With 20 years performing vision correction surgery under his belt, Mr Julian Stevens has been a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital since 1988.
The good news? Mr Stevens makes the list of the 10 best laser eye surgeons in the UK, based on thousands of patient reviews since 2002. Hundreds of former patients have left positive reviews, praising his surgical skill and caring manner.
Is there anything I should know? You’ve probably already guessed this, but Mr Stevens’s experience and prime London address also makes him one of the most expensive eye surgeons around. As with all Moorfields surgeons, his prices can be double that of competitors.
So is he the one? If you would like a second opinion, you can find the top-rated eye surgery clinic near you using our simple tool here, and book a free consultation with an eye expert to discuss your options.
1. About Mr Julian Stevens
Julian Stevens won a scholarship to study Medicine at Merton College, University of Oxford, where he was then awarded a Postmaster scholarship. He graduated top of his year in 1980 and was awarded the Oxford University Prize in Medicine for the top First Class Honours Degree.
He continued his clinical medical training at Clare College, University of Cambridge and at the Cambridge Medical School. Higher training was undertaken at the Oxford Eye Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
2. Training
After completing his general ophthalmic surgical training, Mr Stevens undertook two years of sub-specialist training, with Fellowships in Lens, Corneal and then Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Mr Stevens was appointed as Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in January 1996. His main interest is laser refractive surgery.
He has been involved in the development and application of wavefront refractive surgery and has personally performed over 10,000 wavefront procedures. Mr Stevens was the first Director of Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
3. Qualifications
Mr Stevens joins Professor David Gartry in being one of the UK’s most qualified eye surgeons. He is an examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and holds the Certification of the Royal College in Laser Refractive Surgery. He is an advisor to the British Society for Refractive Surgery and is on the Board of the International Society of Refractive Surgery.
He has won prizes from both the American and the European Societies of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He is the recipient of the 2007 American Academy of Ophthalmology (ISRS/ AAO) Lans award for innovation in refractive surgery.
Internationally recognised as an expert opinion leader, Mr Stevens has published peer reviewed papers on refractive surgery and is regularly invited to deliver keynote lectures at national and international ophthalmic meetings.
Mr Stevens trains Ophthalmic Surgeons in advanced refractive and cataract surgery. He founded the Moorfields basic and advanced IntraLASIK courses and the Moorfields wavefront training course for Ophthalmic Surgeons.
4. Patient Reviews
“My husband and I had lens replacement by Mr Stevens last year, and are both thrilled with our results. After years of wearing glasses, we feel liberated from them from the moment we wake up. I would personally recommend Mr Stevens, and would not hesitate to refer any of my family to see him when the necessity arises for them to seek eye treatment.” – June Clayton
“I had LASIK in 2005, performed by Mr Julian Stevens at Moorfields Eye Hospital. I have absolutely fantastic vision and it stills shocks me just how well I can see. The procedure was quick and painless, and Mr Stevens and his team made me feel at ease throughout the whole process.” – Rosie
“Mr Stevens was fairly brief in his pre-op time given for discussion but you could say, efficient and utterly knowledgeable. His junior doctors were not so well informed and one lady even fobbed me off with false information. His receptionists (especially Janet – a star) were much better informed. Overall I received all the answers I needed (I was annoyingly inquisitive) but had the sense that as a customer of an expensive and commercial procedure, time for chat was necessarily not huge. Delighted with the results.” – Andrew James
5. Prices
As you would expect at Moorfields Private, Mr Stevens does not come cheap.
Laser refractive surgery costs twice the quotes at other leading UK clinics, although the prices for lens replacement surgery are only around a third more, given the higher base cost of the lens itself.
- Consultation: £150 – £600
- Wavefront laser refractive surgery: £4,370 – £4,970
- Refractive lens surgery: £3,825 – £4,430 (per eye)
- Cataract surgery cost: £3,825 – £4,430 (per eye)
Unlike at many other clinics, initial consultations with Mr Stevens are not free – you’ll be paying between £150 and £600, depending on the surgery you’re interested in. If you would prefer to have the option to pay monthly for your surgery, it’s worth looking around, as Moorfields will need the full payment up front. At Optical Express or Ultralase, for instance, you could pay around £50 a month for two years.
6. The Verdict
So, is Mr Stevens the right eye surgeon for you? Of course, that all depends on where you live, and what you’re looking for. His prices are some of the highest in the industry, but he can also justify them, as one of the UK’s most qualified surgeons.
You’d be in trusted hands with Mr Stevens. That said, with eye surgery considered a safe elective surgery by the General Medical Council (GMC), no one should feel obliged to spend any more than they are comfortable with. You can always attend free consultations with a range of surgeons to see where you feel most comfortable.
☝ To find a top-rated laser eye surgery clinic near you, just click here to use our simple quote tool, and receive a tailored match and quote from a clinic you can trust.
Mr Julian Stevens Reviews
Rosie Ivison
Mr Stevens is charming, calm, and completely professional.
The operation was swift and painless. I have had no problems at all subsequently.
I am more than happy with the results.
Previously I had been needed stronger and stronger glasses to read. Now I don’t need any except very weak ones in dim light.
Everything is much brighter and clearer now, especially colours.
I am delighted with the results. Worth every penny.
Thank you Mr Stevens!
K Katechia
Having been thinking about having laser treatment for years I was recommended Julian by a patient of mine.He has been superb , I had bilateral wavefront INTRALASIK and my sight has been restored.I am able to comfortably read even the smallest print and can honestly say the result is better than I expected.The procedure is very quick, easy and painless.my presc pre: +3.75/-3.50×7 6/5, +3.62/-3.25×172 6/5 post: +0.50/-0.50×15 6/4 +0.05/-0.37×171 6/4It has been 8 months now and my sight is just as good as the day after it was done.
Jeff Wooldridge
All I can do is smile, was recommended to see Mr Stevens by my optician. Had consultation and elected for LASEK as I lead quite an active life. Had surgery on 23rd June and apart from a little discomfort have been fine. Had my 3 month check up today and here’s the scores :Pre-OpRight 6/60 -2.12/-1.25 x 12Left 6/60 -2.62/1.00 x 177Post-Op (3 months)Right 6/4 0.00/-.05 x 20Left 6/4 0.00/-0.25 x 10Fantastic!!! Thank you so much again and a big thanks to Janet as well who organises things wonderfully.If you want perfect eyes see the man who is the best and at the same price as UltraLase
Sabin M Brooks
It is difficult to praise Julian Stevens and his team highly enough. I had always wanted laser surgery but was somewhat reticent and nervous about the procedure, particularly following detached retina surgery 6 years earlier. With my history and prescriptions of around -4 & -5 he advised me to undergo LASEK surgery. He and his team were patient, professional and kind…I truly felt like I had opted for the best surgeon at the best hospital in the world. The results bore this out – I am better than 20/20 in both eyes and delighted with the results. I had no hesitation recommending Julian to friends, family and work colleagues who are interested in a life without glasses 🙂
Mandi Ghattaora
I received the best care possible from Mr Stevens from my first consultation through to the follow up meetings after my surgery. I was quite nervous about going ahead as I had an uncomfortable eye allergy for about a year that no other Doctor was able to help me with – Mr Stevens helped to alleviate my condition immensely.Each consultation and meeting was thorough and professional and you are made to feel at ease. Straight after my first consultation I decided with confidence to have the surgery and it truly was the best decision I made. Mr Stevens has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and he immediately reassured me, leaving me with no doubts. The surgery itself was amazing, it lasted about 20 minutes, whilst you see what’s going on, you feel no pain, just a little discomfort and as soon as it was over, I was able to see so much more clearly. My prescription was -3, I now have excellent 20/20 vision and would absolutely, highly recommend Mr Stevens and his team.
Sophie
I could not have had a better surgeon taking care of my eyes than Julian Stevens – he made me feel comfortable, relaxed and above all excited about the prospect of gaining perfect eyesight under his care. He took the time to make sure I had an answer to every one of my queries and has been absolutely brilliant and hands on from day one. I would not have entrusted my eyesight with anyone else. I cannot thank him enough!
Zoe BOTBOL
Julian Stevens has literally changed my life! I was reliant on glasses and contact lenses for over 18 years. My vision before surgery was -2.75 & -3.00 but now (3 months later) it’s perfect 20/20. Julian and his team made me feel extremely confident, comfortable and at ease about the whole process and even though I felt anxious on the day of surgery it was over in a flash and Julian made me feel safe – I trusted that he was the best person to be performing the surgery. My partner said that by the time he had listened to 2 songs on his ipod I was in and out. I had extremely dry eyes for the first week after the procedure as I have large Cornea’s but I knew what to expect and I knew I could call Julian’s team at any point if I was worried about anything. I can now run, swim, practice yoga and ski with out being reliant on glasses. I have also noticed the most beautiful tree out of my bedroom window for the first time 🙂 I would highly recommend Julian and his team, you’ll be in the best possible hands.
Clare
I absolutely recommend Julian Stevens to anyone. He performed Wavefront on my eyes some years ago now, and was fantastic. I went to him after I had Lasik elsewhere and was unhappy with the result. He relifted the flaps in my eyes after about 18 months, which most surgeons would be hesitant to try. He knows exactly what he's doing and I can now see perfectly.
Danny Jackson
Mr. Stevens performed my surgery two days ago.I am very happy with the results. You may have to wait a few months to get an appointment but it is worth the wait to be treated by the best in the business.
Kate Chaplin
Mr Stevens performed lasik surgery on my eyes a few years ago and I have been thrilled with not having to wear glasses. He was extremely kind and professional and helped guide me through what was naturally a worrying time. I had taken a long time to pluck up the courage to have the surgery and I could not have chosen a better Surgeon.
JC
Mr Stevens was THE surgeon to completely eradicate any fears or nerves on this momentous procedure.I didn't worry AT ALL about it as I felt I had taken any risk out of the equation with this wonderful man.I had this done a year ago and a re treatment was necessary (due to me getting long-sighted) and I don't regret it.Wish I had it done and not waited so long.THANK YOU MR STEVENS!!