Since the London Vision Clinic opened its doors in 2002, it has sought to provide the highest possible standard of clinical and patient care in the field of laser eye surgery.
As you would expect from a Harley Street address, the London Vision Clinic offers advanced laser technology, extensive eye assessments, and a range of treatments, even for very high prescriptions.
What makes the London Vision Clinic different? It provides an expert, personalised service for every patient, including one of the most rigorous and detailed screening processes anywhere in the world.
Is there anything to look out for? The London Vision Clinic is one of the most expensive centres for vision correction in the UK – with LASIK eye surgery prices starting at £2,600, you may end up paying double what you would pay elsewhere.
Based on independent reports from the CQC, objective research, and nearly 500 real customer reviews,, here is how the London Vision Clinic ranks in terms of its clinic, costs, treatments and surgeons:
| Overall Rating | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (4.0 out of 5) | (4.4 out of 5) | (3.7 out of 5) | (4.5 out of 5) | (4.3 out of 5) |
Does the treatment justify the costs? To find out if there’s a better rated eye clinic near you, use our free tool here. Or, read on to dig deeper into:
- London Vision Clinic Review
- Treatments Offered
- Prices
- London Vision Clinic Surgeons
- The Verdict
- Surgeon Reviews
- 472 Patient Reviews
1. London Vision Clinic Review
(4.0 out of 5)
“I should not have waited so long. The experience of the London Vision Clinic has almost been a pleasure!” – Andrew E.
Based on the hundreds of reviews previous patients have left on our site since 2002, the London Vision Clinic really seems to be providing a five-star laser eye surgery service.
Customers particularly appreciate the professionalism of the staff, as well as the honesty the surgeons show in initial consultations. If surgery is not right for you, you can rely on the London Vision Clinic to tell you straight. Those who opted for ophthalmic correction with the London Vision Clinic did not regret it.
However, you will also be paying a premium with the company’s services. Laser eye surgery costs well above average, and it’s simply not truthful to claim that if you’re not paying top dollar for a Harley Street clinic, you’re not taking your vision seriously. Eye surgery procedures such as LASIK and LASEK are considered low risk, and there are plenty of well-reviewed alternatives that charge much less.
Pros: Specialists in laser eye surgery, reliable assessments, fixed prices, 0% finance options, highly experienced surgeons, comprehensive eye assessments, treatments for high prescriptions
Cons: Extremely high costs (around double competitors)
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote – as well as free eye tests worth £800!
2. London Vision Clinic Treatments
(4.3 out of 5)
“I had zero discomfort, and an almost immediate return to normal life. Best thing I have ever done – hands down!” – Jakob Aungiers
The London Vision Clinic specialises in laser eye surgery, and 96% of its customers choose either ReLEx SMILE or LASIK surgery. That said, lens replacement surgery (including cataract surgery) is available on a personalised plan.
Here are the main procedures offered by the London Vision Clinic:
- ReLEx SMILE / LASIK: A minimally invasive laser eye treatment
- Laser Blended Vision: Laser eye surgery to treat the need for reading glasses
- PRK / LASEK: Eye surgery for those who are not suitable for LASIK
- Permanent lens implants: An alternative treatment to Laser Blended Vision, if you have a very high prescription
- Surgery for astigmatism: Laser surgery to correct the shape of your eye
- Cataract surgery: Treatment for cloudy lenses
This is a wider range of treatment than in many eye clinics, and the laser eye surgery plans on offer are all tailored to each individual eye.
3. London Vision Clinic Costs
(3.7 out of 5)
Laser eye surgery at the London Vision Clinic costs between £2,600 and £3,250 (per eye), depending on your prescription, and whether you choose the standard or high profile treatment. These prices are head and shoulders above rivals, with £1,789 the average cost of LASIK and LASEK treatments in the UK.
| Treatment | Cost (both eyes) | Finance Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ReLEx SMILE, LASIK, PRK / LASEK | £5,200 | £392 / month (12 months, 0% APR) or £196 / month (24 months, 0% APR) |
| High profile ReLEx SMILE, LASIK, PRK / LASEK | £6,500 | £500 / month (12 months, 0% APR) or £250 / month (24 months, 0% APR) |
Though expensive, the London Vision Clinic’s prices are refreshingly transparent. Consultation is also free, as it is at most other clinics. Sadly, prices for lens replacement surgery (including cataract surgery) aren’t publically available, so you can expect some sweet-talking sales calls to find out what this process will cost you.
So, is it worth paying these prices? How much you are willing to spend will of course be up to you, but given the general safety of laser eye surgery as a procedure (95% of eye surgeries are complication free, according to the RCOphth), you shouldn’t feel pressured into paying through the nose.
What if I can’t afford it? You have two options – pay between £196 and £250 a month over two years interest free on the London Vision Clinic’s finance plan, or select a well-reviewed high street clinic such as Optical Express or Ultralase.
4. Surgeons
(4.5 out of 5)
“Having worn glasses since the age of 8, my life has now changed completely. As I travel frequently, life has become much easier without glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses. I can’t thank Prof Reinstein and all the staff enough.” – Susanne S.
The London Vision Clinic prides itself on its internationally renowned optometrists, Professor Dan Reinstein and Mr Glenn Carp.
Professor Reinstein is an expert in laser eye surgery, having devoted his life to this practice, while Mr Carp has won awards for clinical research. Both surgeons receive solid five-star ratings on our site.
The clinic strives to remain at the forefront of technological developments. Professor Reinstein even helped to develop the Artemis™, which claims the title of the world’s most accurate corneal scanner.
The clinic is also home to a number of specialists, including Mr Alastair Stuart, who is a member of the General Medical Council and fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
5. The Verdict
(4.0 out of 5)
The London Vision Clinic is the go-to for patients with complicated or unusually high prescriptions, including many people who have been turned away by other clinics. It uses pioneering techniques, such as ReLEx – an innovative ‘flap-less’ treatment for short-sightedness – and Laser Blended Vision, a revolutionary new treatment which can liberate you from reading glasses for a number of years.
But for anyone who is looking for safe and effective laser eye surgery that won’t break the bank, the London Vision Clinic is probably not your best bet.
The main benefits of the London Vision Clinic are:
- Its surgeons have the most extensive experience of treating presbyopia by laser eye surgery in the world.
- Its advanced technology is able to safely treat far higher prescriptions than other clinics.
- It has a very large staff to patient ratio, so you can expect a highly personal service.
- It has world-renowned surgeons, with particular experience in complication management.
- You are in safe hands, with a stellar safety record, and the highest level of pre-operative and post-operative testing in the UK.
However, you can find negative reviews on the London Vision Clinic due to its high costs. These uncompetitive prices are what knock it off the top spot of the best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK, which you can read here.
That said, with a reputation for providing excellent attention from staff, the London Vision Clinic still comes in at number 5 in our list of the best laser eye surgery clinics in London.
To see how other eye laser surgery clinics compare with the London Vision Clinic, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and receive a tailored quote from trusted clinics near you.
6. Compare Clinics
So, is the London Vision Clinic right for you? The only way to find out is to see if you’re eligible for 20/20 vision or your money back, and to get a tailored quote. That’s why we make it easy to pop in for a free consultation, have free eye tests (worth £800), and talk through your options with an eye expert.
Next steps: Our simple tool helps thousands of readers a day get closer to going glasses free:
- Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched to the leading eye clinic in your area
- Check you’re eligible in minutes: Receive a quick call to check you are eligible for surgery (we don’t share your number with anyone else)
- Book a free consultation: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust to arrange a free eye test and a personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and receive your very own tailored quote.
7. Surgeon Reviews
8. London Vision Clinic Reviews
Jakob Aungiers
Incredible life change handled by the best in the world! I initially went for consultations from the more low-cost “highstreet” style laser eye correction clinics and did not get a very good vibe. Having almost given up on having the surgery done I went to London Vision Clinic and immediately got a fantastic impression. Now, 3 months post surgery my eyes are perfect! And having the latest SMILE procedure meant I had zero discomfort and an almost immediate return to normal life! Best thing I have ever done. Hands down!
Lesley Fyson
In October 2001 I underwent LASIK treatment on both eyes. My prescription beforehand was Right Eye +3.00 –3.00 x 165, Left Eye +4.00. After my initial recovery I was concerned that I had ghosting in my left eye, “forks” appeared on the right hand side of letters and lights and my eyes were very dry. I was unable to distinguish letters without squinting. I was persuaded that they just needed to settle down would be OK. Months later I was still making many mistakes at work, I was unable to see my computer screen, read a newspaper or drive at night and whatever my optometrist did he could not correct my vision with prescription lenses. I was seeing multiple images. My prescription was now Right Eye +2.00 –3.00 x 160 and my Left Eye was +4.00 –2.00 x 170 so I ended up with astigmatism that was not present before! After consultation with Professor Dan Reinstein he diagnosed that I had suffered damage to both eyes. In September 2002 he performed custom Wavefront guided treatment on my left eye to correct the damage, saying he would then enhance the vision at a later date. No need - within 48 hours I noticed that the light on the Sky satellite box was no longer blurred with seven “forks” coming off the right hand side, it was just a round light! My vision was quite astounding, brighter, clearer and sharper than ever before and I no longer suffer from a dry eye. My prescription is now 20/15 without glasses, no astigmatism, I have my life back, I can drive at night, I can read my computer screen and I am no longer in danger of losing my job through making mistakes! I will shortly be undergoing the same procedure to correct my right eye and have every faith that this will be as successful as the left. Thank you Dan and all the staff at London Vision Clinic for their professional, personal and caring approach. This clinic not only gives excellent pre-op advice and information but the after care is the best I have ever experienced.
Margaret Sceats
I read the article in the Daily Mail explaining about this new procedure for correcting the deterioration in eyesight resulting from ageing and was intruiged to know more. I went along to the clinic in Devonshire Place, London where an extremely thorough analysis was done to determine whether the treatment was appropriate for me. As I have a muscle imbalance in my eyes there was some doubt, so I was offered the opportunity to simulate the effect of the operation by wearing contact lenses for a few days to see what it would be like. It was a great improvement, so having read all the literature provided very carefully and weighing up the risks and costs I went ahead in May. I had both eyes treated simultaneously and was delighted to find the procedure completely painless and in fact quite comfortable. About an hour later some discomfort kicked in - my eyes felt rather scratchy and tired and this lasted for a couple of days. I noticed a huge improvement in my sight very quickly, but after a couple of months during a check up, Mr Allamby suggested we do some top up treatment to enhance the results even further. I now enjoy perfect vision and am absolutely thrilled with the results. Every visit to the clinic has been a pleasure and the standard of care, support and professionalism provided could not have been better.
Jan
I had been looking for over two years and had nearly given up when I found the London Vision Clinic. I had contacted six or seven other 'laser clinics' but was very downhearted to discover they could not really help because they specialize in shortsighted patients and I was longsighted! I could not believe my luck when I made that first telephone call and was told by Carrie that the London Vision Clinic could help me but I would need to 'pass' certain criteria. I was so excited, having given up, and could not get there quick enough!! The staff were very friendly and the various 'tests' took several hours! I was eventually told I was suitable and felt completely OVER THE MOON!! My dreams were about to come true! I was so excited when the day finally arrived and could not wait! Professor Reinstein explained step by step what was happening during the procedure. I felt a tiny amount of discomfort at one stage but nothing major. I could see immediately afterwards and WOW what a difference!!!! This has made such a difference to my life. I was always losing my glasses and then getting frustrated when I could not find them!! I don't need them now! I can go to the supermarket and READ the prices, I can thread a needle, I can see to put my make up on, I can read etc.etc. I am at my computer typing this WITHOUT NEEDING TO WEAR GLASSES!! The London Vision Clinic, Professor Reinstein, Carrie and the rest of the staff have changed my life completely. They are wonderful and I cannot praise them enough. Thank you all so much and I wish I had found you earlier!! Jan Moran November 2003
Oleksiy Podopryhora
I was thinking about LASIK for 3 years before I chose the clinic. My vision was –6.5 (inc. myopia) on both eyes. I valued my eyes the most. I investigated number of clinics in the UK. Some of them turned to be “cowboys” (they don’t provide enough information, don’t tell you then full truth, sales pushers, sometimes I had feeling that I was buying some product not considering LASIK operation). Some clinic offer you a conveyer: it’s where one person performs all the checks, another operates and another looks after you after you have had treatment, which I find absolutely unacceptable. With Dan Reinstein the experience was different. I turned up for my first check up in March 2003, had operation in August. Now my vision is 15/20 and I am a very happy person. My case was quite complicated (had small amount of tissue).**
Caroline Bradley
I had my eyes treated July 2002 at London Vision Clinic by Dan Reinstein. I was recommended to Dan by a friend who had had her eyes done. The best decision I ever made. It has changed my life, being able to get up in the morning and see for miles, although you do very soon start taking it for granted. I was quite short sighted with astigmatism, which I could cope with, but when I started having age-related long sight problems as well, and had to decide in the morning whether to put in my reading contacts or my computer contacts or maybe wear one of my various pairs of glasses, I thought it was time to do something about it! I now wear glasses for reading only. Apart from the vision benefits it saves a lot of money and also the hassle involved in contact lenses. The operation was quick and the after-care excellent. I was entirely satisfied.
Jackie Phillips
I am 53 years old and had one short sighted eye and one very lazy eye, and also a high astigmatism in both eyes. I wore spectacles from the age of 5, then contact lenses from the age of 22. Suddenly, in the last 18 months my eyes would not tolerate contacts any longer so I had to wear spectacles all the time. I really hated this and therefore decided I wanted to have Laser surgery. I talked to my optician who told me to go on the Internet and "check out" the companies and surgeons very carefully. I became very despondent as I could not find anyone with the equipment or experience to correct the high astigmatism. Then I found Professor Dan Reinstein at the London Vision Clinic, who had the expertise to correct my vision.I found him extremely professional and felt at ease from the beginning. I had my surgery 4 months ago and I am delighted with the results. It is wonderful to go from being totally reliant on spectacles, to only having to wear them for very close-up work, I feel like I have my freedom back again. My brother has since visited the Clinic, has gone ahead with surgery, and is also delighted. My son (who is living in Spain) has made an appointment, and is coming to England to let Dan laser his eyes. What better recommendation than this can there be ? Definitely 5 star rating.
Viv
Earlier this year I made the decision to have laser eye surgery to correct mild myopia in both eyes (-3.0). Over the past 18 months I had been developing an intolerance to my contact lenses to the point where I could no longer wear them. Having worn contact lenses for the past 20 years this was a serious inconvenience! Having to resort to wearing glasses with 2 very physically active young children was a big problem. I chose The London Vision Clinic after performing extensive research into laser procedures/clinics. Being a Healthcare Professional myself I wanted to be sure that my eyes were in the safest, most expert professional hands. Finding a good laser eye surgeon can be a bewildering experience, there are so many clinics out there all seeming to have eminently qualified Opthalmic Surgeons. However, for me the big difference that sets The London Vision Clinic apart is the simple fact that Dan Reinstein is an expert in refractive surgery (if you check most other clinics surgeons cv's you will find that they are not necessarily primarily refractive surgeons and that refractive surgery may be only one aspect of their opthalmic career) but it's all Dan does! - He teaches others to do it! He isn't a 'contracted in surgeon' as can be the case with other clinics. In my experience he demonstrates not only a great depth of knowledge, expertise and professionalism but a deep personal committment to the work he does not only in surgically correcting visual impairments but in his involvement in research and development of new surgical techniques. I underwent surgery with The London Vision Clinic in July 2003 and it has made a huge difference in my life, my vision is now 20/12 and better now than it was wearing glasses/lenses.The operation was very straightforward with some mild discomfort during the actual procedure and a 'gritty' sensation in my eyes for approximately 6-8 hours afterwards. I woke up the next day still with some sensitivity to light but otherwise could see without difficulty (or the need for glasses!). My aftercare continues to be very thorough with regular checks by Professor Reinstein. I have had/am having a thoroughly positive experience of laser eye surgery and would absolutely recommend Dan Reinstein and The London Vision Clinic as being 'The Best in the Business!'.
Jo
I had LASIK at the London Vision Clinic in January 2003. I wanted my eyesight corrected because I found it inconvenient wearing glasses and could not get on with contact lenses. I went to about 5 different clinics for pre-screening interviews and came away with the opinion that my sight would be safest at the London Vision Clinic. Dr Reinstein was the only surgeon who met with me at the consultation and he talked me through the procedure and the risks and answered all my questions. The surgery itself went well and I could see well the next day. Less than 2 days after the surgery my eyesight was as good as it previously was with glasses. My eyes were uncomfortable for about a week because of the drops I was putting in them but after that it was as if I had never had bad eyesight! I have been back for several check-ups and every thing has been fine. I would recommend LASIK and Dr Reinstein to anyone.
Adrian Frey
At the time I decided to have the laser surgery (Summer 2002) I was working on oil exploration rigs off the coast of West Africa. My work required me to switch between an airconditioned office unit and the warm moisture laden tropical outdoors. Immediately after leaving the office I couldn't see a thing because my glasses were fogged! Contact lenses were a waste of time because the chemicals used around the rig caused them to irritate my eyes. I spent many hours reading reviews of clinics on websites such as this and procrastinating over the decision!. I was very worried but in the end came to the conclusion that the risks of surgery were very small compared to the vast quality of life improvement. I used Dan Reinstein's clinic because the reviews I'd read, although few, were overwhelmingly positive, the technology bang up to date and like a bottle of Stella Artois, the treatment "reassuringly expensive!" It is over a year now since the surgery and I am very happy with the results. The surgery was carried out quickly and efficiently and the follow up appointments regular. My eyesight was -1.75 in each eye before the surgery and now needs no correction. My left eye suffers occasional dryness after "recreational drinking!!" (somekind of dehydration perhaps) and is slightly weaker than the right but these are really minor irritations. I have nothing but praise for Dan and his team - many thanks guys!."
Angela Smith
I had CK treatment in October 2003. I was surprised that the treatment was completly painless. My eyes have steadily improved since then and Mr.Allamby tells me I now have 20/20 vision! Not bad for a 60 year-old!! I have never worn glasses since having the treatment and tell all my friends about it. I would thoroughly recommend the procedure to anyone who is fed up with constantly having to bring out spectacles for reading menus etc.
