Cost of Laser Eye Surgery - Laser Eye Surgery Guide

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

Costs can vary from one clinic to another, and between surgeons. These include the cost of the laser, the surgeon’s fees and the aftercare service.

As you are choosing to have this surgery (‘elective’) which means that you are paying for this then shop around to make sure that you get what suits you.

Be aware that what seems like a bargain may not be the best option for you. Cheap doesn’t always mean good and it is better to pay more to get a reputable surgeon and a top quality procedure.

Your eyesight is too valuable to take any chances with.

Prices vary from one company to another.

As a rough guide you can expect to pay the following prices for a range of laser vision procedures:

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

Costs can vary from one clinic to another, and between surgeons. These include the cost of the laser, the surgeon’s fees and the aftercare service.

As you are choosing to have this surgery (‘elective’) which means that you are paying for this then shop around to make sure that you get what suits you.

Be aware that what seems like a bargain may not be the best option for you. Cheap doesn’t always mean good and it is better to pay more to get a reputable surgeon and a top quality procedure.

Your eyesight is too valuable to take any chances with.

Prices vary from one company to another.

As a rough guide you can expect to pay the following prices for a range of laser vision procedures:

Will the NHS pay for laser eye surgery?

Unless you can demonstrate that there is an important medical need then the NHS will not pay for your treatment.

If laser vision surgery is performed to correct short-sight, long-sight and astigmatism then the NHS will not pay for these. The reason for this is that they can be corrected with either glasses or contact lenses.

If, however, you have macular oedema or diabetic retinopathy which are medical conditions that can potentially lead to blindness then the NHS will cover these.

As with any treatment, the NHS will make a decision based upon need, benefits to the patient and resources available.

Laser eye surgery along with cosmetic surgery and other ‘elective’ treatments are seen as non-essential and so down to the individual to pay for.

There are some laser eye clinics available through the NHS (they administer them) but you will still have to pay for treatment.

I have private medical insurance; will my insurer pay for laser eye surgery?

Sadly, no. Most private health companies will not pay out to cover the cost of laser eye correction. The argument is that there is no risk to life or limb and that it is something done for ‘aesthetic’ reasons.

In other words, if you are short-sighted then you can wear glasses or contact lenses to correct your sight. Laser eye surgery is seen as a luxury rather than an essential.

Check your insurance policy to see what it covers but you will probably find that laser eye surgery is listed as an ‘exclusion’.

Can I get help towards paying for laser eye surgery?

This follows on from the previous question. If you are turned down by the NHS or your private health provider then you still have a few options.

These include saving up and paying for the surgery yourself, using savings or some other financial source or taking out a loan. This loan can either be through your local bank or building society or via the provider.

For example, Ultralase offer easy payment plans which allow you to spread the cost of your treatment via a series of monthly repayments. These are subject to the usual terms and conditions and at a typical annual rate of APR.

As with anything in life you need to shop around to get the best deal but don’t be dictated by price alone. The reputation of the surgeon or clinic is more important than a cheap deal.