Laser eye surgery Cost in the UK (2026)

Typical self-pay price£1,300–£2,700 per eye

Published UK eye clinic prices, October 2026.

On the NHSNot usually

Laser eye surgery to correct your vision isn't usually available on the NHS.

What's usually included

Prices usually include the consultation, surgery, eye drops and aftercare for a set period (3 to 12 months, depending on the provider). Aftercare after that, and sometimes enhancement treatment, can cost extra.

Example published prices

Optical Express: LASEK from £549 per eye; LASIK from £1,295 per eye; Advanced from £1,495 per eye (source)
Optimax: LASIK and LASEK from £1,295 per eye (source)
Optegra: LASEK £1,495; LASIK £2,095; SMILE £2,695 (per eye) (source)
Moorfields Private (London): £5,682 for both eyes (initial consultation £195) (source)

Optical Express's lowest price depends on your prescription and includes 3 months of aftercare; Optegra includes 12 months.

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. The clinic, your location and what your treatment involves can all change the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Will insurance help pay?

Private medical insurance doesn't usually pay for laser eye surgery, so most people pay for it themselves. Many clinics offer finance plans; check the interest rate and terms carefully before you agree.

Health insurance is still worth knowing about for other things: it can pay for private diagnosis and treatment of new medical conditions. See what cover costs.

Questions and answers

How much does laser eye surgery cost in the UK?

Laser eye surgery in the UK usually costs £1,300 to £2,700 per eye, or roughly £2,600 to £5,400 for both eyes. LASEK is usually cheapest, LASIK is mid-priced and SMILE costs most. Your prescription and the length of aftercare also affect the price. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of laser eye surgery?

Will health insurance pay for laser eye surgery?

Private medical insurance doesn't usually pay for laser eye surgery, so most people pay for it themselves. Many clinics offer finance plans.

Can I get laser eye surgery on the NHS instead?

Laser eye surgery to correct your vision isn't usually available on the NHS. Ask your GP whether you're eligible in your area.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

What's usually included

Example published prices

Will insurance help pay?

Questions and answers

Other treatment costs

Also comparing private health insurance?