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Optical Express

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1806 Reviews

Optical Express were simply brilliant. Everything from the warm welcome of the counselling staff (shreeya Mistry), consultation with Pretti Khakhar to the treatment with the surgeon was seamless. Throughout the process I felt tota ...Read more

Optical Express has grown to become one of Europe’s leading providers of laser eye surgery. It operates over 200 clinics, of which 100 are specifically designated laser consultation clinics and 54 are laser treatment clinics.

With locations throughout the UK, Holland, Germany, Ireland, France and Croatia, Optical Express has carried out over one million laser eye surgery procedures worldwide. What’s more, over 99% of patients would recommend Optical Express to their friends and family.

Pros: Value for money, caring surgeons, 128 UK clinics, latest technology, dedicated aftercare

Cons: No fixed prices (talk to them for a quote)

Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote.

  1. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
  2. Prices
  3. Treatments
  4. The Verdict
  5. Surgeon Reviews
  6. 1,806 Patient Reviews

1. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review

I’m very happy with my laser treatment. There’s nothing to worry about – there’s no pain, and I would recommend it to anybody. The aftercare at Optical Express is also very good. I just wish i had done it years ago. – Philip Lavelle

Optical Express uses world leading technology, and their laser platform – the VISX S4IR – delivers safe, accurate and precise results. Fun fact: Optical Express is the only vision correction provider to invest in the iFS150 intraLASE in each of its clinics – the same technology that led to NASA backing laser eye surgery for astronauts in 2007.

Over 99% of Optical Express patients achieved 20/20 vision or better following treatment, according to a study carried out in June 2017.

With over 25 years’ experience in eye care, Optical Express boasts excellent surgical outcomes, and has invested £400 million in technology to offer advanced methods for vision correction.

Optical Express has 128 clinics in the UK alone – far more than any other eye surgery provider. Its locations include London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dublin, with many more situated in all corners of the country.

Here is how nearly 2,000 real customers rate Optical Express for its clinic, cost, treatments and surgeons:

Optical Express Rating OverallClinic RatingCost RatingSurgeon RatingTreatments Rating

(4.6 out of 5)

(4.5 out of 5)

(4.8 out of 5)

(4.5 out of 5)

(4.7 out of 5)

CQC Rating: Good

  • Treating people with respect and involving them in their care
  • Providing care, treatment and support that meets people’s needs
  • Caring for people’s safely and protecting them from harm
  • Staffing
  • Quality and suitability of management

2. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Cost

optical express laser eye surgery prices

True, it was an expensive operation, but I spent £500 a year on contact lenses and optician appointments – I see it as an investment! – Dave Reyner

(4.8 out of 5)

Laser eye surgery at Optical Express costs from just £595, or from £1,995 for lens replacement surgery. Of course, these prices depend on the treatment you choose, as well as your prescription, so you’ll want to pop in for a free consultation to get a tailored quote.

Optical Express is one of the cheapest laser eye surgery clinics in the UK. Its prices are well below average, compared to over 70 leading eye clinics and hospitals nationwide.

There are also a range of pay monthly finance options, so you can benefit from eye surgery for less than £50 a month – and it’s 0% finance for 10 month contracts.

Are there any hidden costs? No, the consultation is free, and you even get free eye tests worth £800. The only downside is not having fixed prices like at Optegra and Optimax, but at least the costs are lower at the end of the day.

Here are the prices of some of Optical Express’ popular lens and laser surgery options:

Eye Surgery ProcedurePrice (per eye)Finance Options (per month)
LASEKFrom £595£49.50
(10 months on 0% APR, £100 deposit)
LASIKFrom £1,195£42.02
(for 18 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
LASEK (with iDesign)From £1,495£41.69
(for 24 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
LASIK (with iDesign)From £1,495£46.35
(for 24 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
Monofocal lens surgeryFrom £1,995£48.89
(for 36 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
Multifocal lens surgeryFrom £3,195£47.39
(for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
Phakic IOLFrom £3,395£47.39
(for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
YAGFrom £595N/A

Want a tailored quote? The only way to compare exact quotes is to see an eye expert for a check-up. These can cost up to £250, but with our simple tool, you can find out how much laser or lens surgery will cost you at Optical Express for free.

3. Laser Eye Surgery Treatments

Fantastic! I am so pleased I has the treatment – playing sports is so much easier!  All the staff were very helpful, reassuring, and happy answering my questions. I’ll definitely be recommending Optical Express to everyone, their service is excellent! – Stephanie Yeadon

(4.7 out of 5)

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a simple procedure that can correct your vision in a matter of minutes. Optical Express offers the most popular types: LASIK and LASEK (if you are not suitable for the surgical LASIK).

In both treatments, a cool beam advanced laser reshapes the cornea (the surface of your eye). Optical Express uses a technology called iDesign, which is based on Wavefront technology and takes thousands of eye measurements to produce the best results.

Lens Replacement

Optical Express has 20 years’ experience in lens replacement surgery. This surgery is a popular treatment for people with long distance vision, short distance vision, and even cataracts.

An eye consultant can help you decide which surgery best suits your needs:

  • Refractive lens exchange (RLE) – This surgery replaces the natural lens with a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
  • Phakic IOL – This type of IOL is an alternative to laser eye surgery for patients with strong prescriptions.
  • YAG laser treatment – YAG laser capsulotomy is a non-invasive procedure used to treat refractive former lens exchange patients whose vision starts to fade over the years.

Cataract Surgery

Optical Express performs the highest number of cataract surgeries – after the NHS, according to its website.

Cataracts are small, blurry patches on your eyes, giving you cloudy vision. Cataract surgery involves removing your damaged lens, and replacing it with a premium synthetic one for sharper near and distance vision.

Aftercare

Optical Express custom-fits its aftercare plan to every patient. This plan includes any medication that will aid the healing process, optometrist-led follow-up appointments, and an out-of-hours medical helpline.

Patients receive 12 months’ continued care as standard, and Optical Express recommends annual examinations to maintain your eye health.

Safety Record

All surgical procedures carry a degree of risk. However, laser eye surgery has an impressive success rate, and is the most popular elective surgery in the world.

99.2% of patients achieved at least 20|20 vision following surgery at Optical Express, based on a study of 190,231 Optical Express patients with the most common prescriptions. That’s why this eye clinic promises 20|20 vision or your money back.

Just be aware that the risks increase the more complicated the surgery. Optical Express will provide a screening service to check whether you are suitable for surgical treatment.

4. The Verdict

laser eye surgery review verdict

I can highly recommend Optical Express. They are very professional, and the procedure was pain free. The best thing now is I can see very well without glasses – and it was only done 3 weeks ago. – Elaine Gibson

(4.6 out of 5)

Optical Express is the best voted place for laser and lens replacement surgery, based on nearly 9,000 independent reviews on Lasik Eyes since 2002. With hard-to-beat prices, leading technology, and fully qualified surgeons, this clinic tops the list of best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK, as well as taking the crown for:

But is it right for you? The only way to find out is to see if you’re eligible for 20/20 vision or your money back, and to get a tailored quote. That’s why we make it easy to pop in for a free consultation, have free eye tests (worth £800), and talk through your options with an eye expert.

Next steps: Our simple tool helps thousands of readers a day get one step closer to 20/20 sight:

  1. Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched with the leading eye clinic in your area
  2. Check you’re eligible in minutes: Receive a quick call to check you can get surgery (we don’t share your number with anyone else)
  3. Book a free consultation: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust for a free eye test (worth £800) and personalised quote (with no obligation)

Click here to find the best clinic near you, and receive a tailored quote.

5. Optical Express Surgeons

6. Optical Express Reviews

RatingDate

04 Oct 2006

I had Lasek Wavefront treatment at Southampton (West Quay) Optical Express on 14th August 2006 to correct my short sightedness, the treatment came to just under £2000. I wasn't suitable for Lasik surgery because my cornea tissue was too thin, I was told at the initial Consultation recovery for Lasek was slightly more painful and lasted longer but I still went ahead regardless. The surgery was painless & only lasted 15 minutes, I had some pain that evening & further discomfort for three days until the bandage lenses were removed but I would definitely recommend the surgery to anyone as my eyesight is now fantastic & I have better than 20/20 vision in both eyes – no more contacts  Everything has been brilliant from the initial Consultation to today & I only have positive things to say about the staff & the surgeon at Optical Express, It's been a fantastic experience and I would recommend it to anyone 

04 Oct 2006

Well worth doing, it has made a huge difference. Reccommed it!

04 Oct 2006

Had Lasik with Wavefront in Glasgow on 25 August. Anticipation is far worse than the actual surgery. Was put at ease in Glasgow by the Laser Clinic staff straight away. Was told that to correct my long vision I would need reading glasses, which I accepted, however, six weeks on and my short (working) distance is still causing problems (images not clear and words with ghostly outlines). Told at check up still had dry patches on eyes and should get better. Has anyone had any similar symptoms and if so, what was the outcome.

29 Sep 2006

The surgery itself was fine, very quick and relatively painless. The clamping was the only really uncomfortable part. After surgey, eyes were very uncomfortable, gritty and light sensitive. Went straight to bed and woke up in the morning 100% better. No regrets about getting it done, would definately do it again if i had to. Wish i had it done earlier!

29 Sep 2006
No Rating

Had op a week ago, absolutely no problems, home within four hours, was able to see really well. The only problem has been dry eyes at night- this was solved by purchasing some liquid tears from the pharmacist. Cant believe i didnt do this sooner, its fantastic-Bournemouth

27 Sep 2006

Very good service, staff are very considerate and knowledgeable. Surgery lasted a matter of minutes and was completely pain free. put up with the irritation after the aenesthetic wears off for a few hours and sleep as it is like a new lease of life when you wake up. Pain free after this initial stage and recommended to everyone.

27 Sep 2006

I had Lasek Wavefront treatment at Southampton (West Quay) Optical Express on 14th August 2006 to correct my short sightedness, the treatment came to just under £2000. I wasn't suitable for Lasik surgery because my cornea tissue was too thin, I was told at the initial Consultation recovery for Lasek was slightly more painful and lasted longer but I still went ahead regardless. The surgery was painless & only lasted 15 minutes, I had some pain that evening & further discomfort for three days until the bandage lenses were removed but I would definitely recommend the surgery to anyone as my eyesight is now fantastic & I have better than 20/20 vision in both eyes – no more contacts  Everything has been brilliant from the initial Consultation to today & I only have positive things to say about the staff & the surgeon at Optical Express, It's been a fantastic experience and I would recommend it to anyone 

26 Sep 2006

Wow. I had my survey at the Bluewater store in March 2006. I sometimes still go to push my glasses up my nose but other than that I do not miss them at all. The services provided at the store were very fast and effective. I do however feel that the customer service provided there could have been a little better. A small price to pay for 20/20 vision in both eyes. The surgery itself was very fast. I was very nervous to say the least, after all you are putting your eyesight into the hands of a machine and a human. Please do not let this put you off. It was all very bizarre, the eye patches, the clamp to hold your eye open, the cutting process, the flashing red light and then the noise and horible taste of the antibiotics. After the 15/20 minutes surgery sitting in the dark room with my eyes closed I saw a ring of light which scared me but this only lasted a couple of minutes. The grittiness annoyed me for a bit but a long sleep does the trick. You find yourself doing odd things to make sure that you don't touch your eyes and you also find your friends and family calling you names as a result of the goggles you have to wear when sleeping. All meaningless now and I so very much wish that I had had it done years ago.

21 Sep 2006

The best decision I ever nade. The difference is amazing. I would reccommend it to anyone considering it. There is nothing to worry about, it was painless and was over in less than 5 mins. Straight after the sdurgery I could see almost as clear as I could with my contacts, the only difference was my vision was slightly misty, which cleared up after a couple of hours... Its the simple things you notice, like being able to pluck your eyesbrows and actually be able to see the hair. The surgery was with out adoubt the best money I have ever spent. All the staff were so friendlyand helpfull, they really put me at ease.

21 Sep 2006

Exellent service unbeleivable speed and results


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