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.
- Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
- Prices
- Treatments
- The Verdict
- Surgeon Reviews
- 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 Overall | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments 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
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 Procedure | Price (per eye) | Finance Options (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| LASEK | From £595 | £49.50 (10 months on 0% APR, £100 deposit) |
| LASIK | From £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 surgery | From £1,995 | £48.89 (for 36 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Multifocal lens surgery | From £3,195 | £47.39 (for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Phakic IOL | From £3,395 | £47.39 (for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| YAG | From £595 | N/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
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:
- Best eye surgery in London
- Best eye surgery in Scotland
- Best eye surgery in Manchester
- Best eye surgery in Bristol
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:
- Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched with the leading eye clinic in your area
- 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)
- 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
Mr Mehul Damani
MBBS, MS, DOMS, DNB, FRCS
Mr Luca Antico
MD
Mr Manek Patel
MD, RCOph
Mr Dimitri Kazakos
MD, MRCOphth
Dr Mohammed Shabbar Kazmi
MBBS, FRCS(Opth)
Mr Jonathan Carr
MD MA(Cantab) FRCOphth
Doctor Jan Venter
MD
Mr Khalid Khan
MBBS FRCS FRCOphth
Mr Jacobus Pauw
MBChB MMedOphth FCSOphth
Mr Sanjay Mantry
FRCOphth FRCS FRCS
Mr Andre Oberholster
MBChb MMedOphth
Mr Stefan Klopper
MBChB FCS
Mr Waseem Aziz
MB ChB FRCS
Mr Alex George
FRCOphth, FRCS MS, DOMS, DNB
6. Optical Express Reviews
Laura
I had my surgery yesterday at Liverpool One. Mr Qazi was my surgeon. All the staff are top quality and treat you in a friendly and professional way. I was nervous on the day but my nerves were eased after my chat with Mr Qazi. The procedure was totally painless. You are given all the information required and extremely good aftercare information. The actual laser part of the treatment took 34 seconds per eye. Although I was in the clinic for 1 hour and 30 minutes. I was light sensitive for about 30 minutes afterwards and would not have been able to make my own way home. I have not yet experienced any pain at all. I actually went to a Hen Party last night - yes thats the same evening of the day I had the surgery on! The only problem here was I could not wear any eye make up and had to run off to the loos to put eye drops in a few times. My sight was blurred right after surgery so I went home and went asleep - after about 2 hours my sight was fine. I can now see as if I have my contacts in - but I haven't. I do have some bruising on the whites of the eye but I was warned about this so am not worried about this at all. I would recommend doing a tally chart next to each drop on the list so you remember which you have used and how many times. If you are considering laser eye surgery I would recommend you do lots of research and to shop around for the best technology and price. My boyfriend is going to get fed up with me because I keep telling him all the things I can now see! Thank you optical express for giving me my sight.
Brian Taylor
My right eye was done on Friday 7th August and the left eye done on Friday 14th August 2009. Both procedures were absolutely pain free and I have experienced no discomfort afterwards at all. My vision the morning after the second eye was done was 20/20 and is becoming more clear as the days go by. I can't praise enough all the staff at Optical Express in Edinburgh for the first class treatment I received with particular mention to Dr Mantry who performed the surgery and Donna marie who personally looked after me during my visits. I am amazed at how easy the whole experience was and delighted at my excellent vision without contact lenses or glasses. I only wished I'd known about this operation before now so I could have enjoyed the benefits even earlier.
Susan Jacques
Myself and my brother both had the above procedure done at Optical Express, Princes Street, Edinburgh by Dr Mantry on 7th and 14th August. The staff there were most helpful, friendly and reassuring. Donna-Marie looked after us on both days and couldn't do enough to put us at ease. Dr Mantry was a true gentleman and the surgery he performed was totally pain free. We were amazed at the results and wished like everyone we have spoken to that we had this done years ago.
Melanie Thompson
The staff made me totally at ease. The procedure and aftercare was described in detail. Throughout the procedure the surgeon described what was happening and I can honestly say the procedure was totally painless. In the 4 to 5 hours following surgery I did feel a little discomfort, however, I rested my eyes during this time and didn't even feel the need to take any painkillers. It is very true when people say why didn't I have this done years ago. Thank you
Virgi LeeTalens
I had the basic standard surgery, but I achieved the perfect vision I expected. My Surgeon was very good and just asked me to follow all his instructions and everything will be fine and it all happened. My vision is now even better compared when I had my contact lens. Thanks to technology and for having a good surgical team at Optical Express. More power to you...
MAUREEN
FROM MY FIRST INTERVIEW TO MY TREATMENT I WAS MADE VERY WELCOME AND AWARE OF EVERYTHING THAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. BOTH BRAEHEAD AND SILVERBURN HOSSPITALITY IS GREAT AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Mary Padgett
I first thought about laser eye surgery many years ago when it was first advertised and have thought about it since many times but was too afraid and sceptical about it. Having plucked up the courage to take it to the next stage I was completely put at ease and my fears and anxieties allayed. Everyone I met at Optical Express were friendly, patient and made me feel completely happy to go ahead. The mild discomfort I felt after surgery was small price to pay for what I would call a minor miracle in having my sight restored to almost perfect after 35 years of wearing contact lens and specs. Thank you to all the staff at Optical Express, Metro Centre.
Mary Padgett
I first thought about laser eye surgery many years ago when it was first advertised and have thought about it since many times but was too afraid and sceptical about it. Having plucked up the courage to take it to the next stage I was completely put at ease and my fears and anxieties allayed. Everyone I met at Optical Express were friendly, patient and made me feel completely happy to go ahead. The mild discomfort I felt after surgery was small price to pay for what I would call a minor miracle in having my sight restored to almost perfect after 35 years of wearing contact lens and specs. Thank you to all the staff at Optical Express, Metro Centre.
Neal Carey
I had my consultation done at doncaster branch and the staff there were really good at explaining everything. Sam the optician and Leah and Sue the counsellors were all fantastic.My surgery was at the surgery centre in Meadowhall/Sheffield and i had my wavefront assessment there on the day of surgery. I admit being quite nervous on the day but i was reassured by the surgery team and relaxed enough for the surgery. The surgery itself was so quick and every point of the way was explained to me as we went along so i knew exactly what was happening. My eyes felt very dry and gritty straight after but when i went home i was advised to have a few hours sleep.When i woke up it was very clear and the gritty feeling had gone. The next day i had a little light sensitivity but this was in no way bad and some sunglasses stopped the problem.the drops they give you work to soothing the eyes too. When the optician checked my vision i could see 2 lines better than fully corrected which is better than i had with contact lenses and as good as glasses( but no glasses..I'm still amazed) All in all i can't recommend having it done enough.
Micheal Ward
My vision post-op has been perfect, or as perfect as my vision would allow. This is the best experience of my life and I only wish I had the procedure done years ago!!! Thank you so much everyone at optical express!!
