Ultralase puts the focus on market share expansion

The Leeds-based company, which has operated on sporting stars such as Sir Steve Redgrave, Paul Collingwood, Sir Clive Woodward and Jonathan Edwards, said early indications for 2011 show signs of promise.

Ultralase, the first private company in the UK to offer laser eye surgery, said 99.1 per cent of patients treated in 2010 achieved driving standard vision or better, up from 98.2 per cent in 2009.

The group reported five per cent growth in revenues to £42.3m for the full year, up from £40.3m in 2009. It said that while economic conditions continue to be difficult, sales rose eight per cent at its core refractive business.

Ultralase chief executive Tony Veverka said: “Whilst market conditions remain challenging, our latest figures are a clear indication that the group continues to increase market share.

“Our performance year on year and in the context of our competitors remains strong and is testimony to our growth strategy and continued investment in our clinical team and advanced technology.”

The group celebrated its twentieth year in February and claims to be the UK’s longest established vision correction specialist.

“With 31 clinics in the UK and Ireland and a series of new clinic openings planned this year, we are well positioned to achieve further gains in market share within the industry,” said Mr Veverka.

Since its launch in 1991, Ultralase has completed over 225,000 treatments.

Private equity firm 3i paid £174m for Ultralase at the start of 2008, but last year wrote off the value of its investment as the economy turned for the worse. Ultralase went through a restructuring deal, with banks taking a majority stake in the business.