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
Margaret Gall
First class service and brilliant follow up care. Friendly staff who know what they are talking about
Samantha Hattle
The optical express staff in dundee were very professional and look after you very well. a little 'hard sell' but they took very good care of me and the other patients who had the procedure on the same day. nothing can prepare you for how uncomfortable the surgery is and how strange it feels (i couldnt stop shaking) but it is over before you know it and is not painful in any way! i was in the clinic for 2 hours but the procedure took half an hour maximum including a talk about aftercare. the staff explained what would happen every step of the way and really put me at ease. i had wavefront intralase in both eyes done two days ago, my vision is still a bit blurry but i had a high perscription (-7) beforehand. an hour or so after your surgery expect to feel uncomfortable, like a contact lense is stuck in your eye, and very light sensitive. it helps if you go straight home to a dark room and rest your eyes, sleep if you can but you will feel so much better after a rest. make sure you follow your aftercare regime religiously and go to the next day appointment. i found out i had bad bruising in my left eye as it bled a little during the surgery but all i had to do was increase my drops to one every hour and it feels better now.
Michelle Cole
antastic service - very well looked after all the way through my treatment. I had my first surgery in Jan '09 - I had been -7.5 in both eyes. At first I though the surgery had worked perfectly but after a month I noticed my vision was not perfect especially at night. At my monthly check-up I found that I was back to -1 in each eye! I was very disappointed but assured by my optician that when my prescription was stable I would be able to have an enhancement. In Sept '09 I had my enhancement and have recently passed my 3 month check-up with 20:20 vision - Brilliant! I was first treated at Cribbs Causeway and the retreatment was at Cabot's Circus - both great, no complaints. My check-ups have been at Torquay and Plymouth - again no complaints! Honestly recommend - especially my lovely surgeon Mr. Dimitri Kazakos.
M Calcutt
I had the treatment two days ago at the Trafford Centre in Manchester and now I can see perfectly! Many thanks to Andre the surgeon and all the staff there. The staff were very friendly and reassured me as I was looking quite nervous beforehand! No pain/eye dryness involved during the procedure, I was kept well informed during the procedure (like what I would see e.g. "it'll go a bit dark now" ... not all the actual details, that might have freaked me out a bit!) I had to change my 24 hour check up appointment to the Bolton branch because of the snow, this was easy to do and the Bolton staff were just as friendly and helpful. Overall I'd recommend Optical Express to anyone.
Sarah Baker
The procedure itself was pretty scary I thought, but I had worked myself up a bit. The staff at Southampton branch were all brilliant, very professional. The 15 mins after the procedure were fine, the 1/2 hour journey home was fine (sunglasses, eyes closed), but the following 6 hours were horrible. Any light at all was excruciating and even lights off, curtains closed, sunglasses on and eyes closed didn't help. Advice I'd read to sleep it off was impossible, I didn't know what to do with myself. My mouth was incredibly dry (due to the anaesthetic drops maybe?) so I was constantly drinking water for the 6 hours and the numerous trips upstairs to the bathroom on hands and knees with eyes closed were at least a distraction from feeling so awful. The frequent eye drops during the first day were problematic due to my eyes streaming and wanting to clamp shut as soon as they opened. If I'd been given the option a couple of hours in to take the pain away and not have had it done I would have grabbed it with both hands. BUT.......... 6 months on I'm so incredibly pleased to have had it done I wish I'd gone for it years ago. My vision was better than 20/20 after a week and it's amazing to not have to bother with glasses/contacts after 35 years and I'd recommend it to anyone, but just be aware it might not be quite so pain free as it appears to be for most people.
Mark Brown
I had my procedure on 12/1/2010 at Optical Express Bristol Cribbs Causeway and my surgeon was Tom Materman. All I can say is 'amazing' my vision is verygood after one day and and my perscription was -8.75. The procedure was not painfull at all, the worst bit was worrying about it and i should n't have. I did have very watery eyes for about 1 hour after but that was all, (it felt like i had peeled an onion). I have struggled for years with my glasses and contact lenses, i feel a different person already. I thorougherly recommend Optical Express.
Mark Brown
I had my treatment at Cribbs Causeway on 12/01/2010 and my surgeon was Mr Tom Materman. The procedure itself was painless, it was uncomfortable for a couple of hours after - streaming eyes. I kept my eyes closed all the way home and was very light sensitive. The best way to describe it is it felt like I had just peeled a very strong onion. The next day my vision was excellent. The only discomfort I have had since the procedure has been dry eyes at night. The hardest part of this procedure has been trying to get my head around the whole thing, after all these years of struggling with contacts and glasses (prescription -8.75), spending less than an hour in Optical Express all of that has been taken away. I would recommend Optical Express to anyone and the staff in both Bristol Cribbs and Torquay couldn't have been more help.
Chris Langmaid
Fantastic results, the surgeon Tom Mateman was really good and explained every thing. My eye sight is now above the 20/20 bench mark and was within 18 hours of having it done. My eyes were only uncomfortable on the day and after that the discomfort really was minimal I would recommend this to every one!
Lisa press
I went to cribbs causeway Bristol to have my surgery,i had the basic lasik treatment,Tom Materman was my surgeon.Every one was helpful and friendly.I knew what to expect and what not to expect.My surgery went very well,more than pleased with the results,and well worth the trip up from Redruth Cornwall,although travelling back home with very light sensitive eyes took forever!Oh,you get very sexy goggles to wear to bed for a week too.
Lisa press
I went to cribbs causeway Bristol to have my surgery,i had the basic lasik treatment,Tom Materman was my surgeon.Every one was helpful and friendly.I knew what to expect and what not to expect.My surgery went very well,more than pleased with the results,and well worth the trip up from Redruth Cornwall,although travelling back home with very light sensitive eyes took forever!Oh,you get very sexy goggles to wear to bed for a week too.
