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
Claire Crossley
I had Lasik eye laser treatment in May 2006. I was nervous when I arrived at the Optical Express clinic at Barlow House in Manchester but was soon put at ease by the staff who were so reassuring and caring, in particular the Manager, Jenny. The surgery didn't hurt one bit, the best way I can describe it was "uncomfortable". I would recommend anybody to take a good pair of dark sunglasses with you as I was very light sensitive when I left the clinic. I went home to bed afterwards and woke up a couple of hours later and I COULD SEE!!! It is definatley the best money I have spend and wished I had had the procedure done sooner. The aftercare is wonderful too, but not half as wonderful as Mr Aziz the surgeon who gave me have 20-20 vision now! I would definately recommend this to anybody and most certainly advise you to go the Optical Express clinic, Barlow House, Minshull St, Mancester.
Jason Price
Only slight pain after the IK operation, but within 5 hours I could start to see the benefits. I feel like I could count the blades of grass in the garden my eyesight is so good! Better vision that with my glasses. Highly recommended!
Susan Ross
I am delighted with the vision I now have and happy that I do not have to wear glasses. Surgery went well and was over so quick. Worst thing I found was having to wear the 'night goggles' - My eyes were protected and they were just fine, however my nose and ears were not so good! Main thing is eyes were fine. Everyone at Optical Express were pleasant and helpful.
KELVIN MCLEAN
Alot easier and painlessn than the dentist!!Only very slight discomfort after but the results were amazing. Was very relaxed throughout the whole procedure with the Belfast team being very reassuring and talking to me throughout. Money very well spent and would recommend it to anyone.
rehan
Hi, great to hear so many positive comments and I hope in a few weeks I can give some too. I had asitgmatism in both eyes -2.50 and +2.75 and paid £1090 for both eyes in Leeds. Had surgery a week a go and its probably still early days but long distance and some short distance is pretty poor, i've been passed for driving but don't feel that i am safe behind the wheel as vision is nowhere near as good as with glasses...hope i don't need retreament but i've got this feeling that no matter how many artificial tears they give you it ain't gonna get better...I also want to warn you about surgeons upselling to the wavefront treatment just before going into surgery when you are most vulnerable, i was left hanging by my surgeon thinking he wa going to cancel it if i did not take wavefront when they should have explained it way before the day of surgery that it would have been best for me...i chose not too take it and from what i hear it does not make things better for the patient its just a bit easier for the surgeons...i found that it did hurt not for long but a real stinging is felt and its a real lip biter...its great to be wearing shades and not wear glasses but its getting a bit annoying day after day with blurred vision...Fingers still crossed!
Michelle
Had surgery at Glasgow on the 14th July at the Glasgow branch of optical express (eye clinic?) wiht suzanne boytha. 10 days later I have better than 20/20 vision and all is well. Loving not having glasses!! Right! the place is a bit of a conveyor belt and you won't feel special! However the critical part for me is that the surgery was professional and clean and the surgeon obviously knows her stuff.
Nicola Hawthorne
Treated at Bristol Wow! A month on and it still seems like a miracle. I can't stop reading posters etc in the distance and having car reg reading competitions! Still go to take my glasses off at night. I have suffered from dry eye and it can be a little uncomfortable at times but it's worth it. Nothing a good pair of sunnies can't help with. Never been so happy with parting with so much money! The staff have been great and I hope many more people will get the thrill and the buzz I've got. Looking forward to getting married now with no glasses on.
Claire Robotham
(Prescription -2.5 and -2.75)I opted for LASEK surgery as I have hayfever and thought that having a permanent flap might be an issue with rubbing my eyes. I was absolutely terrified before the surgery - I am a wimp - dentists terrify me so I expected it to be like that. When I went in to the laser suite the whole team were brilliant and put me at my ease. I sat in the chair and they talked to me throughout the whole procedure so there were no shocks. I was amazed when after what felt like a few seconds of gentle stroking across my eye followed by the click (and slight smell) of the laser they told me the first eye was done! That made the second eye all the easier and before I knew it, it was all over (about 35 minutes from start to finish). I know some people have experienced some pain or discomfort but I had the most amazing pain free experience. Afterwards I stood in reception booking my 48 hour follow up appointment and could read posters on the walls. I also had a very easy recovery. I worked religiously with the drops provided but didn't need the pain killers. I had some grittiness and itching but after about a week I was pain free - I think even the optometrist was surprised at how easy I had it. I would highly recommend optical express. (I went to Milton Keynes). The staff were friendly, helpful, supportive and informative. My only slight criticism would be they didn't seem to be able to stick to appointment times so there was a lot of waiting (take a book :-) Otherwise I was absolutely thrilled and still am.....oh and my vision is far better than 20/20
T.Garczynski
Had Lasik in Leeds clinic on 10th July. Still blurred in left eye which they say should clear on its own. Like others here i was terrified and the waiting room on the day of surgery was packed as the surgeon was an hour and a half late. Felt a bit rushed and the clip that holds eye open was agony for me. Aftercare is great. Night vision still poor as yet due to blurring. Still reach up to take glasses off at night when i go to bed though! Remember though everyone heals differently. I had -4.75 and -5 something with bad astigmatism in left eye. No £395 per eye for me! Nearer £1600. If blurring goes it will be worth it after 35 years of glass wearing.
Colin Holland
Having spent years buying glasses and contacts I decided to accept that long term surgery would be a cheaper option. Having 2 members of my family already having the lasik surgery I have to say I was not nervous in any way and once the surgery was complete I was justified. The hardest part of the surgery was the clip that keeps your eyes open. Within 3 days my vision was starting to improve and now 5 weeks later my vision is better than 20/20. I found the staff in both Leeds and particularly Manchester (cross street) very helpful and caring. I have now persuaded my sister to have the surgery and would encourage anyone thinking of having laser treatment to take the plunge.
