How much does LASIK cost in the UK?

LASIK costs £1,000–2,000 per eye depending on the clinic and prescription complexity. Prices usually include pre-op assessment and all post-op follow-ups. Some clinics offer 0% finance.

What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE?

Both correct short-sightedness. LASIK creates a flap in the cornea; SMILE uses a small incision. SMILE has faster recovery, less dry eye risk, but costs more (£1,500–2,500/eye). LASIK treats a wider range of prescriptions.

Is laser eye surgery available on the NHS?

Almost never. It is classified as cosmetic. Patients pay privately. Some clinics offer finance plans starting from £50/month.

How long does laser eye surgery last?

Results are permanent for the treated prescription. However, age-related changes (presbyopia, cataracts) can affect vision later. Some patients need an enhancement procedure years later (typically free within the first 1–3 years).

Compare Laser Eye Surgery Prices UK

Compare LASIK, SMILE, LASEK/PRK, and Presbyond prices from CQC-registered UK clinics. All prices per eye. Includes aftercare and finance details.

CQC regulated clinicsFrom £575/eye7 listings

How much does laser eye surgery cost in the UK in 2026?

UK laser eye surgery typically costs £995–£2,500 per eye, depending on the technique. LASIK ranges £995–£2,395 per eye; SMILE is typically £2,395–£2,500 per eye; LASEK/PRK from £995 per eye; Presbyond (over-40 lens) from £2,395 per eye. Lower-cost entry points come from Optical Express and Optimax (large laser-eye chains). All listed clinics are CQC registered. Prices typically include initial consultation and aftercare. Finance options (12-month interest-free) are widely available.

Compare UK laser eye clinic prices

Market data: laser eye surgery

4 providers · April 2026

Lowest observed

£575

per eye

Typical price

£1,500

per eye

Highest observed

£1,995

per eye

LASIK range: £995–2,000/eye

SMILE range: £1,500–2,500/eye

Finance available: From £50/month at many clinics

Procedure comparison

Procedure	Cost/eye	Recovery	Best for
LASIK	£995–2,000	1–2 days	Most prescriptions
SMILE	£1,500–2,500	1–3 days	Dry eye risk, active lifestyle
LASEK/PRK	£995–1,800	3–5 days	Thin corneas
Presbyond	£1,500–2,500	1–2 days	Reading glasses (over 40s)

Includes consultationIncludes aftercareFinance available

7 results from verified providers

Laser Vision Scotland

LASEK / PRK

GMC

£575.00 per eye

ConsultationFinance

Prices shown are indicative. Final price depends on prescription strength and clinical suitability assessment.

View on Laser Vision Scotland

Best value

Optical Express

LASEK / PRK

GOC

£595.00 per eye

ConsultationAftercare (3 months)Finance from £9.41/mo

Prices shown are indicative. Final price depends on prescription strength and clinical suitability assessment.

View on Optical Express

Harley Vision

LASIK

GMC

£1199.00 per eye

ConsultationAftercareFinance

Prices shown are indicative. Final price depends on prescription strength and clinical suitability assessment.

View on Harley Vision

Optical Express

LASIK

GOC

£1295.00 per eye

ConsultationAftercare (3 months)Finance

Prices shown are indicative. Final price depends on prescription strength and clinical suitability assessment.

View on Optical Express

Optimax

LASEK / PRK

GMC

£1295.00 per eye

ConsultationAftercareFinance

Prices shown are indicative. Final price depends on prescription strength and clinical suitability assessment.

View on Optimax

Optimax

LASIK

GMC

£1295.00 per eye

ConsultationAftercareFinance

Prices shown are indicative. Final price depends on prescription strength and clinical suitability assessment.

View on Optimax

Laser Vision Scotland

LASIK

GMC

£1995.00 per eye

ConsultationFinance (9.9% APR)

Prices shown are indicative. Final price depends on prescription strength and clinical suitability assessment.

View on Laser Vision Scotland

Can't afford laser eye surgery upfront?

Many providers offer finance for laser eye surgery, with plans from from £50/month at 0% over 24 months. Some offer 0% interest-free options. Use our calculator to estimate monthly payments, or check which providers in our comparison offer finance.

How to finance private healthcare →

Should you go private or use the NHS?

NHS route

Laser eye surgery is almost never available on the NHS — it is classified as cosmetic. Standard NHS eye care (tests, glasses prescriptions) is available for eligible patients.

Typical wait: N/A — not on NHS

Private route

Same-day or next-day appointments. Choose your provider. No referral needed in most cases.

Typical wait: 24 hours – 1 week

When private laser eye surgery makes sense

→

You want permanent freedom from glasses/contacts

One-time cost vs decades of lens replacements and glasses. LASIK pays for itself within 3–5 years for most patients.

→

Your prescription is stable

Must have been stable for 2+ years. Typically suited for ages 21–55.

→

You want the safest option for your eyes

Different procedures suit different eye types. SMILE for dry eyes, LASIK for quick recovery, PRK for thin corneas.

What to check before booking

✓Clinic is CQC registered for surgical procedures
✓Surgeon is GMC registered and on the specialist register
✓Price is per eye (not per pair) and includes all follow-ups
✓Ask about enhancement/retreatment policy
✓Check the surgeon's complication and enhancement rate

Questions to ask a provider

?Which procedure do you recommend for my prescription?
?What is your enhancement rate?
?Is aftercare included, and for how long?
?Do you offer lifetime retreatment guarantee?
?Do you offer 0% finance?

Frequently asked questions

How much does LASIK cost?

£995–2,000 per eye. Includes pre-op assessment and post-op follow-ups at most clinics.

LASIK vs SMILE — which is better?

Depends on your eyes. LASIK suits more prescriptions and has faster recovery. SMILE has less dry eye risk and no corneal flap. SMILE costs more (£1,500–2,500/eye).

Is laser eye surgery permanent?

Yes for the treated prescription. Age-related changes can still occur. Most clinics offer free enhancements within the first 1–3 years.

Optical Express vs Ultralase

Head-to-head comparison: prices, procedures, aftercare, and which clinic is right for you.

Sources & further reading

RCOphth — Standards for Refractive Surgery — Professional standards for laser eye surgery in the UK
CQC — Care Quality Commission — Regulatory body for surgical clinics in England
GMC Specialist Register — Verification of ophthalmologist specialist registration
NICE IPG164 — Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors — NICE interventional procedures guidance on LASIK and LASEK

All surgical providers are CQC regulated and GOC/GMC registered. Prices are per eye unless stated otherwise. Suitability must be assessed by a qualified ophthalmologist. We do not accept payment for ranking. Methodology →