High street laser surgery 'unsatisfactory'

Unsatisfactory. That's the Which? verdict on high street clinics selling laser eye surgery.

Which? undercover investigators say: 'Some high street clinics are giving unsatisfactory advice about the risks of laser eye surgery, and pressuring customers into treatment options that cost hundreds of pounds more than the advertised price.'

More than half the clinics visited by Which? researchers gave unsatisfactory advice, and none of the consultations were rated as 'good' by Which?'s panel of laser eye experts. Clinics played down the level and possible duration of risks and complications, which can include permanently poor night vision or some loss of sight in extreme cases.

Even if you have laser eye surgery, you will probably need glasses when you are older. Almost half of Which?'s researchers weren't told this. Existing eye problems weren't take into account in half the cases.

Moreover, advertised prices were often fiction. Optimax and Optical Express both advertise surgery from £790 for both eyes, but the lowest price offered to Which? was £1,090.  One Optical Express worker said: "We keep the lower prices for advertising, really”. 

Premium treatments were heavily promoted and discounts of up to £200 were offered for reasons including quick booking, including one case where a 19 year-old was repeatedly asked to contact her parents to get a deposit.

Martyn Hocking, Editor, Which? magazine, says: 'Laser eye surgery can be an attractive option for people who want to be free from glasses or lenses, and in most cases it gives good results with few side effects. But people need to be aware of the potentially serious and long-term risks, so that they have realistic expectations and commit to the procedure with their eyes open.

'Clinics must give accurate information and ensure customers are fully aware of the risks, the benefits and the likely price tag.'