Laser Eye Surgery in London Harley Street
Laser eye surgery — including LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, and PresbyMAX — is a vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses, restoring visual perception to near-natural quality. At Precision Vision London, laser eye surgery in London is performed by Dr CT Pillai at our Harley Street eye clinic, using the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser platform. Dr Pillai performs every laser eye surgery treatment personally — you will not be handed off to a rotating trainee.
Laser Eye Surgery in London Harley Street
Laser eye surgery — including LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, and PresbyMAX — is a vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses, restoring visual perception to near-natural quality. At Precision Vision London, laser eye surgery in London is performed by Dr CT Pillai at our Harley Street eye clinic, using the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser platform. Dr Pillai performs every laser eye surgery treatment personally — you will not be handed off to a rotating trainee.
Medically reviewed by Dr CT Pillai MD, DO, FRCS (Edin), FRCOphth (UK) — Medical Director (performs all laser eye surgery procedures personally). GMC: 3517198. One of the first surgeons in the UK to perform bilateral laser eye surgery.
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: April 2027
★★★★★
Rated by London Patients
30+
years of refractive surgery experience
50,000+
refractive procedures performed
SCHWIND
AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser
Why Choose Precision Vision London for Laser Eye Surgery?
Precision Vision London is a surgeon-led private eye clinic at 22A Harley Street — London’s most established private medical district. We perform laser eye surgery, Refractive Lens Exchange, cataract surgery, and implantable contact lens (ICL) procedures.
The best way to find out which treatment suits you is to book a consultation, where we’ll carry out advanced diagnostic scans and give you a clear recommendation.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea — the clear front window of the eye — using a precisely controlled cold laser beam. By altering corneal curvature, the surgeon corrects how light focuses onto the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lens wear.
Laser vision correction treats three refractive errors: myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism (uneven corneal curvature). Modern laser platforms can also address presbyopia — the age-related near vision loss that begins in the mid-40s — through techniques such as PresbyMAX. For patients who want to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and corrective lenses, laser eye surgery offers a safe, evidence-based route to long-term vision correction.
According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Refractive Surgery Standards, approximately 95% of suitable patients treated by experienced consultant eye surgeons achieve driving-standard vision (6/12 or better) without glasses. Ophthalmology as a medical specialty continues to invest in the evidence base for refractive surgery, and modern laser treatment is now one of the most extensively studied procedures in eye care.
Types of laser eye surgery we perform at our Harley Street clinic
We offer the three main types of laser eye surgery — LASIK, LASEK/TransPRK, and SMILE — plus PresbyMAX for age-related near vision, and PTK for specific corneal eye conditions. Suitability for each type is determined at consultation based on corneal thickness, refractive error, lifestyle, and occupation.
The right procedure for you depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and occupational requirements. Your surgeon will recommend the specific technique at the consultation based on your detailed diagnostic measurements.
Who is suitable for laser eye surgery?
How We Determine Your Suitability
Laser eye surgery is not suitable for everyone. Suitability is determined at your consultation based on corneal thickness, prescription stability, overall eye health, and general health. Every patient at Precision Vision London receives a surgeon-led two-hour consultation with full diagnostic imaging — corneal topography, pachymetry, pupillometry, wavefront analysis, and retinal examination — before any treatment is recommended.
Only an in-person surgeon-led consultation with full diagnostics can confirm suitability. A phone assessment with our patient coordinators will establish whether a consultation is appropriate before any fees are charged.
You may be suitable if you:
- Are aged 21 or over with a stable prescription for at least 12 months
- Have myopia up to -10 dioptres, hyperopia up to +5.00 dioptres, or astigmatism up to 5.00 dioptres
- Have adequate corneal thickness (assessed during consultation via pachymetry)
- Are in good general health with no active autoimmune conditions
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have no active eye infection, severe dry eye disease, or corneal disease
You may not be suitable if you:
- Are under the age of 21 (prescription is usually not stable)
- Have keratoconus or suspected keratoconus (forme fruste)
- Have thin corneas below the safe treatment threshold
- Have uncontrolled autoimmune disease or diabetes
- Take medications that affect healing (for example, systemic retinoids)
- Have a history of herpes simplex keratitis
Borderline cases we assess carefully
Some patients fall into borderline categories where standard laser eye surgery may not be the best option but where alternatives exist. Common examples include:
- High myopia beyond -10.00 dioptres (where Implantable Contact Lens surgery may be more appropriate)
- Early presbyopia in patients approaching 40 (where PresbyMAX or Refractive Lens Exchange may give better long-term results)
- Thin corneas where LASEK or TransPRK is safer than LASIK
Can I have laser eye surgery if I've been told I'm unsuitable elsewhere?
Yes — in many cases. We frequently see patients who have been declined by high-street laser eye surgery chains. Common reasons include:
- Higher prescriptions beyond the standard treatment range
- Thinner corneas requiring LASEK rather than LASIK
- Complex astigmatism combined with other refractive errors
- Borderline keratoconus suspects identified on corneal topography
- Previous eye surgery where vision has since changed
We do not treat every patient refused elsewhere — and we will tell you honestly if you are genuinely unsuitable. But because we are a consultant-led clinic rather than a high-volume screening operation, our diagnostic depth and clinical flexibility is greater. Complex cases can often be addressed through careful laser planning, or alternatives such as ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) or Refractive Lens Exchange surgery (depending on age).
If you have been told laser eye surgery is not an option, a second-opinion consultation at Precision Vision London is worth it. Bring your previous diagnostic reports, and we will assess whether their conclusion was correct — or whether a different technique is available to you.
“Dr CT Pillai was among the first consultant eye surgeons in the United Kingdom to perform bilateral laser eye surgery — treating both eyes on the same day. Same-day bilateral treatment is now the global standard, but when Dr Pillai first introduced it to UK practice, most clinics still treated eyes in separate visits spaced weeks apart.”
— Bilateral Laser Surgery Pioneer in the UK
The laser eye surgery procedure — step by step
15–20 minutes for both eyes
Laser eye surgery is a day-case procedure performed under topical anaesthetic eye drops. You will be awake throughout but will not feel pain. Most patients describe the experience as quick, comfortable, and straightforward. On the day of surgery, the full process from arrival to discharge takes approximately 90 minutes. The laser treatment itself takes 15–20 minutes for both eyes combined.
The procedure follows these stages:
- Arrival and final checks. A member of the clinical team reviews consent, confirms your prescription, and performs final diagnostic checks.
- Eye preparation. Anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye surface completely. A small eyelid guard keeps the eye open and prevents blinking.
- Laser treatment — first eye. For LASIK, the femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap (10–15 seconds). The surgeon lifts the flap, and the excimer laser reshapes the cornea (approximately 10 seconds for the highest prescriptions — the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS is the world’s fastest excimer laser, with an ablation speed of 1.3 seconds per dioptre). The flap is repositioned and smoothed down. For LASEK and TransPRK, the epithelium is removed (manually with a weak alcohol solution for LASEK; by the excimer laser itself for TransPRK), the excimer laser then reshapes the cornea, and a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye.
- Laser treatment — second eye. The same sequence is performed on the following eye.
- Post-procedure examination. The surgeon examines both eyes with a slit lamp to confirm flap position (LASIK) or epithelial status (LASEK).
- Discharge. Aftercare drops and written instructions are provided. You cannot drive immediately after surgery — someone will need to accompany you home.
- Next-day review. Your first post-operative check is the following day at our Harley Street clinic with Dr Pillai.
At Precision Vision London, both eyes can usually be treated on the same day. The procedure is performed by Dr Pillai at our Harley Street clinic using the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser. Your first post-operative check takes place the day after surgery.
LASIK, LASEK, SMILE — and how we choose between them
The choice between LASIK, LASEK/TransPRK, and SMILE is determined by corneal thickness, refractive error, lifestyle, and occupation — not patient preference alone.
LASIK vs LASEK: which laser eye surgery is right for you?
| Factor | LASIK eye surgery | LASEK / TransPRK |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap | Yes (femtosecond laser) | No flap. LASEK: epithelial flap created with weak alcohol. TransPRK: epithelium removed by laser. |
| Visual recovery | 24–48 hours | 4–7 days |
| Return to work | 1–2 days | 5–7 days |
| Thin corneas | May not be suitable | Suitable |
| Contact sports | Some restrictions | No flap-related risk |
| Price per eye (from) | £1,950 | £1,950 |
LASIK is the default for most suitable patients because of fast recovery. LASEK is the safer option when corneal thickness is borderline or occupational trauma risk is elevated. At your consultation, we explain which technique we recommend and why — based on your diagnostic measurements, not a standard script.
LASIK eye surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most performed type of laser eye surgery worldwide and remains the gold standard for most suitable patients. LASIK uses two lasers: a femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap, which the surgeon folds back to expose the underlying stromal tissue. An excimer laser then reshapes the stroma to correct the refractive error. The flap is replaced without stitches and self-seals within hours.
LASIK offers the fastest recovery of any technique. Most patients achieve driving-standard vision within 24 hours and return to work within 1–2 days. Suitable for myopia up to -10 dioptres, hyperopia up to +5.00 dioptres, and astigmatism up to 5.00 dioptres, provided corneal thickness is adequate. From £1,950 per eye.
LASEK and TransPRK
LASEK and TransPRK are surface laser treatments — no stromal flap is created. For LASEK, the surgeon manually loosens the thin outer epithelial layer using a weak alcohol solution. For TransPRK (a modern evolution of PRK), the excimer laser removes the epithelium and reshapes the underlying cornea in one step. A bandage contact lens is placed afterwards to protect the surface during healing.
LASEK is the preferred technique for patients with thin corneas, those involved in contact sports, military personnel, or anyone whose occupation involves risk of eye trauma — without a stromal flap, there is no risk of flap dislocation from impact. Visual recovery is slower than LASIK (5–7 days off work) but final outcomes are equivalent. From £1,950 per eye.
SMILE laser eye surgery
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the newest type of laser eye surgery, designed as a flapless alternative to LASIK. A femtosecond laser creates a small disc-shaped lenticule within the corneal stroma, which the surgeon removes through a 2–4mm incision. SMILE treats myopia from -1 to -10 dioptres, hyperopia up to +5 dioptres, and astigmatism up to 3 dioptres, with total correction capped at -12 dioptres.
SMILE is particularly suitable for patients with moderate to high myopia and those prone to dry eye syndrome. From £2,550 per eye.
PresbyMAX Blended Vision
PresbyMAX is a laser technique for patients over 40 whose age-related near vision loss cannot be corrected by standard LASIK alone. The laser reshapes each cornea to create a gradual transition between distance and near focus, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. Most patients adapt within 2–4 weeks. From £2,500 per eye.
PTK for therapeutic corneal eye conditions
PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy) is a therapeutic laser surgery — not a refractive procedure. It treats corneal eye conditions such as recurrent corneal erosion, scarring, corneal dystrophies, and certain forms of keratoconus. Patients considering PTK typically have an existing corneal condition diagnosed by an eye surgeon.
Advanced laser eye surgery technology we use
Precision Vision London operates a dedicated refractive surgery environment at 22A Harley Street, equipped with the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS — our laser platform. Our laser technology matches that used at leading NHS teaching hospitals and international refractive surgery centres:
- SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser: 1,050 pulses per second with 7-dimensional eye tracking for sub-millimetre accuracy even during micro eye movements.
- Femtosecond laser: Used for LASIK flap creation and SMILE lenticule cutting. Bladeless technology means flap thickness is predictable to within microns.
- Pentacam corneal topography: Full corneal mapping to detect early keratoconus and ensure treatment is only offered where safe.
- Advanced Wavefront technology: Measures higher-order optical aberrations so laser treatment corrects not just the prescription but subtle visual irregularities. We provide Advanced Wavefront as standard for all relevant treatments — not a paid add-on.
- Iris recognition alignment: Registers each eye’s unique iris pattern so astigmatism correction is aligned precisely to the corneal axis.
High-street vision correction chains often offer lower prices by using older-generation equipment. Outdated technology produces less accurate pre-operative measurements, less predictable surgical outcomes, and fewer options for patients with complex prescriptions or unusual eye anatomy.
We invest in the technology that gets the best clinical results — and we do not charge extra for advanced features such as Wavefront analysis that other clinics treat as paid add-ons.
Our approach revolves around prioritising your optimal well-being throughout your Refractive Lens Exchange journey.
How long does laser eye surgery recovery take?
Your first point of contact will be with Precision Vision London’s highly trained patient coordinators, who will discuss your prescription, lifestyle and suitability before any consultation fees are charged.
Treatment
Laser eye surgery is a day-case procedure under topical anaesthetic eye drops, taking 15–20 minutes for both eyes combined. Dr Pillai performs every laser eye surgery personally using the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser at our Harley Street clinic.
Consultation
Your two-hour consultation includes full diagnostic imaging, biometry, topographic mapping and a personalised treatment plan discussed with your surgeon. Lens selection is tailored to your individual eye anatomy and lifestyle.
Aftercare
Your 12-month aftercare programme includes scheduled post-operative reviews, all medication, 24-hour telephone access, and laser enhancement if required — all included in the price.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery depends on the laser technique used. LASIK and SMILE recover fastest; LASEK and TransPRK are slower because the corneal epithelium takes longer to heal.
LASIK recovery timeline
- Day of surgery: rest; eyes feel gritty for 2–4 hours; avoid screens.
- Day 1 (post-op check): vision typically clear enough to drive. Most patients return to office work.
- Week 1: avoid swimming, dusty environments, eye make-up, and rubbing eyes.
- Weeks 2–6 (return to activity): 1 week – low-impact (yoga, Pilates, aerobic exercise, jogging); 2 weeks – medium-impact (weightlifting, swimming, hot tubs, saunas); 4 weeks – high-impact (football, cricket, tennis); 6 weeks – high-risk sport (skiing, snowboarding, scuba, squash, rugby, badminton).
- Month 3: final vision stabilised.
- 12 months: final long-term review.
LASEK / TransPRK recovery timeline
- Days 1–4: blurry vision, moderate discomfort. A bandage contact lens aids comfort. Painkilling and anti-inflammatory eye drops provided.
- Days 5–7: bandage contact lens removed. Vision starts to improve rapidly.
- Weeks 2–3: most patients return to work and driving.
- Weeks 4–6: final vision stabilising. Avoid contact lens wear permanently from this point.
- Month 3: final vision stable.
- 12 months: final long-term review.
All patients receive 12 months of aftercare included in the treatment price. The aftercare schedule is:
- LASIK: 1–2 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months
- LASEK / PRK: 4–5 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months
This includes any laser enhancement required within the 12-month period.
You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use during recovery. Your clinical team will provide written instructions and remain available throughout the aftercare period.
When to Contact Us Immediately
Please contact the clinic without delay if you experience any of the following after surgery:
- Severe or worsening eye pain
- Sudden loss of vision
- Flashing lights or a sudden increase in floaters
- Significant discharge from the eye
- Any symptom you feel unsure about
Our team is available 24 hours a day following your treatment.
Cost of laser eye surgery in London — transparent eye care pricing
Our pricing is transparent and inclusive. Published fees are minimum prices — specialist treatments, combined procedures, or complex cases may incur higher costs. Any additional cost will always be discussed and agreed upon at the consultation, before treatment is scheduled.
| Treatment | Per eye (from) | Both eyes (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Free (£100 booking deposit required) | |
| LASIK | £1,950 | £3,900 |
| LASEK / TransPRK | £1,950 | £3,900 |
| SMILE | £2,550 | £5,100 |
| PresbyMAX Blended Vision | £2,500 | £5,000 |
The type of laser eye surgery recommended depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and occupation. The right procedure for you is determined at your consultation.
Finance Options
Two finance plans are available through our regulated finance partner:
- 12 months interest-free — from £141.67 per month (representative example based on a LASIK both-eyes procedure).
- 60 months at 9.9% APR — from £36.04 per month.
Finance is available subject to status. Finance cannot be combined with any other offers. Your personal rate and repayment terms will be confirmed at the consultation, once your treatment plan is finalised.
Precision Vision London Ltd is an introducer appointed representative (IAR) of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd T/A Ideal4Finance. Ideal Sales Solutions is a credit broker and not a lender (FRN 703401). Finance available subject to status. The rate offered is always provisional and will depend on your personal circumstances, the loan amount, and the term.
What is included in your treatment
Your laser eye surgery package at Precision Vision London includes:
- A comprehensive two-hour pre-operative consultation with full diagnostic imaging, corneal mapping, wavefront analysis, and retinal examination
- A personalised treatment plan discussed with your surgeon
- Surgery performed by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at our Harley Street clinic
- 12-month aftercare programme with scheduled post-operative reviews
- 24-hour post-treatment telephone access to our leading surgeon
- All post-operative medication including antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating eye drops
- Laser fine-tuning (enhancement) included within the first 12 months if required
- Access to the UK’s largest independent optometrist network for aftercare closer to home
Private laser eye surgery at Precision Vision London
Laser eye surgery is classified as an elective vision correction procedure and is not funded by the NHS. Patients seeking laser eye surgery in the UK are treated privately. At Precision Vision London, private care means:
- Consultant-led from start to finish. Dr Pillai personally reviews your diagnostic imaging, explains your options, performs your surgery, and oversees your recovery.
- Continuity of care. You see the same clinical team across consultation, surgery, and 12 months of aftercare.
- The full range of modern laser platforms. SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS plus femtosecond — supporting LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK, SMILE, and PresbyMAX.
- No waiting lists. Consultations typically available within 1–2 weeks; surgery scheduled at your convenience.
- Two-hour consultation with full diagnostic imaging led by a specialist in ophthalmology — not a short NHS-style review delivered by optometry staff alone.
- 24-hour post-treatment telephone access to our leading surgeon.
Does private medical insurance cover laser eye surgery?
Most private medical insurance policies do not cover laser eye surgery for refractive error (short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism), because it is classified as elective vision correction rather than medical treatment. Some policies contribute towards consultation or diagnostic fees, and some cover laser treatment for specific medical indications such as PTK for corneal scarring.
Precision Vision London is recognised by Bupa, Cigna, Aviva, WPA, The Exeter, Allianz, and Simplyhealth — please contact us with your policy details to confirm your coverage.
Laser eye surgery vs Refractive Lens Exchange: which is right for you?
Two Different Approaches to Vision Correction
Laser eye surgery (LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK, SMILE) and Refractive Lens Exchange are both vision correction procedures, but they work very differently.
Laser eye surgery reshapes the surface of the cornea to change how light is focused onto the retina. It is most suitable for patients in their 20s to early 40s with stable, moderate-to-high prescriptions and healthy corneas.
Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the natural lens inside the eye with a custom intraocular lens. It is typically more suitable for patients aged 40 and over, particularly those with presbyopia, prescriptions outside the safe range for laser surgery, thin or irregular corneas, or early cataract formation.
An in-person surgeon-led consultation is the only way to confirm which procedure is right for your eyes.
What are the risks of laser eye surgery?
An Excellent Safety Record — But Risk is Never Zero
Laser eye surgery is a well-established procedure with an excellent safety record, but the risk of complications is not zero. No responsible surgeon should claim otherwise. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile at your consultation — informed consent is an essential part of our process.
Careful patient selection, surgeon experience, and the use of current technology further reduce these risks. For further reading, see the NICE Interventional Procedures Guidance IPG164 on photorefractive (laser) surgery, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust guidance on laser eye surgery safety.
The most common side effect, affecting up to 20–40% of LASIK patients in the first 3–6 months. According to peer-reviewed clinical research, symptoms resolve in most patients by 6–12 months as corneal nerves regenerate. Persistent clinically significant dry eye beyond 12 months affects approximately 1–2%. SMILE and LASEK cause less dry eye than LASIK.
Approximately 3–5% of patients require a second laser treatment within the first 12 months to fine-tune residual refractive error. At Precision Vision London, enhancement within 12 months is included in the original treatment price at no additional cost.
Flap-related complications occur in less than 0.5% of procedures when performed with modern femtosecond laser technology. TransPRK and SMILE avoid flap-related risks entirely.
A rare but serious complication of LASIK, occurring in approximately 1 in 2,500 to 1 in 5,000 carefully screened patients according to published literature reviews. Pre-operative screening using corneal topography and pachymetry has substantially reduced this risk.
Rare (approximately 1 in 5,000 procedures) and managed with antibiotic eye drops in almost all cases. Prophylactic antibiotic drops are provided for the first week after surgery.
A small proportion of patients experience gradual return of some short-sightedness over years or decades, particularly those treated for very high myopia. Where regression occurs, enhancement laser treatment or lens-based alternatives can be considered.
Some patients need a mild glasses prescription after surgery as part of the natural healing process. This can often be corrected with laser fine-tuning, which is included in our 12-month aftercare.
A serious but rare complication, primarily affecting patients with very high myopia. Long-term follow-up studies report retinal detachment in approximately 3.2% of high-myopia RLE cases in published series.
Reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser eye surgery starts from £1,950 per eye (from £3,900 for both eyes) for LASIK or LASEK, rising to £2,550 per eye (from £5,100 for both eyes) for SMILE. PresbyMAX Blended Vision starts from £2,500 per eye. Consultation is free; a £100 booking deposit is required to reserve your consultation and is fully refundable against your treatment cost. Finance is available from £36.04 per month (60 months at 9.9% APR, subject to status).
Laser eye surgery is one of the safest elective surgical procedures in medicine, with serious complications affecting fewer than 1 in 2,500 properly screened patients. Thorough pre-operative screening — corneal topography and pachymetry — is the key safeguard. Our two-hour surgeon-led consultation is designed specifically to ensure that surgery is only recommended where it is safe and appropriate.
The procedure itself is not painful. Anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye completely. You may feel gentle pressure during the flap creation step of LASIK (or during epithelial preparation in LASEK) but no sharp pain. LASIK patients typically feel mild grittiness for 2–4 hours afterwards. LASEK and TransPRK patients experience moderate discomfort for 2–3 days while the epithelium regenerates, managed with prescription eye drops.
For most patients, laser eye surgery results are permanent. The laser permanently reshapes the cornea, and this does not reverse. However, your eyes continue to age — presbyopia develops in the 40s, and cataracts may develop in the 60s–70s. Neither is caused by laser eye surgery, and both can be treated separately when they occur.
The laser treatment itself takes 15–20 minutes for both eyes combined. The full appointment on the day of surgery — including arrival, pre-operative checks, the procedure, post-operative examination, and discharge — takes approximately 90 minutes.
Yes, in most cases. Enhancement laser treatment is performed in approximately 3–5% of patients within the first 12 months to fine-tune residual refractive error, and is included in your treatment price. Longer-term re-treatments are also possible in many patients, provided corneal thickness remains adequate.
Unsuitable candidates include patients under 21, those with unstable prescriptions, those with keratoconus or suspected keratoconus, patients with inadequate corneal thickness, those with active autoimmune disease affecting healing, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with active eye infections or severe dry eye disease. Suitability is determined at consultation through detailed diagnostic imaging rather than prescription alone.
Most LASIK patients meet the legal driving standard at their 1-day post-operative check, meaning they can drive from day 2 onwards. LASEK and TransPRK patients typically need 5–7 days before vision is clear enough to drive safely. Never drive until your consultant has confirmed you are safe to do so.
LASIK patients typically return to office-based work within 1–2 days. LASEK and TransPRK patients generally need 5–7 days off work. Occupations involving dusty environments, outdoor work, or chemical exposure may require longer. We discuss your specific occupation at consultation and advise accordingly.
No. Laser eye surgery is classified as an elective vision correction procedure and is not funded by the NHS. It is available privately at clinics like Precision Vision London.
Most private medical insurance policies do not cover laser eye surgery for refractive error because it is classified as elective vision correction. Some policies may cover laser treatment for specific medical indications, such as PTK for corneal scarring. Precision Vision London is recognised by Bupa, Cigna, Aviva, WPA, The Exeter, Allianz, and Simplyhealth.
Yes. Same-day bilateral laser eye surgery is the standard at Precision Vision London for most patients. Dr Pillai was among the first surgeons in the UK to perform bilateral laser eye surgery, and the procedure takes 15–20 minutes for both eyes combined.
The minimum age is 21, because prescriptions tend not to be stable before this age. There is no strict upper age limit, but from their 40s onwards patients should consider whether laser eye surgery or lens-based options (such as PresbyMAX or Refractive Lens Exchange) will give better long-term results, given the onset of presbyopia and, later, cataracts.
The best place is one where the surgeon who consults you is the one who operates, the technology is current, and you have a full assessment before any commitment. Harley Street has the highest concentration of private eye surgery clinics in the UK, including Precision Vision London at 22A Harley Street.
Meet Our Surgeon
Dr. CT Pillai MD DO, FRCS (Edin), FRCOphth (UK)
Dr CT Pillai MD, DO, FRCS (Edin), FRCOphth (UK) (GMC: 3517198) — Founder and Medical Director. Over 30 years as a consultant eye surgeon with 50,000+ refractive procedures performed. One of the first surgeons in the United Kingdom to perform bilateral laser eye surgery. Fellowship-trained in cornea and refractive surgery. Dr Pillai performs every laser eye surgery procedure at Precision Vision London personally.
Pioneering bilateral laser eye surgery in the UK
A UK Pioneer in Same-Day Bilateral Laser Surgery
Dr CT Pillai was among the first consultant eye surgeons in the United Kingdom to perform bilateral laser eye surgery — treating both eyes on the same day. Same-day bilateral treatment is now the global standard, but when Dr Pillai first introduced it to UK practice, most clinics still treated eyes in separate visits spaced weeks apart.
The science behind it — reduced anisometropia, faster binocular recovery, and single-day downtime — is now well established. Dr Pillai has performed over 50,000 refractive procedures across his 30+ year career.
Clinical governance and regulation
Our surgeon performs procedures at 22A Harley Street — a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated clinic. Dr Pillai is fully registered with the UK General Medical Council and holds Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth). Precision Vision London is a registered data controller under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
If you have concerns about treatment, we ask that you speak with your surgeon first. You can also contact the General Medical Council, the Care Quality Commission, or — for data protection matters — the Information Commissioner’s Office. Our clinic’s formal complaints procedure is available on request.
Awards & Recognition
2025 & 2026
Doctify Patient Experience Award winner
1 Year
Care Guarantee on all laser eye surgery procedures
7 Insurers
Bupa, Cigna, Aviva, WPA, Allianz, Exeter, Simplyhealth
UK’s Largest
Independent optometrist aftercare network
Patient Reviews
Stories from Laser Eye Surgery Patients
Below are stories from patients who have undergone laser eye surgery at Precision Vision London — all verified through Doctify.
“From start to finish I can’t fault the service I have received. Before coming, I had consultations with both Optimax and Vision Express, and neither came close to the level of care and attention to detail. I put off having treatment for five years because I wasn’t happy with the way I was treated by the other companies. After my treatment at Precision Vision London I really couldn’t be happier. Best thing I’ve ever done.“
— Ian R · Laser Eye Surgery
“I decided to have treatment because I had been very short-sighted for years and I hated wearing thick glasses. My experience was very good. If they can get someone like me through it, they can help anyone. I can see when I wake up, I can swim, and I don’t have to worry about eye infections any more. The service was excellent and I don’t think it could be improved.”
— Tracy C · Laser Eye Surgery
“I had procrastinated about having laser eye surgery for many years, having been put off by friends and general opticians. I wish I had not taken any notice of them. I had quite a high prescription and have now already reached 20/20 vision through LASIK Wavefront. I would recommend anyone thinking about treatment to go ahead and improve their quality of life.”
— Lucy N · LASIK eye surgery
“The decision to have my eyes lasered was honestly one of the best decisions of my life. I was kept informed at every step of the way, and at no time was there any pressure to proceed. The procedure was quick and absolutely painless. It took only just over a day for my eyes to return to normal — except with their new 20/20 vision. I have honestly forgotten that I was ever short-sighted.”
— Helen L · Laser Eye Surgery
Precision Vision London was named in the Doctify Patient Experience Award 2026, recognising consistently high patient feedback across our treatments.
Laser eye surgery at our Harley Street eye clinic London
Precision Vision London is a surgeon-led private eye clinic at 22A Harley Street — London’s most established private medical district. We perform laser eye surgery, Refractive Lens Exchange, cataract surgery, and implantable contact lens (ICL) procedures.
Every stage of your treatment — consultation, laser surgery, post-operative review, and aftercare — is led by Dr Pillai personally.
Address: 22A Harley Street, London, W1G 9PB
Phone: 020 3884 6805
Email: info@precisionvisionlondon.com
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10am–5:30pm
