that they had my sight in their hands and lost my deposit both times. I had worn contact lenses since I was 17 and I am now in my mid fifties. I had a very bad car crash in the late eighties where I nearly lost my right eye. I was one of the pioneers of the Extended Contact lens surgery. This allowed at the time the lens to stay in permanently and to be cleaned once a month.......... but as time went on there were so many problems I went back to monthlies............BUT that was the only other time in my life I could see as soon as I awoke...........UNTIL NOW!!!!!!!! How fantastic is this to get a second chance at my age. I underwent Z LASIK treatment to correct short-sightedness in my right eye only although I arrived to have both eyes corrected. I had my consultation with Mr Ali Mearza and he checked my eyes again and advised me only have one eye corrected as my near vision was 20/20 and he could not get this any better and I would lose the near vision in both eyes. He also advised that if I could not get on with the Blended Vision I could have my left eye at any time.My surgeon could have just gone ahead and done what I requested and I would have been no the wiser. Not only do I have a bionic eye now for long distance my left eye has been kept the same -1.75 and only cost me £820.00 too boot! I must say that it was a bit weird for a few weeks but now I do not notice a thing. My right eye is now long distance and my left eye is near distance so I can read, sew etc., Focus have made me a small pair of glasses to keep in my car as I was a bit concerned that I would feel a bit strange driving in the dark as I live in the country and have no road lights. I have in fact only used them a few times and now I don't even think about it but this was another little touch from FOCUS. I had been searching the Internet and found the Focus clinic and liked the look and sound of it and the fact that its pricing was far and away the most competitive. I contacted the the clinic and was put through to Paula Cole and very nice but professional lady. I explained to her what had happened in the past and asked if I was a probable candidate for the treatment. She was very reassuring and I also found all the other staff at the clinic BRILLIANT. Instinct told me I didn't need to shop around because I felt comfortable and made my first appointment for end of July.......and you guessed right I backed out but Paula spoke to me and said just to call her when I felt I could come again and I finally went in September. What a fool I felt because as soon as I arrived the service and advise I received was like a 7 star hotel EVERYONE so lovely and understanding. She was very honest about Z LASIK and went through all the procedures from the minute you arrive for the operation and the following 6 six months. I knew what was going to happen from the word go. They were very honest about the fact that it may cause a slight discomfort afterwards - which it did! - for at least 15 minutes until the anaesthetising drops were put in but Mr Mearza once the eyes had been double checked. After the op you are taken to a little private recovery room until Mr Mearza's checkup is due. After this you are free to go back to the room or off you go....................they said home but I was overjoyed and went to buy some diamond earrings!!! The op itself was totally painless and not at all invasive or upsetting - it was over so quickly and actually rather nice and peaceful. It took about 5 minutes from start to finish and that included the eye clamp being fitted the op and then all clamp removal, eye check and drops. The first thing I saw was the big brown eyes of the surgeon and then saw the clock and was amazed and have remained that way ever since. My eye is occasionally a bit dry but I have had that since the car crash so nothing different there. The surgeon Mr Ali Mearza explained everything he was doing so at no time did I feel scared or worried. The operation itself was weird it involves pulses of light, a little pressure on the eye and it is like a psychedelic experience not that I have ever had one but this is what I would expect to be like.............no pain at all just a little discomfort after. I thoroughly recommend this procedure to anyone considering it. When I think of all the money I have spent on lenses and glasses over the last 40 years ............................
Maliha I
The treatment has been excellent, whilst the recovery did take longer than I anticipated my vision is excellent and Dr Mearza was a superb surgeon. I have recommended to many friends and family after my experience.
Rick
Excellent ophthalmic assessment. Surgeon was excellent and very reassuring throughout procedure and gave me his personal mobile number to contact afterwards even in the evening - which I made use of and he was helpful. Good follow-up care. They also have a very nice waiting area with an impressive coffee machine which makes delicious cappuccinos! I also think that the price is excellent; note that it includes full after-care. My only criticism is that they could have given clearer guidance on the reasons for after-care medication and emphasised more the consequences of not taking it exactly as prescribed. In particular, I would have liked to be informed about the possibility of corneal abrasion (which is where the inside of the eyelid sticks to the surface cells of the eye pulling them off, causing temporary pain which typically resolves within 24 hours) which I did develop (but I am now using an ocular lubricant for 3 months which should solve the problem). In summary, I do recommend FOCUS very highly and have recommended them to several friends.
Tracy Powell
I researched many different clinics and procedures and couldn't have been happier with choosing Focus Laser Vision, and so glad someone I knew recommended them to me. At first I was apprehensive as they were so much more affordable than the other clinics, but there was nothing budget about the place! Absolutely top facilities and excellent customer service. I also read up on the different types of procedures and decided on the manual laser cut and it was totally fine. I had no problems whatsoever and my eyesight is now better than 20/20, with NO side effects that some places scare you about (like blurring and spots). If you're unsure what clinic to go with, or whether you should go through with it, I honestly couldn't' recommend Focus highly enough and saving up to get this done!! No more glasses and contacts. Woohoo!!!!
Elaine Sedgwick
Everyone at Laser Vison Focus was very helpful, friendly and professional. I actually went for a consultation at at competitor clinic before coming to Laser Vision and I was so much more impressed with Laser Vision. Most importantly they were never pushy with their sales when I was making my mind up about the surgery. They really just told you the pros and cons and left you to ask questions and make your own mind up. thanks for a great service.
Ian
Can't recommend Focus highly enough, they were brilliant throughout. Had surgery on 1 eye only (PRK) so that I could still read without glasses as well as see to drive (I am 52). That was the doctor's recommendation. Was dubious at first but eyes blended together and no glasses for anything now. Am envy of my friends and their reading glasses!!! Can't believe my surgery cost less than my last pair of glasses too. Staff are great and a beuatiful clinic. Mr Allamby put me at ease and very reassuring and confident. Thanks to all at Focus!!
Kylie Phaup-Stephens
I cannot recommend FOCUS Laser Vision enough! Having worn glasses for nearly 16 years - enough was enough. I play a lot of sport and bike to work every day. Rain in this country and glasses don't go together! I'm not rich and do not have a lot of money to spare. The price of the surgery was important to me. I actually obtained 5 estimates from various London clinics. What made Laser Vision Focus all that more appealing was that I could also pay it off interest free over 6 months. From the moment I contacted Focus Laser Vision - everything was just perfect! From the first phonecall, infomation pack received, first visit to the (lovely) clinic, the day of the surgery, day after the surgery, 3 days later, a month later. This truly is Customer Service at it's very VERY best. My initial consultaion was detailed, thorough and very personal. It made a pleasant change to some of the other clinics I had approached that was for sure. The day of the Surgery I was nervous - but had absolutely no reason to be. I may well have been a celebrity the way I was looked after! The actual surgery was incredibly quick (like 11 seconds each eye quick!) and no pain involved......why didn't I do this years ago?! It has been 7 months now and I have been back for several follow up consultations. I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes and I can now read the VERY bottom line of an eye chart - we hee! Sport is so much better these days. It's very refreshing to now go scuba diving and not have to worry about the hassle of contact lenses and prescription masks - that's exactly what diving had become a hassle. .....but best of all though is the sensation of the rain on my face when I'm biking!
Glen
The surgery was great. A little unnerving, but the team helped me to feel very comfortable and at home. Everything went smoothly, I had good vision very soon after surgery and 8 months later everything is still great. I think my vision is actually better than when I was wearing contacts. Focus was also the best price I found for a surgery using Wavefront. So thanks guys! Glen
Mark Simpson
What a fantastic experience! From start to finish, Focus were excellent. From the peaceful waiting area, the extremely helpful staff to David Allamby the surgeon himself. I had an idea of the type of surgery I wanted and why I wanted it and I was given the opportunity of talking these through with David. he was great, he listened and then added options and insight that I had not thought of and let me make my decisions. He prepared me for each stage, whether before the surgery, just after the surgery, to months after the surgery by talking through what he was going to do, what I should do and what I could expect. It went just as he said it would and on my last visit I was told that my eyes had completely healed and I can see perfectly. I whole heatedly recommend Focus to anyone looking to have laser surgery to their eyes. Mark Simpson
