Can you get laser eye surgery for free on the NHS?

Today, more and more people are choosing to undergo laser eye surgery to correct vision problems. It is a quick and relatively painless procedure with dramatic results that eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for many people with common refractive problems. However, for many people, the possibility of spending large sums of money to correct their vision is quite daunting. After all, some patients have to spend up to £3,000 for laser treatments (see our laser eye surgery price guide here ). Which leads us to ask: can UK residents get laser eye surgery on the NHS at an affordable price or even for free?

Why laser eye surgery and lens surgery are done

You may have laser eye surgery or lens surgery to:

correct eyesight problems, such as astigmatism, short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness treat eye conditions that can lead to loss of vision, such as diabetic retinopathy, complications after cataract surgery, age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma There are several different types of laser eye surgery or lens surgery you might be offered. The type that's suitable for you will depend on factors such as your age and your eye health.

When you can get laser eye surgery and lens surgery on the NHS

Laser eye surgery and lens surgery are usually only available privately.

You may be able to get laser eye surgery on the NHS if you have:

an eye condition that could lead to loss of vision, including blindness problems with your sight that cannot be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses

Conditions for which laser eye surgery is provided free of charge on the NHS

People aged 18 or over who have severe vision impairments that could lead to blindness are suitable for free laser eye surgery on the NHS. One such condition is diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels cause leaky or blocked blood vessels in the retina. Damage to the retina, the part of the eye that is sensitive to light, can eventually lead to blindness. Laser eye surgery is offered to people to stop further damage to the retina.

Is laser eye surgery worth it?

For those with severely impaired vision, laser eye surgery can provide permanent results, making it not only worthwhile, but a necessity.

However, even people with more common conditions such as myopia and hyperopia may be tired of traditional vision correction methods such as glasses or contact lenses, and many may now consider laser eye surgery treatment.

Traditionally, laser eye surgery has been seen as an expensive way to correct vision. However, private laser eye surgery is now more affordable than ever, and laser eye surgery has proven to be more cost-effective than regularly replacing glasses and contact lenses.