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
Flick Darwin
I’ve just been signed off as a patient a year after my surgery, and I can honestly say that having my laser surgery at Focus Clinic is one of the best things I’ve ever done. My initial consultation at Focus clinic followed a free consultation at a different and widely advertised clinic where I felt I was rushed through the process and there was pressure to sign up for surgery. Focus, on the other hand, was comprehensive with more tests and an eye scan as well, which I hadn’t received before going there. Ok, the initial consultation at Focus costs £25, but this gets taken off the cost of surgery if you choose to go ahead. And on the basis that I will only have one pair of eyes, I felt the cost of the consultation was well worth it for the depth of testing they did. There was no hard sell, and the interest free credit was easily arranged; every question I asked (and there were a lot of them) was answered fully and with a great deal of patience. The clinic is impeccably well presented; clean, tidy and the staff are always very friendly, welcoming and helpful. It’s very clear that patient care is at the core of their business as every contact I have had with the clinic has always been professional, informative and accommodating. Even though I’m now signed off as a patient, it’s been made clear that I can contact them again if I have any questions or queries, or I need another procedure; if another procedure is related to the one I’ve already had, then it comes free of charge. Mr Allamby performed my procedure and he was incredibly patient with all my questions despite running late on the day. I had done some research on him and the clinic on the internet prior to my surgery date, and found that he has worked in Moorfields and Leeds Eye Hospitals. The reason he set up Focus clinic is that he wanted to work with the best equipment in the industry but didn’t want to sit in front of a medical board and have to justify the reasons for having that equipment, hence he set up his own clinic. Obviously it’s important to do your own research on the clinic and the surgeon you are allocated. I’m not going to go into details of the procedure as it seems to be fairly standard from place to place, and each person’s pain and comfort tolerance levels are different and entirely personal, but I would have this procedure again tomorrow if I had to. If you’re asking yourself why Focus is a lot cheaper than other places you’ve looked at (believe me, I did), it’s because they don’t have a marketing budget; they work from word of mouth recommendations and articles in the press. I have never hesitated in recommending Focus Clinic to family and friends and am glad I chose them for my surgery. My vision has gone from -2.5 in each eye to a 0 prescription with 20/12 vision (that’s better than 20/20 vision). My sincere thanks go to Mr Allamby and the team for their superb service.
Laura
Wow! I am so happy with both the results of my surgery and the professionalism of Mr Mearza and his team at FOCUS Laser Vision. I keep explaining to people 'it's like life in HD'!. My prescription before surgery was around -2.75, with marked astigmatisms, in both eyes. I, like many other reviewers, visited other clinics, namely ultralase and optical express. Both of which gave me little or no explanation of the process but were very hot on selling me their products. These ranged from 'standard' at about £1500, through 'gold' at about £2500 to 'approved by NASA and US military' at the £4200 mark. FOCUS was totally different. They carried out the required tests on my eyes (better than other clinics) and told me what they would recommend. The only option they presented was the one which was best for me and my vision. During my initial consultation the staff explained everything they were doing and what would happen should I go ahead. I was especially pleased when I had the opportunity (as it was not in use) to see the operating/laser room where the procedure takes place. This really helped ease my apprehension. The openness and informativeness of the staff was comforting and confidence boosting and, although I pencilled in a suitable date for surgery, I made no commitment at the time. Armed with information, and clear costs, I left enjoying the chance to discuss with my partner and family about the treatment. I called just a day after and confirmed my appointment! The big day arrived and I was stunned at how painless and quick the procedure was. Mr Mearza, and his staff, talked me through the steps and gave me countdowns like, '10 seconds of this' etc. The preparation of holding the eye open takes the most time! After both eyes were treated, Mr Mearza asked me to look at the clock and tell him the time. 'Ten past four', I said. Then realisation hit! I'd read a clock, on the otherside of the room, without glasses or contacts. I nearly cried I was so happy! Admittedly, I felt a bit like I was underwater, due to the drops, but I knew then my vision was great. Recovery room for 30 minutes, which I found a little uncomfortable, but eased when I sat up. Eye check- at least 20/20. Home on the tube/train which was probably the most uncomfortable thing for me - it was a super sunny June day and even with my shades on it felt bright. When I got home, I lay down for an hour or so in a darkened room. Administered the drops as directed. Got up and ate evening meal with my partner and watched a bit of TV. All over, uncomfortable (not painful) itchy, hot, stingy feelings 100% gone. Lasted less than 3 hours. 'Facebook'ed how pleased I was, then retired for the night. Woke up in the morning and headed off to my 24 hour check up, a real spring in my step, grinning like the cheshire cat and reading every numberplate in the distance, out loud, just because I could! Eye test 20/15. So happy. Mr Mearza and his team gave me the best possible vision I could have. I am at 6 weeks now and am still amazed. The team at FOCUS gave me the confidence to have the procedure done, treated me with respect and valued my custom. I have recommended FOCUS to everyone I have spoken to about laser correction and will continue to do so. If you are considering laser correction, consider the others if you must but if you are keen for top class service, you will choose FOCUS.
Mark Reid
Cannot recommend enough, had 1 other consultation at Optical Express, difference is like eating in KFC and a decent restaurant. Consultant told me i had Blepharitis (apparently common in contact lens wearers), Optical express or Specsavers who i had prescription with picked this up. Day of surgery went well, due to prescription, the actual time under the laser was about 5 seconds each eye, surgeon spent longer clamping eye lids open. After the painfree surgery, i was moved to the quiet room, where i fell asleep for about 30 mins. On the way home in the taxi the clarity of vision was amazing, however this goes once you start putting the numerous drops in. On the day of the surgery i had to put 4 lots of drops in, no major issues at all, just took things nice and easy. The next day was my worst day (but don't start worrying), i had been told, oh it hurts like mad, you should have Lasik as Lasek is the cheap option blah blah blah. I had at the worst mild discomfort, when my eyes felt strained, i just went back to bed and slept for an hour or two, only on 1 occasion did i struggle to get the drops in, and this was due to it being really light in the bathroom. On the 2nd day, i was able to bungee jump (joking) i took the dog out for a couple of walks, with my dodgy hat and shades on, i felt fine, however, i was still taking the painkillers then. On the 3rd day (yesterday) no painkillers, any worries i may have had soon disappeared, there was no pain, just a slight itchiness that i could only say is like hayfever, easy way of getting rid of it is to shut your eyes for an hour. I had the contact lens bandages out 2 hours ago, my vision is still blurry (quite fun trying to type this), my eyes have healed, and i am now down to taking only 2 lots of drops 4 times a day. They couldn't believe that i was so chirpy and have asked that as i have had suck a good experience, that i let others know how i got on. Would i consider having Lasek after what i know now: Yes Would i recommend the Focus Clinic: Yes, in all honesty, after they picked up my eye condition, already saw them as a cut above you standard eye clinic that has to advertise. Am i getting paid for this: Nt at all, i have had an amazing experience at Focus, the professionalism of the staff and the cleanliness of the clinic make it a pleasure (they also have a coffee machine that grinds the beans when you want a cup). Others have claimed that their surgery was painful, i suppose pain is relative, had i known how painfree and easy it would have been, i would have had it years ago. There is a reason the Focus clinic don't need to advertise on TV, that reason is word of mouth, if the experience was poor, i woud be honest and say, but as i stated above, couldn't be better. If you live in the London area and unsure of where to go, don't hesitate to have a consultation, i could have gone down the road, but chose somewhere that takes me 1 1/2 hours by public transport, says it all really. Thank you Focus Clinic
Nick Philippou
Very very happy with results. I am a 48 year old man and can now read without any assistance.
Steve Impey
From first contact to treatment completion, the service provided by Focus Laser Vision has been exceptional. I had considered laser correction for a number of years, but couldn't quite pluck up the courage to go ahead as I was unwilling to entrust the care of my eyes to what I would describe as "conveyor belt clinics" This however changed when i saw an article in the telegraph regarding the revolutionary Z-lasik procedure utilised by Focus, and the more personal service they appeared to offer under the care of Mr Mearza and Allemby (qualified and respected opthalmologists). I subsequently booked an initial consultation and was taken through a very comprehensive range of tests and was informed i was suitable for the Z-lasik procedure. I was then (based upon my prescription) given the cost of surgery and available dates. No pressure was placed on me to sign "there and then" and I left to consider my options. After reviewing the pros and cons, and feeling reassured after a couple of days consideration, I recontacted Focus and booked my procedure for the 10th of June. Treatment day eventually came and on the day of the procedure Mr. Mearza (my allocated surgeon) had a further consultation with me to double check my prescription. He then took me through the procedure itself and left me feeling reassured that I was in confident and competent hands. Another member of the team then saw me prior to the procedure and took me through a very thorough aftercare regime and the medicines i was required to take. Within minutes I was then taken through to a waiting area outside of the main treatment room where I was required to don a fetching pair of blue shoe covers and a blue hair net. The actual treatment was somewhat of a blur as it was over so quickly. The laser procedure itself (both the cutting of the flap and the ablation of the cornea to the correct prescription) was totally painless (anesthetic eye drops are applied), however i will admit that i found the device which places pressure on the eye during the flap cutting process to be uncomfortable. However, the discomfort in both eyes lasted for a matter of 30 seconds each eye and was bearable. Immediately after the procedure I was amazed that I could instantly see the time on the clock in the treatment room (although admittedly my vision was cloudy at this point) I was then taken to a recovery room where I rested my eyes for 30 minutes before being seen by Mr Mearza again for a post treatment consultation. I then left the clinic shortly after feeling no ill effects. Approximately 2 hours after the operation my eyes became very watery which lasted about 1 hour, they then became irritable for a further hour (feeling of grit in the eye) and then dry for about an hour after that. However. around six hours after the procedure i felt no ill effects whatsoever, and was well enough to go out for a couple of drinks and a meal with my wife. Over a 2 hour period my eyesight then rapidly improved and I was absolutely amazed at the clarity and quality of my vision so shortly after the procedure. In fact i drove my wife to the point of insanity reading everything i could see at distance! The morning after the procedure i woke up with no pain or discomfort whatsoever, and my vision much to my amazement was razor sharp. I then re attended Focus for a 24 hour check up with Mr Mearza and I was astounded I could read the bottom line of the eye chart (better than 20/20 vision) I was left reassured that everything had gone as planned and I was already healing well. This is basically my experience to date, and I am due back for a further check in a weeks time. Overall what can I say? In many ways I wish I'd gone through the procedure years ago, however I'm also glad I've waited to be treated using the Z-lasik process by a very professional team. I cannot praise Mr Mearza and the rest of the staff at Focus highly enough. If you've thought long and hard about treatment then consider Focus if you want a thorough, personal and professional service.
Av Singh
Dr Allamby was great on the day of surgery...He is a real expert as are the other staff around him. Along with a brilliant laser, the day of the surgery was a great success. A few hours of discomfort afterwards is expected, but by the next day I was back at the eyesight I had with specs before the surgery - 20/15. Brilliant and successful work by all at Focus Laser Vision. I have now gone overboard and own 3 pairs of sunglasses....I had better calm down a bit !!!
Elaine Gwyther
everything was wonderful, particularly Mr Mearza :-)
Georgia
I was very nervous and anxious before going in for the surgery. However, the entire team were incredibly professional and supportive throughout the entire process, and I soon felt calm and safe. I would thoroughly recommend any service they provide.
Rebecca Rain
I found the clinic to be very professional and helpful, they explained every thing in detail and were very patient. The service was quick and very efficent. I would recommend this clinic and eye laser surgey to any one who is think about it.
clara salaman
I feel totally transformed by my experience. Even now, a onth later, not an hour goes by when I am not amazed at what I can see and how my life has changed. I went surfing - something I could never have done properly with lenses. Just waking up is fantastic, seeing the world, falling asleep watching telly, small things that make all the difference, let alone now feeling like a primed human being rather than a faulty one! The surgery itself I found a little traumatic but this side of it, I can say it is worth the 30 seconds of pain (on each eye). The laser itself is painless and the operation was SO quick (seven minutes each eye) but for me it was the suction, the pressure that hurt. Although I was told that this was because I have quite high cheek bones - so every cloud.... I cannot recommend it highly enough because the result is so incredible. i now have better eyesight than anyone i know as it corrected my vision beyond 20/20. Price wise I thought it was really fair considering I won't ever need lenses again and to be honest, there is no price on perfect eyesight. The only thing that might be a good idea is to have a big jar on the way out where you can put all your old lenses and glasses and they could be given to people in third world countries who really need them. But my surgeon was so calm and comforting and professional he allayed all my fears, told me to count to thirty and it would stop hurting, which was correct. The pre care and after care was faultless. Thank you so much. Beg steal or borrow the money....Go for it!