Review of Moorfields Eye Surgery
Moorfields Eye Hospital enjoys a global reputation for providing world-class laser eye surgery.
Moorfields Private is the private arm of the renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and offers ophthalmic care to patients seeking a vast range of treatments for both common and complex eye health conditions.
Today, Moorfields has a number of clinics around London – located in the City, the West End, Bedford and Croydon – and treats around 400,000 outpatients and 30,000 inpatients each year.
☀ Pros: World-class reputation, highly experienced eye surgeons, central London locations, advanced technology
☂ Cons: No fixed prices (fixed by the surgeons), no monthly payment options, no free consultation
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote.
Our no-nonsense review of Moorfields Private and Moorfields NHS Eye Hospital covers:
- Moorfields Private Eye Hospital
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Moorfields laser eye surgery cost
- What laser eye surgeries are offered?
- Moorfields’ best consultants
- Moorfields laser eye surgery reviews
- The Verdict
1. Moorfields Private Eye Hospital
For patients who fail to meet NHS requirements, or for those looking for treatments left off NHS checklists (such as refractive surgery for the average glasses-wearer), Moorfields Private is a viable option.
Private laser eye treatments at Moorfields include the most common surgeries such as PRK, LASEK and LASIK, as well as specialist procedures for more complex conditions. Private patients also benefit from Wavefront guided surgeries, which tend to have higher success rates due to greater laser accuracy.
In addition to providing high quality treatment and aftercare, many patients like to know that the profits from Moorfields Private are used to fund the Moorfields Eye Charity, Friends of Moorfields, which supports critical new research and quality eye care for children and adults.
2. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
If you happen to suffer from a select range of debilitating eye conditions that cannot be treated by contact lenses or glasses (such as cataracts or glaucoma), you may be one of the few people who qualify for laser eye surgery on the NHS.
Moorfields’ NHS Eye Hospital is there for these patients, but for the vast majority of us, Moorfields Private has its door open.
3. Moorfields Laser Eye Surgery Cost
While NHS treatment is free, at Moorfields Private prices will apply to all consultations and surgeries.
Laser eye surgery costs at Moorfields start at £2,000 per eye for common laser eye surgery such as LASIK or LASEK. These prices rise to between £3,000 and £4,000 per eye for more complex procedures including cataract surgery.
An initial consultation at Moorfields is around £150, and the private prices will depend on the eye surgeon you choose. That’s because the laser eye consultants are employed by Moorfields, and set their own fees.
Consultation costs
- Consultation: £150 – £200
Patients considering laser eye surgery usually book one to two consultations prior to receiving treatment. You can book your first appointment on the Moorfields Private website.
Treatment costs (per eye)
- LASIK or LASEK eye surgery: £2,000 – £2,500
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE) or cataract surgery: £3,000 – £4,000
- ICL implantation surgery: £3,000 – £4,000
Other costs
In addition to these costs, you may also need to consider covering your potential stay in the hospital for private treatment. Moorfields Private hospital fees tend to range from £900 to £1800, depending on the procedure.
However, recovery times vary, and many eye treatments allow you to leave following the surgery. Naturally, there are no hospital fees for NHS patients.
Other options?
Moorfields Private Hospital offers some of the latest laser and implantable contact lens treatments performed by world-class consultant eye specialists, and these prices reflect the clinic’s high standards.
However, if these costs are outside your budget, or you would like to compare them with other leading laser eye surgery clinics in the UK, click here to fill in a few details, and talk directly to a trusted clinic to compare their quotes and services.
To see how other eye laser surgery clinics compare with Moorfields Private, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and receive a tailored quote from any trusted clinics near you.
Paying for treatment
Opting for laser eye surgery is a financial commitment for most people, and Moorfields offers three ways of paying for your treatment:
- Private Medical Insurance – If you are covered by private healthcare, Moorfields asks that you try to verify these details before your first appointment, and obtain your pre-authorisation number.
- Self pay – Many patients pay for their own treatment, with no private insurance needed.
- Third party sponsorship – If a third party (such as your employer) has agreed to settled your account, make sure you acquire a letter of guarantee along with a deposit.
Read more: Laser eye surgery costs explained
4. Laser Eye Surgery Treatments
Moorfields Private Eye Hospital provides over 100 vision correction treatments for adults and children of all ages.
Here are some of the most requested types of laser eye surgery treatments:
- LASIK: The most common treatment to correct eye conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
- LASEK: A surface laser treatment that is suitable for patients with thinner corneas (eye surfaces).
- Cataract surgery: A refractive lens exchange (RLE), which is an option for those in the “reading glasses” age group.
- ICL surgery: Implants that work like permanent contact lenses are common for younger people, or patients with medical dry eye conditions.
Moorfields Private Hospital usually performs laser sight correction surgery to both eyes on the same day, but with cataract surgery and ICL implantation, most surgeons prefer to leave a week between operating on each eye for their patients’ comfort.
5. Moorfields’ Top Surgeons
Moorfields Private and Moorfields Eye Hospital claim their ophthalmic surgeons and consultants are some of the best in Britain, and six Moorfields Private surgeons were recently named in the Daily Mail’s top doctors list.
Within the industry, Moorfields is also the go-to for ophthalmic expertise: a recent Moorfields report shows that over half of all registered ophthalmic surgeons in the UK received their training there. Not surprisingly, many Moorfields consultants also completed their training onsite.
Plus, based on hundreds of unfiltered reviews from former patients, Moorfields hosts some of the top-rated laser eye surgeons in the UK.
Here are the five best consultants at Moorfields, as voted by you:
- Mr David Gartry: As one of the first surgeons worldwide to perform laser eye surgery, they don’t come more experienced than Mr Gartry.
- Mr Julian Stevens: Mr Stevens is an advisor to the British Society for Refractive Surgery, and is recognised globally as an expert opinion leader in laser eye surgery.
- Mr Bruce Allan: Mr Allan had been the Service Director for Refractive Surgery at Moorfields since 2012.
- Ms Valerie Saw: Ms Saw’s interests lie in inflammation and scarring of the eye, and she regularly treats patients for dry eyes and conjunctivitis.
- Mr Alexander C. W. Ionides: Since 1989, Mr Ionides has specialised in cataract and refractive lens surgery for both long and short sighted conditions.
Read more: Laser Eye Surgeon reviews
6. Independent reviews of Moorfields Private Eye Hospital
Moorfields consistently receive fantastic customer reviews, making them one of the highest rated laser eye providers in the UK. Click here to read their customer reviews below.
Moorfields Eye Hospital Private Clinic is also featured as one of Lasik Eye’s best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK, as well as shining in our list of the best laser eye surgery in London for partnering with some of the most renowned surgeons.
What makes Moorfields Eye Hospital so popular?
- History – Moorfields Eye Hospital first opened in London in 1805, and is now one of the oldest and best reviewed eye hospitals in the world.
- Ophthalmic Research – Moorfields has spent over 200 years researching and providing the latest laser eye surgery and implantable contact lens treatments, in partnership with the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.
- Cutting-edge technology – Moorfields Private is a flagship location for laser and implant manufacturers. Its surgeons are therefore able to choose from the latest state-of-the-art laser eye equipment and non-invasive techniques like Intralase technology.
- Patient care – The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rates Moorfields Eye Hospital as ‘outstanding’ for care in their latest inspection report.
But is Moorfields Eye Hospital right for you?
Not everyone is best suited to Moorfields: as you would expect, world-class laser eye surgery often comes with an eye-watering price tag.
- Expensive treatments – Although patients tend to leave rave reviews, LASEK eye surgery costs on average £2,235 per eye at Moorfields Private, but between £595 and £1,595 per eye at other leading high street eye clinics such as Optical Express.
- No free consultations – Moorfields Private is one of the few laser eye clinics in the UK not to offer free initial consultations: you can expect to pay between £150 and £200, depending on the surgeon you see.
Next Steps: Find the Top-Reviewed Clinic Near You
Compare Moorfields Private with the highest independently reviewed eye laser clinics near you – see if you’re eligible for 20/20 vision or your money back, and receive your very own personalised quote.
Our mission at Lasik Eyes is to make it easy to choose the right clinic for your ophthalmic treatment, pop in for a free consultation, and talk through your options with an eye expert. Here’s how:
Next steps: Our simple tool helps our readers every day get one step closer to 20/20 vision:
- Find a top clinic near you: Answer three questions to be matched with the leading eye clinic in your area
- Check you’re eligible in minutes: Receive a quick call to check you can get surgery (we will never share your number with anyone else)
- Receive a tailored quote: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust for a free eye test (worth £800) and personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and receive a tailored quote.
Moorfields Surgeons Reviews
Mr Alexander C W Ionides
BSc FRCOphth MD.
Mr Vincenzo Maurino
Mr Bruce Allan
MD FRCS FRCOphth
Mr Stephen Tuft
Professor David S Gartry
MD, FRCS, FRCOphth, DO, BSc(Hons)
Mr Julian Stevens
MRCP, FRCS, FRCOphth,DO
Moorfields Eye Hosptial Reviews
Clare
I have a question. I have just had the initial consultation for laser treatment. Owing to thin and steep corneas and being over 50, the consultant has recommended Refractive Lens Exchange. Has anyone had the same experience?
KERRY
I am having lasik performed on Wednesday 31st October, I can't wait as I have struggled with contact lenses being uncomfortable and dry for many years and i find glasses annoying to wear, I have wanted to have laser eye correction for many years but have always been too scared, but i am taking the plunge! my initial consultation with Mr Stevens and the team at Moorfields was very reassuring and he took all the time I needed to answer my questions of which I had many! I will keep you posted as to how the surgery was!
Helen Hunt
I had my both my eyes lasered a week ago. Before the surgery I was unable to do anything without my glasses on and had worn them non stop (except to sleep) for about 20 years. I can not believe that I was too scared to do this before it has been a total revelation. I chose Moorfields because of its reputation and Mr Vincenzo Maurino because he did a friend's eyes about 3 years ago and she said he was wonderful. She was right. Everything was great. He is very much as you would like a surgeon to be, straightforward and reasonably kind without being emotional. He answered all my questions and did not even get irritated when I asked for the 10th time if I could go blind! The nurses were great and one of them held my hand all the time, without me having to ask, as she could see I was very nervous. The proceedure is completely pain free but a LITTLE uncomfortable - and I am someone who has an extremely low pain threshold. It is true that you can see better straight away than you could before the surgery. Amazing - I would have cried with joy but for the fact I did not want to wash out the drops. If you are thinking of having it done please do - it took me at least 10 years to pluck up the courage and I am really cross with myself for not doing it sooner and believing the scare stories - I really could see perfectly by the next morning and I would like to thank everyone at Moorfields for being so great.
paul
Had the LASIK surgery on 14th as planned. Everything went ok. The actual procedure was absolultley painless and went exactly as described. The whole experience is absolutley nothing to threat about at all, in fact going to the dentist is worse! That evening the bluring started to lessen and I could see very well with a slight haze. The next morning, today woke up and my vision was 99%. It is great! Went to the clinic in afternoon for post check and all ok 20/20 vision. I am 100% happy with everything. I have a slight dryness with the eyes, but its getting better by he hour. I feel very comfortable and the vision is great. My original prescription was -1.50 and -1.25 (so not too bad) but now its just great to have no glasses after using them for 20 years!! Go for it.
David
I had epi-lasek surgery with Mr Tuft on 3rd July. That's the process where the complete epithelium, surface layer of cells, is scraped off and removed, the laser treated and a protective contact "lens" is used for a week. Mr Tuft said that the eye heals better of the epithelium is completely removed and not replaced as in Lasek. I think it makes it more painful as well. I could only have surface treatment as my corneas were at the critical 500 micron thickness, not enough for the Lasik flap. I found it very painful for the 1st 4 days. However the operation was virtually painless. I asked for more anaeshetic drops as I was about to run out. I live 100 miles from London so asked for a prescription to go to my local chemist - this was not possible. I took the precaution of ordering the anaesthetic from my chemist, which would take a day, even though they could not release them without a prescription. Two days later I was still in pain whenever he anaesthetic ran out after about an hour. I went back to Moorfields by train as could not get anyone on the phone numbers I was given. Mr Tuft examined my eyes and said they were healing well and that I shouldn't need any more anaesthetic drops. He gave me 2 further vials. The next day these had run out. I phoned the the hospital and eventually they agreed to send a faxed prescrption to my local chemist. I was very releived to have sufficient anaesthetic drops. On the 4th day I didn't need to take them any more. The problem was more the anxiety of having extreme pain with no way of relieving it. 7 days later Mr Tuft removed the protective lens and reported that the epithelium had grown over. He was very professional and I am sure an excellent surgeon but did not want to indulge me in re-assuring an anxious patient. I think he thought I was a major fuss pot. At the 4 week eye test - both eyes were 20/20 but left eye had a 2.5 astigmatism and I couldn't see the 2nd to bottom line. Mr Tuft said the astigmatism may go over the next 5 months and that there was a 60% prob it would improve. Re treatment was a possibility if no improvement but this carried an exra risk of scaring over and above the risk of the 1st operation. I would like to know the probabilities but can't find any references. Most information on-line seems t be from surgeons selling treatment. Overall I am extremely happy with the results. Oh, I was -6 and -5.5 with a slight astigmatism about 1.25 Obviously I really want perfect eyes and to be able to see the bottom line or even 2nd to bottom line with both eyes - but it's still amazing that I can see without lenses. I would nevertheless recommend Moorfields and Mr tuft, despite their disorganisation and bad admin and poor communication.
Charles Wood
Just had 1 3 month examination after having wavefront LASIK with Julian Stevens. I was nearly -8 in both eyes. I Can read the bottom line on the eye test chart and have forgotten I was ever short sighted.
Paul
I have an appoitment for 14th August 2007 for LASIK with Mr Tuft. I had the 1st consultation last week and was very impressed with the environmentals of the clinic and the people. I found the 1st app. very informative, although like most I had done a lot of research before hand. The tests were done, all ok. The last test I had some drops put into my eyes, which did make my close up vision blurred, which they said it would for a few hours. I did find the light quite strong for a while, in fact couldnt read the key pad on the chip and pin!! yes they did get paid. Mr Tuft gave me the options, in my case either LASIK or LASEK could be done. I went home had a re think and decided LASIK, mainly due to the shorter recovery time. So I am booked in to have the treatment for tomorrow. Let you know what happens?
emily
I have just had my surgery at Moorfields last Friday . I was sooo nervous, My appt was 2-30 and I had to wait till 5-30 till I was taken for the op but all the staff were so lovely and understanding. You have numerous tests and scans etc before you actually have surgery though so its not all doing nothing for that time.The surgery is painless, I had Intralase where the flap is cut with the laser and that was the only uncomfortable part with slight pressure being applied. It took approx 20-30mins and then I Was allowed home. My vision was quite hazy when I came out and for the evening but when i woke up the next day it was a whole new world and had my post-op check and was fine. The days after my eyes have been quite dry but the drops allivate that and they are getting better by the hour. Mr Stevens is so fantastic and reassuring and made the exp very relaxed and pleasant and would highly recomend him to anybody. If you are thinkin of surgery and are not sure - do it -you wont regret it especailly with Mr Stevens! T
Suzy
I felt the need to tell you about my epi-lasik experience at Moorfields as when I was looking for information, there wasn't much about! I had the surgery 5 weeks ago at Moorfields with Dr Alex Ionides. At consultation I was told I had thin corneas so had to have Epi-lasik over the popular Lasik surgery. I was pretty worried because they didn't even have any literature on it but then I did my own research. It's less popular because it takes longer to recover. I had a prescription of -4.5 and -5.25. I chose Moorfields because of their excellent reputation. I would highly recommend Dr Ionides; he's so calm and down to earth, you feel you are in good hands. I'd emailed him prior to the procedure with questions and he called me and emailed me back so a very personal service. On D-day, had my prescription measured before hand, you go to the main hospital, one eye is patched up, the other they put drops in, you lie in a dentist's chair, the laser machine is swung up close and you are asked to look at a red flashing light (your eye is kept open by a rubber ring which is fine and secure). The epithilium is scraped to one side; you feel nothing, the laser starts, quite loud and the Dr counts down..all in all, about a minute per eye so nothing really and it doesn't hurt. Then more drops, and the contact lense is put in. I got up from the chair, I was a bit dizzy from the nerves, but could see. Dr checks the lense is in ok, you get all the drops (and there are lots for the first 6 days)up until you have the lenses taken out. Pain-wise, first day they felt v tired/swollen, little bit of a burning sensation but ok. Day 2 was my 'worst' day in that my eyes watered a lot and sensitive to the light, by day 3 I was in no discomfort at all. It certainly wasn't painful at any time. I took it easy and slept a lot up until day 6. The contacts came out, again no additional pain, one eye was a touch blurry. I went back to work day 9 after surgery but found it hard with the pc (this got better by day 12). One eye took longer in terms of blurriness and when they talk about regression and having 'good days and bad days' I would say 'yes' but it's not THAT noticeable and I was 1 line from 20:20 a week after surgery with both eyes. On top of all this and why I would 100% recommend Moorfield is that 3 weeks after surgery (at 20:20 by this stage) I had an accident with my left eye; I managed to get the corner of a tough carrier bag in it and was in incredible pain. Went to Moorfields; my Surgeon wasn't there; got seen by Dr Steven Tuft (his interpersonal style wasn't quite the same Dr Ionides; he's very serious in his approach but nonetheless I am grateful he saw me!) apparently I managed to knock a 3rd of my epithilium away (very rare!) got more drops, it regenerates within 24 hours and got checked by Dr Ionides the next day. I was back to 'normal' in terms of my 20:20 eyesight in that eye within 4 days. It was very unfortunate but made me thank my lucky stars I went to Moorfields. I started a new job 5 weeks after my surgery and even with this incident I have now forgotten I had the surgery. I'm fully functional, I am 20:20. The only side effect is a bit of dry eye in the morning but just use a comfort drop or another trick; in the morning, keep your eyes closed and more your eyeballs from side to side to lubricate them then slowly open them and you'll be fine. The reason for my posting is that a lot of people don't want epi-lasik because of the 'time it takes to heal' all in all, I was ok after 1 week but took an extra few days over this so don't be put off and I haven't looked back!! Go to Moorfields and see Dr Ionides!
Nick
As my prescription was -9.5 / - 7.5 with astigmatism of -2.25 in my left eye, Mr Gartry informed me that I would need to have LASEK surgery as it would achieve a better result than LASIK although he could only guarantee me an 80% improvement. I underwent the surgery 12 days ago and I have to say it has been a life changing experience. Most people's first question has been to me: does it hurt? The answer is yes, in the 48 hours post operation, it was incredibly painful, the pain does fade by day 3 however the procedure itself is completely painless. I had my first eye test today and my new prescription is -0.5 and 0 with a slight astigmatism in both eyes...and there is still another 2 1/2 months of improvement to go
