How Much Does Laser Eye Surgery Cost in the UK? (2026)
What UK laser eye surgery prices cover for LASIK, SMILE, LASEK and lens procedures, what changes the price, and where named clinics' own published prices are listed with their sources.
How much does laser eye surgery cost in the UK? It depends on the procedure, your prescription and the clinic. The prices UK clinics publish on their own pages are listed on our laser eye surgery page, each with the page it was read from and the date.
Procedure types
| Procedure | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Standard LASIK | Short-sightedness, astigmatism |
| Custom/Wavefront LASIK | Higher-order corrections |
| SMILE | Short-sightedness, thinner corneas |
| TransPRK/LASEK | Thinner corneas |
| ICL (implantable lens) | Very high prescriptions |
| Refractive lens exchange | Presbyopia (reading glasses) |
Each is a separate product with its own price. Comparing a LASIK price with a lens exchange price compares two different operations.
Most clinics quote prices per eye. Check whether a figure is for one eye or both, and whether a price for both eyes is offered.
What is included in the price?
This varies between clinics. Ask whether the price includes:
- Pre-operative assessment: detailed eye examination (sometimes free or refundable)
- The procedure: surgeon, theatre, and equipment
- Post-operative care: the follow-up check-ups
- Enhancement: a re-treatment if the result is under-corrected, and for how long it is offered
- Eye drops: post-operative drops for healing
A lower quote may exclude the assessment, aftercare appointments or enhancement. Always ask for the total inclusive price.
Factors that affect cost
- Prescription strength: very high prescriptions may need a lens procedure
- Surgeon: fees can differ by surgeon
- Technology: the laser platform used
- Clinic location
- Aftercare included
LASIK vs SMILE vs LASEK
| LASIK | SMILE | LASEK/TransPRK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flap created? | Yes | No (keyhole) | No |
| Discomfort in first days | Usually minimal | Usually minimal | Usually more |
| Suitable for thin corneas | Sometimes | Often | Often |
Your surgeon will advise which, if any, is suitable for your eyes.
Financing laser eye surgery
Many clinics offer finance. Before signing, check the APR, the term, any deposit, the total amount repayable, and whether the finance price differs from the cash price.
NHS availability
Laser eye surgery is generally not available on the NHS. Exceptions are very rare and limited to specific medical conditions (not routine vision correction).
Laser eye surgery prices
See LASIK, SMILE and lens procedure prices UK clinics publish on their own pages.
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Important context
Provider and clinic profiles may combine public datasets, provider-published information and TreatCompare analysis. Registration status, services, prices and contact details can change. Verify directly with the provider before making treatment, commercial or legal decisions.
- Source type
- TreatCompare compiled research
- Primary source
- Provider-published information and TreatCompare research
- Reporting period
- 2026-10-26
- Last updated
- 2026-10-26
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
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Frequently asked questions
How much does laser eye surgery cost in the UK?
Our laser eye surgery page lists the prices UK clinics publish on their own pages for each procedure, with the page each was read from and the date. LASIK, SMILE, LASEK and lens procedures are separate products and are not averaged together. Most clinics quote per eye, so check whether a price is for one eye or both.
Is laser eye surgery available on the NHS?
Laser eye surgery is generally not available on the NHS. Exceptions are very rare and limited to specific medical conditions, not routine vision correction.
What's the difference between LASIK, SMILE, and LASEK?
LASIK creates a corneal flap and usually has a short recovery. SMILE is a keyhole procedure with no flap. LASEK and TransPRK create no flap and usually involve a longer, more uncomfortable first few days. Which is suitable depends on your prescription and corneal thickness, assessed by the surgeon.
What's included in a laser eye surgery price?
Ask whether the price includes the pre-operative assessment, the procedure itself, post-operative check-ups, an enhancement (re-treatment) if the result is under-corrected and for how long, and post-operative eye drops. A lower quote may exclude some of these.
What affects the cost of laser eye surgery?
The procedure type, your prescription (very high prescriptions may need a lens procedure rather than laser), the surgeon, the laser platform, the clinic's location, and how much aftercare is included.
Can I pay for laser eye surgery monthly?
Many clinics offer finance. Check the APR, the term, any deposit and the total amount repayable before signing, and whether the finance price differs from the cash price.
What options are there for high prescriptions?
Very high prescriptions may be treated with an implantable contact lens (ICL) rather than laser. Refractive lens exchange is more often used for presbyopia. These are priced separately from laser procedures. Your surgeon will advise which, if any, is suitable.
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Laser Eye Surgery Prices
Compare LASIK, SMILE, lens replacement, and contact lens prices from GOC-registered UK providers.
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