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
Chris Perrins
I cannot recommend David Allemby and his staff highly enough. David is just outstanding. I have gone from -4.50 with astigmatism of -1.75 to perfect unaided vision. David is reassuring and calming and guides you through the whole process perfectly. I fel I have a new lease of life now and thank you so much for this David. I’m 37 now but I can see better than when I was a teenager. If you are in any doubt at all, don’t be – David is the very best there is and his equipment the most advanced available. You are in the safest hands. The fact that he invests in the latest technology shows his commitment to safety – the laser he uses removes the least possible amount of tissue – and the laser flap-cutting is wonderfully accurate. Being able to see when you wake up in the morning and on wet days on the golf course is truly incredible. 1 week on, all perfect, no dry eyes, no discomfort and I am reliably told by David 20/15 vision.
Vicki Jater
It is just about a year now since I had the surgery and I am still so pleased that I had this done. Everyone at this clinic was extremely friendly and caring, nothing was pushed my way and any possible downsides were pointed out. I went ahead and from day one I could see so well, I had the blended vision and it is fantastic, no more glasses. I cannot speak highly enough of this clinic and all of its staff they are wonderful.
Ian Oliver
I would recommend this treatment to anyone. I had astigmatisms in both eyes and slightly short signed in one. The treatment was painless….. but I have to admit to be in a little discomfort for 36 hours after surgery. Focus Vision was an excellent choice: the per op examination was extremely thorough and the surgery was fine. After care is extremely good. My vision was pretty good after 24 hours and now, 2 weeks after surgery it is wonderful…….. no more contact lenses or glasses!!
vikki horrocks
Eye Laser surgery was the best thing i have ever done. Words cannot describe how greatful i am to Dr Allamby. The staff at the clinic were very kind and helpful. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and the best part of all… it was hundreds of pounds cheaper than any other quote i had got ! As soon as i opened my eyes (SECONDS AFTER LASER SURGERY) for once in my life i could see the clock hanging above the door without contact lenses. I can now wake up and see the alarm clock or fall asleep watching TV without worrying about taking my contact lenses out. It is by far the best thing i have ever done.. I have recommended it to everyone who wears glasses and lenses. I couldn’t have wished for a better surgeon or a better clinic to have carried out the procedure. A big Thank you to everyone at Focus.
Mark
Outstanding clinic, treatment, aftercare, communication.
To anyone who is considering the treatment, I would suggest you go to Focus. The admin staff are very thorough and friendly. The technicians are the same. The level of expertise and running of the place is simply amazing. The equipment is cutting edge technology.
From the moment you enter you feel valued as a customer come patient as you are directed to the very stylish and welcoming waiting room. From there on, the whole process runs like clockwork. I cannot stress enough how important the first impressions and consultations are, and believe me, you will not leave disappointed.
For my treatment I chose to consult, op, follow-up in successive days.
My sight is now better than 20/20.
Nicola Branford
Had my Lasik on 11th Nov 08, couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was, the staff and surgeon were brilliant. Pre-care and after care are second to none, would recommend Focus to anyone seeking Lasik eye surgery. Day 2 after surgery and I am already back at work; the only problem I have is remembering when to take my eye drops 😉
Enjoying not having to wear glasses or contacts lenses. Love the fact that I have 20/20 vision or better. Couldn’t ask for a better result.
Tracy Pottle
Focus Laser Vision staff not only say they care about their customers they put that care into action. Thorough consultations are provided and recommendations from eye examinations discussed in detail.
The surgeon discussed the procedure in detail and saved me money on the day by recommending that he only operated on one eye not both. The procedure was quick and not at all painful, with 20/20 vision immediately.
Overjoyed with the result and the aftercare and have recommended Focus Laser Vision to friends, family and work colleagues.
Thank you the Focus Laser Vision Team.
Tracy Pottle
sarah
i found the whole focus experience fantastic, the staff are freindly, professional and put you completely at ease throughout the treatment.
I was initially very nervous about having laser treatment on my eyes but after researching focus found out how many people had had this procedure done and decided to go ahead with it. I am so pleased that i did as life without glasses or contacts is amazing . I can’t speak highly enough of all the staff at the clinic and would recommend it to anyone. Mr Ali Mearza carried out my surgery and the results are better than i hoped for, my eyes are now above 20/20 vision.
Stephen gerrard
The surgery was one of the most uncomfortable (not really painful) and wierdest things that I have had to experience but I would do it again tomorrow knowing the results I have got. Worth every penny! The best money I ever spent. Love it!
Fantastic, professional, friendly, efficient service from start to finish. After care is superb and makes the total cost even more value for money.
Premises are clean and modern and it is a pleasure to attend especially as staff always recognise and speak to you.
now have better than 20/20 vision and cant believe i didnt do it earlier… (probably would have if I hadnt wasted my time with the likes of optical express and optimax first!)
My only negative is that the clinic is not closer to where i live…..but you can’t have everything can you!!
Thankyou
Julia
From start to finish, have been very happy with the service. I’m now one month post-op and now have 20/10 vision – it’s amazing.
I had a few consultations and Focus were the only clinic I wanted to trust my eyes with. I feel I should tell everyone who wears glasses that they should get it done! Thanks to everyone at Focus
