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
Julie Williams
I had Lasik eye surgery on 31.05.06. I had been talking myslef into having done for at least 2 years as I have a morbid fear of anything happening with my eyes (I wouldn't even wear contact lenses). I had wore glasses for 23 years and thought that I would have the consultation as the only thing it was costing me was my time. I went to the Newcastle branch and was extremely happy with the professional & friendly manner which I was treated. I was told that I was a perfect candidate for Lasik and that it would cost £1,600 for both eyes. I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. I was in no longer than 35 minutes for the operation and they done both eyes in the one session. I can say with hand on heart that I felt no pain whatsoever, however I didn't like having my eyes clamped open (but that is a personal fear that I have). The staff could see I was nervous and I asked if I could hold someones hand! Another nurse/assistant called Richard came and held my hand and talked to me all through the procedure. I have just been for my monthly check up and my eyes have healed well and my eye sight is now better than 20/20. I can say with hand on heart that it is the best money I have ever spent in my life and would recommend the procedure and the clinic to anybody thinking of having this done. I can't thank Optical Express enough for giving me my eyesight back THANK YOU :-)
james everett
Surgery went well. Made such a difference to daily life. The staff in Belfast have been great, pre and post op.
jane Ellis
Surgery - Nottingham on 03/07/2006 Fabulous- I feel ten years younger!!!! Better than 20/20 vision. Don't hesitate do it now! Thanks to everyone at Optical Express in Nottingham
Lorraine Kellow
I was a little nervous about surgery, but it was absolutely PAINLESS and very quick. The staff at both Glasgow and Inverness were very friendly and understanding. I'll definitely be recommending it to all my friends.
Andrew Wrend
I had a consultation in Reading branch and was told that corrective surgery would not be possible R= +5.50 -3.00 L= +6.50 -4.00 A bit dissapointed but didn't give up. Contacted Advance Vision Eye care (you can follow a link on this sites home page) and was told that they would happily carry out the procedure and couldnt understand optical express's decision. Reading their reviews (5 out of 5!) I have decided to go with them and am booked in next week. With regards to price Op Exp said that if they couldve done the op it would have been £1400 per eye! Advance Eye care have 2 set prices so you know what youre paying and what youre getting. Im not here to slate Op Exp as they have obviously helped lots of people i am just passing on advice if you, like me recieve bad news from your consultation. P.S Staff at Reading where very friendly and didnt try any hard sell for any other product.
Samantha Bennett
I had my wavefront lasik surgery on the 22nd June 06 at the new Nottingham clinic. My first consultation was excellent, all info given and all questions answered. Given date for op as 21st June. Arrived for appointment and due to a wavefront machine malfunction was sent sent home until the next day. Now although this wasn't a huge problem it did mean extra days off work for me and my hubby and even more parking fees not to mention the anxiety and nerves!!!! But at least they were ensuring quality with there machines. The bit that did bother me was the noticeable lack of confidence in the staff when trying to overcome the problem and advise the patients of what was happening. All that aside my vision is apparently better than 20/20 although I have advised them that although one day it is pretty good other days are pretty blurry!!! Apparently this is due to dry eyes and should improve over the next few weeks. The procedure itself was a doddle would not worry if I had to go through that bit again and yes it was like a bad poke in the eyes for 2 hours after which you are advised to try and sleep through, 2 paracetamol and I was out having a meal some 5 hours afterwards. Bearing all this in mind I am happy so far with the results and hope to be thrilled with even more improvements over the next few weeks. Oh and by the way the surgeon Stefan was great no probs there. (I think thats the important bit) I am sure the staff at Notts will be alot more confident when the clinic has been running a few more months. Will post an update to advise if the dry eyes get better in a few weeks or so. (Just in case anybody needs any reassurance)
kinga zareba
I had surgery at Nottingham Listergate clinic. I would recommend it to everyone!just after one day i see clearly with no pain at all! i am SO HAPPY :) Great job.Thanks alot!
Mike Nettleton
Consultation@Eastcheap Surgery @ Shaftesbury Avenue. Vision now is absolutely fine; better than with glasses or contact lenses and absolutely no problems. The only downside was that for 2-3 hours after the Op really had soreness, but fine the next day. Very professional and helpful staff at Eastcheap and at Shaftesbury Avenue.
Rick Daniells
Consultation @ Eastcheap Treatment @ Shaftesbury Avenue After watching England crash out of the World Cup, I wished I hadn't had it done. Seriously though, it is well worth it. No more searching for the glasses in the morning. The surgery was painless, though a little scary, but after five or six hours (lasik) my eyes started to get better and better. Now after 5 weeks I can se perfect. Nice One , Cheers !
Helen Long
I opted to have wavefront lasik surgery on the 13th June at Newcastle. My prescription before was -3.50 (L) and -3.00 (R). It was one of the best decisions I ever made. The procedure was so quick and my surgeon Suzanna Boytha and all the staff really put me at ease. I went home and went to bed after the procedure and by the next day was fine and was able to drive. I then went back to work the following day. My eyes are still dry but I think that is because I work on a computer a lot. I just went yesterday for my one month check up and the optician said my eyes are fantastic. I still can't get used to the fact that I dont have to wear glasses or contacts anymore. I really would recommend anyone thinking of getting this procedure done to go ahead with it.
