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)
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☛ 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
Neela Prabhu
I have just had my lasik-eye surgery on 18/5/07. Not the most pleasant experience but very worthwhile. Mr Stevens was very proffesional and confident which reassured me. The first 3-4 hours were not too comfortable but as each hour went by, the clarity improved. The drops helped immensely with this. My 24hr check up with Mr.Stevens confirmed my vision was better than 20/20!! The previous day, even with glasses I could not read the last line on the chart. 24rs later, I could. It's as simple as that. My husband researched the various clinics and surgeons for a year before I came to mr.Stevens. He is worth the money. Some places offer 'buy one eye,get one eye free' deals but this is your EYES not toilet paper!!!! My next check up is in 3 months and will continue to input to this site which helped us choose in the first place. I have worn glasses since I was 7 and now, 23 years later I don't need to! Please feel free to email me . Don't be scared -Mr.Stevens and his staff are the rolls royce of this service. Don't settle for less.
Claire
After years of deliberation, I finally underwent bilateral wavefront lasik under Mr Gartry on Saturday. My prescription was -8.5 and -6.5, with one lazy eye. Mr Gartry believed he could improve this to possibly -2, with the need for wearing glasses for driving. However, I am thrilled to say that, 3 days on, I am already 2 lines further down the chart than 20:20 vision, so technically I could become a fighter pilot! The experience wasn't particularly pleasant - although it was pain-free, the sensation of pressure on the eyeball (I think some kind of suction is used on the eye as the flap is cut) is uncomfortable and disconcerting. All you see is halos of bright lights and colours as the procedure is performed. The treatment only lasts about 10 minutes, although I have to admit it felt like an eternity under the machine! Once it was over, my eyes felt quite heavy and sore, and it felt as though I was looking through a sauna (very misty). My friend and I were slightly over ambitious having decided to go shopping on Oxford Street afterwards - but we had to detour to a restaurant as all I wanted to do was sit with my eyes closed and rest. The next day I woke up able to see the time on the clock radio at the other end of the room. By the time I'd returned home yesterday, my vision was easily as good as with contact lenses, and it just keeps getting clearer (and more comfortable). I'm having to use plenty of moisturising drops, but it just feels like I've had my lenses in too long (and it's getting better all the time). Anyway, I am completely overwhelmed at how such a quick procedure has revolutionised my life. My eyesight is better than I ever dared hope for. Mr Gartry and his team are consummate (sp?) professionals, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you are considering this surgery - choose the man at the top of his profession, and relax safe in the knowledge that you are in the best possible hands.
Emma Evans
Having considered laser eye surgery for years, I finally plucked up the courage and chose Mr Julian Stevens to do it. The whole experience was 1st class, the results amazing and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
SL
I wish I had found this site before my laser surgery. I had my Lasik last summer to treat myopia & astigmatism. I chose Moorfields because of its reputation and because I felt that cost should take a backseat where my eyes were concerned. My surgeon was Miss Ficker. The procedure was quick and straightforward enough. However, the aftercare has been sadly wanting. It took some weeks for my sight to really start to improve. My vision was blurry. My ability to read print and see the textures of things was dramatically affected and I was completely unprepared for this. My vision in artificial light was poor. Information about what to expect during the weeks following surgery was poor. Although there was every opportunity to ask questions prior to surgery, this was not the case afterwards and when you are experiencing difficulty you really need to know what is normal etc. The junior doctor who I saw (very briefly and after having waited well over an hour - several staff had to 'track him down') at my follow-up appointment was unable to answer any of my questions - he just didn't seem to know whether I could expect any improvement in my sight and reflected that I may need to wear glasses for longsightedness. He exited the meeting with the words that he was only there 'as a favour' to Miss Ficker. I left the appointment feeling unsettled and anxious. Over the next few days I tried to contact the 'help number' - it later transpired that this was the wrong number. It was also very difficult getting through to the John Saunders suite. Eventually I did have a follow up a week later with a different surgeon as mine was away. I was advised that although my result was 'unusual' hopefully my eyes would 'settle'. Since that time attempts to arrange a 3 month follow-up as advised proved impossible. Both my husband & I tried. Calls weren't returned and promises to 'get back to me' were never kept. The whole admin side was shambolic! I did eventually receive a written apology for this. Although my eyes have now 'settled' my customer experience has been poor because of the after care aspect. Hence the customer service rating. I can only contrast it with my husband's experience with an alternative organisation earlier this year.
John Clark
Just been for an initial consultation with Dr Garty at Moorfields. I'm very impressed so far and keen to go ahead. However, I was told I would need LASEK (as opposed to the more usual LASIK)surgery. My understanding is that the recovery period from this is much longer than with LASIK and just wondered if anyone had had recent experience with this ?
Amir Ali
I had bi-later lasik done on 23/08/06, at 0930 hours, operation went well; everything was over within 10 minutes. Dr Alex Ionide performed the operation with aid of his two asistence Allison and Ingra.I was given some anti-inflammatory drops, antibiotic and refresher to lubricate to take home. During the laser surgery Dr Alex Ionides talked through the procedure. I could smell some burning and some water go through my neck and no pain whats so ever. After eight hours I had perfect vision on my left eye and was able to watch Arsenal Champion league game on telly. The next day post assesment Dr Alex confirmed my 20:20 vision for the left eye and slightly weak vision for the right. He was not happy with right eye result and suggested I booked and other appointment in three weeks time and if things don't improve, may be do a enhancement treatment. My initial prescription was -7.75 on right eye and -6.75 on left with slight astigmatism on left. Now after six day I think the vision is pretty equal on both eyes as I write this feed back. I am glad I had this done with Moorefield eye hospital and so far their professionalism has been excellent, I suppose that's why you don't mind paying for that little extra. If you thinking of doing laser treatment then go for it.
Stuart
I have just had my 9 month follow up with Vincenzo Maurino at Moorfields. My prescription has gone from -3.50 L and -5.50 R with astigmatism to perfect vision in the L and +0.25 R. I have worn glasses since I was 10 years old and now at 42 am able for the first time to swim, walk in the rain, jump out of bed without glasses and wear cool sunglasses for the first time in 32 years. I had EpiLasik Wavefront which means a longer recovery period, you don't get the instant clear vision of the other procedures but it involves a shallower impression on the epithelial cells of the eye and leaves no inherent weakness in the structure of the cornea etc. Not even an eye surgeon could tell I have had an operation if they checked my eyes now. So if you are active and have a week or so to allow your eyes to recover this is the operation to have. The operation involved no pain at all and the only sensation i felt was the equivalent of a brief pressure like someone gently brushing a fingertip across my hand. I have had haircuts that hurt more and took longer !!!! Vincenzo is a expert in his field and respected in both the UK and Italy. He is happy to see you and any time if you have any questions, is one of the younger of the Surgeons and has given me superb aftercare. I have been waiting over 15 years for the procedures to evolve and improve and paying to attend Moorfields where the surgeons are all experts in real eye problems and not just cosmetic procedures is well worth the expense as we only have the one set of eyes. Don't risk it on the high street. I would recommend Vincenzo and his optician as the most thorough, professional and pleasant medical professionals I have met anywhere in the world.
Graham Rifkin
Long wait for appointment, swift admission though. Mr Stevens and his team made the process from start to finish a pleasant experience. Comprehensive tests with state of the art equipment, explinations throughout. Am delighted with the result and would recommend Moorfields. Great result with LASIK and will enjoy my lief without wearing specs emensly. My decision to use Moorfields was simple, they are the UK's leading eye hospital and have a proven track record. The private competition appeared to be too feel like double glazing firms. Hope this helps you
Molly
I have just returned home after having wavefront lasik on both eyes with Dr Julian Stevens at Moorfields. I am 34yr old girl with a 3yr old daughter and I was sooooo nervous. I chose Moorfields as I know that all other eye clinics refer to Moorfields should anything go wrong, so I knew that I was at the best place. Several friends had recommend Julian Stevens as the best, as well as a few recommendations of Mr Gartry. Firstly the staff were all fantastic and put me at ease. I had my initial consultation 2 weeks ago, a couple of hours of sight tests and they diluted my pupils (none of this hurts at all, its like looking at a light close vision). Anyway on the day I was soooo scared. I had read on teh net about things going wrong etc, and friends had told me in absolute detail what happens. Anyway i had my scans again - Julian Stevens is very very thorough, more so than any other eye surgeon. He has his own personal staff working for him, and they are a fantastic team, all of them. I asked for valium which he gave me 10mg to help calm my nerves (which were terrible). Before the procedure I asked him for extra anesthic drops, you name it, I was a baby, I even held a teddy they gave me!!! Well all the worry was for absolutely nothing. They taped my eyelashes back, clamp went on first eye (didn't feel a thing), drops were put in, then the cornea was cut, didn't feel a single thing. Things went blurry and all i could see was the laser, it made a slight tapping sensasion on my eye, nothing more than the lightest tap, and you could smell burning from the carbon (the laser doesn't heat, so its not burning flesh as I had read somewhere, more scare stories!). Then the flap was replaced, didn't feel a thing, and that was it. Then it was the same for the 2nd eye. I would rather have my eyes done than a small filling, it really was that painless. He tested my sight and although everything was slightly blurry I could already see the clock! After having lots of drops I stayed in the Thistle hotel. When I got to the hotel, my eyes started to sting, like someone had onions next to me and was peeling them. I couldn't open my eyes well, but as soon as I put my drops in, they were fine. Things were blurry, and I didn't sleep at all. Not because of the goggles they give you (they are really light), but because I was so excited that every hour or so things were becoming clearer. This morning I had my outpatients. I could read the 3rd line from teh bottom, same as if I were wearing my glasses. Its utterly amazing. Even more amazing was Julian STevens said it would get better over the next 2 days, better than wearing glasses or contacts. He put 2 gel sticks in my eyes (tiny little sticks) to help with dry eyes/tear ducts, and told me to enjoy my new sight. I have a follow up appointment in 3 months. I cannot believe that this painless procedure has given me my sight since the age of 7. I wish I had it done earlier. HE is the BEST surgeon. Has a fantastic nature and has a lovely team working with him. He is expensive, but worth every penny adn more. Its nice to know I can ring him or his staff any time, he provides you with all their numbers and even his mobile (which I won't be ringing - hopefully not!) I told him I was going to write up about him, as I am beyond happy with the whole thing. I wish I hadn't had worried so much. He has done all the hard work, now its up to me, to follow my after care so that I can continue with this fantastic procedure. Thank you. Anyone nervous or scared, go for it. I met several people in teh waiting room, we were all very happy.
Jo Battrum
I had LASIK with by Alex Ionides on 13 September after years of agonising over whether or not to have surgery. I had a pretty bad prescription - -7.5 and -6.25, and had worn glasses and contact lenses since early childhood. I am pleased to able to be able to say that the results are fantastic and I now have great sight. I had to be "redone" on the left eye three weeks ago but now both eyes are stable and my vision is better than 20/20! My only regret? That I didn't do this years ago. The whole process is over really quickly - the best description I have come up with to describe it is that it is as though your eye is the ice and someone is skating across it! Afterwards it is a bit like a really bad contact lens day but waking the next morning with "proper" eyesight for the first time is an unforgettable experience. Alex Ionides is a fantastic doctor - I felt in really safe hands as he guided me through every step of the way. For anyone thinking of taking the plunge my advice is to go to Moorfields if you possibly can. You only have one pair of eyes and you deserve the best treatment.
