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
Robyn Whitman
The pre-op appointment went extremely well and I instantly felt in the safest hands. All the staff at the clinic were incredible, answering every question I had and helping with settling my nerves on the day of the operation. I found the whole experience really personal and I still now think it is brilliant how the receptionist, I didn't catch her name, was so on the ball and remembered my name even after only one visit. Mr. Mearza was amazing before, during and after the operation. He talked through the procedure, answered the silliest of questions and generally made me really sure of the massive decision I was making with going ahead with the op. On the day of surgery he was attentitive and spoke through the procedure once again, reassuring me things would be fine and over before I knew it. The nurse was also absolutely lovely and we had a little chat and giggle before going into the surgery whilst she was talking me very clearly through all the drops for after the surgery. When on the operating table I felt really nervous however with Mr. Mearza chatting to me and keeping my mind off the procedure it was over so quickly. This was a massive decision for me to make at 21 and an awful lot of money to pay but I could not have made a better choice. I love the fact I don't have to wear contacts or glasses and can see better than I have ever been able to. I would recommend this procedure to anyone. Thanks so much everyone at Focus Clinic for a much clearer 2009 and rest of my life!!!
Sam Pullen
Totally amazing, best present to myself in 2008. I would recommend getting your eyes lasered to anyone, especially at FOCUS Laser Vision, the team there are truly amazing, extremely friendly and very caring to ensure you feel at ease before, throughout and after the surgery. The joy of driving, playing sport, watching DVDs etc without the need of glasses is fantastic. Thanks again to all those at Focus for my pain free surgery, I would get it done again tomorrow if I needed it. Kind regards, Sam
Lance Paine
The only clinic I visited where I got to meet the surgeon before the day of the op. David put me at ease, made me feel better about LASIK over PRK (when I sometimes do contact martial arts). The staff here all seemed to know what they were talking about, unlike other surgeries I visited. Not only the most comfortable experience, but also the cheapest?! Day of surgery: I was a bit nervous, I'd have been worried if I wasn't!. There was some slight discomfort in the last 10th of a second when the suction thing for flap creation was applied other than that, painless. So strange to be sat up afterwards and be able to see. Led to a room to lie down for 10 minutes. Told to keep eyes shut, but tricky to do when all I wanted to do was look about. Taxi ride home was incredible (I'm sure my partner and the taxi driver was annoyed with all my - I can see that, and that, and those, and read that!!), after 20minutes just need to close eyes. Not painful, not uncomfortable. Just need to close eyes. Went to bed once home. Too excited to sleep! Nodded off after a mild Nitol, woke up 1 1/2 hours later and I could see! Better than I could with contacts. And it was only going to get better! Went outside, night vision is better than contacts or glasses, my glare is gone, instead I have 'haloes', over crystal clear nights. I'm told even that will improve with time, and 3 days on it seems it is. Using drops every two hours as instructed. Only slight discomfort when I forget and leave it longer. Or in bad hot aircon. But less so than I had with contacts. Can't recommend the treatment or Focus, highly enough.
helen bell
Mr Allamby and his team were most caring and professional throughout. The result is outstanding - perfect vision. I'm most grateful to them all.
Kristie Read
My experience at Laser Vision Focus was nothing but excellent. All the staff are very friendly and caring. I was fully informed prior to the surgery and therefore felt very comfortable during my entire treatment. I had contacted a few other Laser clinics when deciding to have the surgery and Laser Vision Focus was the only clinic where I felt I wasn't getting the hard sell and therefore appeared much more professional. I would happily recommend them to anyone!
MILEN TODOROV
I do not know where i am supposed to start from:)let's put in this way: I CAN SEE MUCH MUCH BETTER NOW THAN WHEN WEARING GLASSES FOR 25 YEARS! I never ever completely believed that such a high prescription-7.30 can be corrected-it is not just amazing,it is absolutely shocking!I am lost for words!Why I chose Focus?--after a quick chat with Dr. Allamby on his personal site,i was 99%convinced I will go for it,but when I met him personally in real i did not have any doubts at all. LET'S DO IT:)-DR.Allamby said...I looked at him and was sure i am in right hands..LET'S DO IT NOW!:)-i replied CAN U SEE THE CLOCK?-he asked me ,as i was ready to lie on the bed HOW CAN I DAVE-I AM ALMOST BLIND!!!! after exactly 8 min he asked me the same question....yes i remember the time Dr Allamby--13.05..it is still there ..in my eyes not glasses...my own eyes.. what a journey that was...I spread the news straight from the clinic--to my parents,friends and even to Dr Allamby,but he was not surprised at all...it was like a routine procedure for him...he was just laughing.good sense of humour though:)throughout the whole procedure he was explaining to me what he actually does to my eyes very calmly,i think i was not a bad patient either:)))i hope so:)I would like to thank to the whole staff in Focus clinic starting from Dr.Allamby,the whole reception staff and those whom i just know by face.THE ATMOSPHERE in the clinic is lovely-the staff knew who i am every single time I have been there they call me in person,though the reception was occupied all the time with a plenty of people.I am a builder myself and have to tell you that the design of the clinic is very simple but it gives you a great relax and feeling that i do not want to leave:)next week i will be there for a check and definitely will try that lovely coffee:)well i think i will leave the rest of the story for my mum:)) To all the people who have not decided yet what to do...i will tell them..-FOLLOW YOUR DREAM CLOSE YOUR EYES FOR 8 MIN..OPEN THEM AND YOUR DREAM WILL COME TRUE...FOCUS CLINIC, DR. ALLAMBY AND HIS STAFF WILL MAKE YOU SEE THE WORLD SO DIFFERENT THAN YOU HAVE EVER THOUGHT! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYBODY AND GOD BLESS YOU DR. ALLAMBY
Sam Fiorani
My experience at Focus Clinic has been absolutely fantastic, well beyond my expectations. I am totally impressed with the result (I have had my operation only a week ago), as well as with the pre and after care I have received so far. Just to break it down: Premises Very clean, modern and welcoming. Initial contact Before booking my consultation, I actually contacted Dr. Allamby through his blog, he always replied to all of my questions. Initial consultation I was seen on time by friendly and professional staff. No hard sales / pressuring tecninques were used at any point. Surgeon/Treatment Day Dr. Allamby and his team were absolutely amazing. He met me before the operation to double-check the various measurements, explained in detail what he was going to do and what I should expect, and put me completely at ease. The treatment itself is so brief and the result so immediate that you'll be left wondering why you waited so long to go ahead with the treatment. I really appreciated being guided through the various steps of the procedure by Dr. Allamby. He is always a few seconds ahead of you, so you always know what is coming next. General impressions Everyone at Focus Clinic is extremely professional, from the wonderful reception staff, to the surgeons. To conclude If you are thinking of having the latest laser eye surgery, at a lower price than the "big names" and are looking for excellent surgeons/customer care, I would highly recommend you pay Focus Clinic a visit, you will not regret it.
Helen Bracher
All the staff at the clinic were professional and welcoming. They made me feel totally at ease and explained every step of the procedure. Caroline who did my eye test was excellent and really knew her stuff!! She was extremely thorough. At the end of the consultation there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted the procedure done as soon as possible and amazingly I could have it done in two weeks. On the day of the procedure I underwent a second test with Caroline to check my prescription had not changed as I have been a gas permeable lens wearer for 20 years. This put my mind at rest as I thought it had deteriorated over the fortnight. I then met David Allamby, the surgeon, he took me through the actual procudure and checked my eyes again for any changes in shape. Then it was time, I sat outside the laser suite and the nurse explained all the drops and safety issues for the after care. I laid down on the bed and the procedure started. David put me totally at ease explaining everything as it went along with a joke. After the procedure had finished I laid down in the quiet room with my husband, who had the procedure done just before me. We were amazed that even though it was a little blurry he could now read the text on the drugs leaflet given to us. After 20 minutes we were free to go with my parents accompanying us home. I would recommend the Laser Focus Centre to anyone who was thinking of getting their eyes lasered. I felt totally at home and am amazed at the speed with which I now have 20/20 vision.
Tim B
I'm not good at words so I'll be brief.......!! I've always been a bit eye phobic so it was a big step for me to consider laser correction but...........I couldn't get on with contacts (the only time I could see properly was when I was crying - quite often with the lenses in - yuk!!). I've worn varifocals for a number of years and absolutely hated them - I could walk through a clean room and my glasses would be dirty by the time I walked out (they could have had "Dyson" written on the side of them!!!). I carried out a significant amount of research on the various options - met several people who had distance correction but still needed reading glasses. Then I came across David Allamby and Focus Laser Vision - blended vision - correction for reading and distance - saw Paul Ross and David on the telly and I was sold. Went with my wife for a consultation - H's review covers the process. Could not fault any part of the process - the laser cut "flap" was a little uncomfortable but it's only 30 seconds and the jobs done. It's a most bizarre experience but David and his team reassured me through the whole process. Vision was noticeably improved as soon as I had been zapped - just a touch blurry - but I could easily read the after-care info sheet. The following day my vision had improved to "teenager" level - shame they can't do the rest of my body. No pain, eyes felt a bit gritty straight after but the after-care pack of drops do their stuff!! I was told that it might take a while to get used to blended vision but I'm there already - the old varifocal bins took a lot longer!!! Overall - Focus Laser Vision "Rocks" and I would recommend them to anyone. Thanks Team Focus.
robin wilson
I found focus vision to be brilliant, highly recommend them I was very nervous and was apprehensive even on the day,but David Allenby and every single one of the staff at focus vision were friendly and very understanding and all worked at putting me at ease. The entire clinic is also spotless and they serve a great cup of coffee. My only regret is that I did not have this treatment years ago.THANK YOU AGAIN DAVID AND ALL THE STAFF AT FOCUS LASER VISION YOUR SIMPLY THE BEST.
