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.
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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
ann
I had lasik in my right eye 2 weeks ago. My prescription was -8.0, and it appears that I have been under-corrected as at my check up last night, my prescription was -1.25. Apparantly this is very unusual (and a first for my surgeon). I'm going back in 3 weeks, by which time the eye will have settled down and we can discuss retreatment. Has this happened to anyone else? Did you have the 2nd treatment - I believe that there are additional risks? In the mean time I have some temporary glasses so that I can drive. By the way, the procedure is fine, rather strange but totally painless and very quick. Everyone is lovely, and they even held my hand! I am a complete baby about things like the dentist, so really, don't let the thought of the surgery itself put you off.
Carrie
I am going in for surgery tomorrow with David Gartry, and I was wondering how long before I can comfortably sit in the pub with my friends. I have been told different things by different people at the clinic, but wondered what someone who has actually had the surgery would suggest? If anyone can help would be great, as I am due for a night out thursday (3 days later) but am worrying if it would be too soon!! Thanks.
martha
I'm shortsighted (-7.5), thinking of having Lasik surgery soon at Moorfields and want to book with either David Gartry or Julian Stevens. Can anyone advise me about either of them? I've read that Dr Gartry relies on the optician's sight test - does Dr Stevens do the same? Do you get time to ask questions and good after care? There are a lot of postings from people who've had the surgery a couple of days beforehand but I'd love to hear from anyone who's had it weeks/months/years ago. I make documentaries which involves very long hours, lots of travel and lots of 'looking' (research on the computer & reading and looking through a camera) and am worried about the recovery time. I know people say you can go back to work within a day or so but do you have to be careful about not putting your eyes under too much strain for a period of time? I'd love any advice Martha
Leanne
Hi, I currently live in Singapore, I am thinking of going for epi-lasik with Moorfields Hospital. I wonder has any one done epi-lasik in Moorfields ? Has anyone been to see consultant Mr B Allan ? Any feedback on this will be much appreciated. Thank you.
Adam
I had my LASIK done by Mr Gartry 11/Sept/2004. I am not particularly a fan of Mr Gartry now as I will explain later. Before LASIK I had -3.5 D in both eyes with no astigmatism. To cut to the chase I have good vision in both eyes, with some starburst and slight double-vision at night or with bright lights on dark backgrounds. I was affected with Stage-1 DLK (Diffuse Laminar Keratitis) after surgery, which manifest itself some day or so after surgery. Immediately after surgery my eyes were cloudy - this is normal. They then began to clear. The following day I could notice that my already notice my right eye was not really as good as my left. There is a follow up scheduled for 48 hours after the operation. By the morning of the appointment I was quite concerned and had emailed them that the right eye was cloudy and the left eye was beginning to cloud too. Actually I was panicked. Saw Gartry, and he allayed my fears, that I had some haziness that was quite normal and would clear up – keep taking the drops (steroids et al.). It was only on searching the Internet that I found a website describing DLK and I thought to myself ‘I hope I don’t have that’ as in the latter stages it can develop to corneal melting and the need for a corneal transplant. When I saw Gartry a week later I asked him if I had DLK, and he said yes. I think my heart sank a bit, he probably thinks ‘haziness’ is a suitable lay substitute term for DLK but even so it was disingenuous I think not to tell me straight especially as it occurs in only 1% of patients. I would like to make clear that I wouldn’t necessarily wish to demure from the view of Mr Gartry’s position as a pre-eminent consultant, nor indeed have I any reason to believe the DLK was due to any lack of good procedure. It has after all almost, but not totally cleared up, so what am I whingeing about? Well this perhaps is a matter of predilection, but I do not like fudgers, people who try to break the bad news, or omit information in order not to alarm patients that may or may not make their life difficult. I saw Mr Gartry recently for the last time, after having seen another optician a week previously for a 3rd party examination. This is standard practise and is at Mr Gartry’s suggestion that all patients do this a week prior to their final visit. Well, I had my eyes examined thoroughly and I am able to read the bottom line of the chart. There was some slight DLK still visible in my right eye, and as I explained at the outset I still have some so-called 3rd order aberrations like starburst at night and slight double-vision, but liveable with and on-balance I am happy. I returned for my last consultation with Mr Gartry, and he explained that after three months I am probably stuck with the starburst and double vision. I was disappointed with this, but I did not feel it was his fault or that it was bad enough to consider risking a corrective operation. However, what happened next quite shocked me, although some may see it as quite minor, I will leave it to the reader to decide for themselves. I had not at this stage told him that there was still some DLK observed in my right eye as I wanted to see what he said when he examined me with the scope. I am sad to said it was now totally gone, perfect, completely clear. I immediately offered that I was surprised to hear that (inside I was thinking though actually no I’m not surprised and feeling quite angry with his little lie) as the other optician said there was some. He immediately backtracked and said that well yes there was some, but you would have to know it was there to see it, and brushed it aside. Like I say, I find this unacceptable, and certainly given the esteem he is held in, I would expect better.
Cherry
I have been reading all the very interesting reports on treatment etc. I am still at the early stage of trying to decide whether to make further investigations. My prescription is fairly unusual, I think. Right eye is: Sphere -3.25, Cyl -0.25, Axis 180. Left eye is Sphere +0.25, Cyl -5.00 Axis 20. Does this mean anything to anyone? I have been wearing contact lenses since 16 (now 41) and would so love not to have to depend on lenses, but although I know there are no guarantees, I would rather not go through with it if there was any chance I would end up worse than now. I have two young daughters and need to be able to see for them! Any advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks.
Mike Townsend
I am an office worker age 55, use PC daily and considering laser surgery for correction of approx -8.0 dioptres both eyes. Choosing consultant seems pot luck but David Gartry appears ok. Would appreciate any advice.
Kishore Tank
My wife Priti is very keen to have a laser eye surgery. We are still doing our research and don't feel very confident, Please could you kindly comment on your experience and any affects after the surgery. I'm sure all cases are unique but it's nice to get some reassurance. Moorfield is our first choice! Thanks and look forward to your feedback.
Jane Jakeman
I had radial keratotomy on both eyes 15 years ago. I used to see quite well but now have a few problems with my vision. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had radial keratotomy and then gone on to have laser treatment to know what they experienced and what is the outcome and could they recommend a particular surgeon or procedure?
Irene
I would very much like to get in touch with anyone who had Lasik at Moorfields on the following dates 28 April 2001 and/or 5 May 2001. It is really very important and I would appreciate contact asap. Thanks e mail frendo@maltanet.net all replies will be treated confidentialy.
