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
shaney
HAD SURGERY WITH THE MILTON KEYNES BRANCH ON THE 23RD MARCH AND WHAT CAN I SAY?! IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY PERFECTLY BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!! THREE MONTHS ON I HAVE NO PRESCRIPTION LEFT IN EITHER ONE OF MY EYES I CAN SEE TWO LINES BETTER THAN DRIVING STANDARDS AND MY VISION IS CRISP AND CLEAR JUST LIKE THEY SAID IT WOULD BE!!!! IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT HAVING IT DONE THEN DO IT NOW!!!!!! IT REALLY IS THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE!!!! WOULD GET ON TO THE HIGHEST BUILDING AND SHOUT ABOUT IT IF I COULD THATS HOW GREAT IT IS!!!! THE STAFF ARE EXCELLANT ESPECIALLY THE LASER COUNSELLORS. THEY ARE FULL OF GREAT ADVISE AND ARE ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM! DR JAIN THE SURGEON IS LIKE GOD TO ME IF IT WASNT FOR HIM AND THE WAVEFRONT TECHNOLOGY I WOULDNT HAVE PERFECT VISION NOW! WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE STAFF AT MILTON KEYNES ESPICIALLY DASI RAJU AND REKHA GORE THE LASER OPTOMETRISTS AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST DOT AND SHAHEEN THE LASER COUNSELLORS FOR ALL THE HELP AND SUPPORT OVER THE LAST 4 MONTHS. I HAVE RECOMMENDED OPTICAL EXPRESS TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO!
William Gallagher
I HAD LASIK TREATMENT ON 26/06/06 AT THE BIRMINGHAM STORE.NOT EVEN 24 HOURS AM IM DELIGHTED WITH THE RESULTS.I WISH I HAD IT DONE EARLIER.FREEDOM FROM GLASSES WHICH ID WORN FOR 8 YEARS AND KNOW I WONT HAVE THE COST FOR BUYING DESIGNER FRAMES EVERY 2 YEARS-MONEY WELL SPENT.I CERTAINLY WOULD RECOMMEND ANYBODY CONSIDERING IT TO COME ALONG TO OPTICAL EXPRESS.THE STANDARD OF ALL THE STAFF HAS BEEN EXCELLENT.
Hannah Harper
I was very nervous before the surgery. Everybody was very friendly and helpful. The surgery itself was not too bad pleasant. Not painful but uncomfortable. Could not keep my eyes open after and felt very tired, emotionally. No problems after the surgery and I can see so well now! ( better than 20/20). So glad I did it . I now enjoy wearing sunglasses and seeing everything so well. I only wish I had it done earlier. I had wavefront/lasik at Shaftesbury, and consultation at Eastcheap.
Rob Marshall
More than happy with the results since the op. Little nervous before I went in , but in and out in 10 mins and my eyes were perfect. Has made a huge difference in my everyday life, and without the hassle of contacs and glasses.
Helen Butler
Newcastle, Staff need BIG recognition as I was quite apprehensive and they took the time to go through everything with me, making sure I understood and was happy to proceed! On the day it all went smoothly, slight discomfort but no pain during procedure, afterwards watery eyes and light sensitivity for couple of hours but only 3 hours later perfect vision! What more can I say!!! Follow-up visits excellent, no fuss, as I had to travel across country to my appointments they made them later in the day! and definitely worth the money. A friend had the same Wavefront treatment elsewhere last week and paid almost double! silly boy!!!!
Joanne
Sorry to put a dent in all the positives but I'm not impressed with the results (to date - one month after wavefront lasik). I was in agony for 4-5 hours after the op, like someone was rubbing soap in my eyes. The results (so far): my right eye is at least 20/20 but my left is not that good. Together they're 20/20 but fuzzy and unpredictable in my opinion. I've had 4 weeks off work due to not being able to see writing or use a pc for more than a few minutes without getting double vision (although it is improving now). My fluctuating quality of vision has made driving a bit of a 'hairy' experience, and I have uncomfortably reduced vision in poor light conditions (e.g. going inside the house/shops/offices or at dusk). The staff at OE have been supportive and friendly and I understand everybody's healing process is different. In fairness, my sight is improving slowly but surely and I'm confident of a positive outcome, which may include an enhancement on the left eye. I'm not that worried about it. I'm glad for those people who've had positive, wow results. I really believed I would be one of them and had no nerves before, during or after the op. However, not having the sight I was expecting and the recovery taking longer than I expected is wearing on my nerves and I sometimes wish I'd stuck with my glasses. 20/20 vision is nice but hindsight is a wonderful thing...
Claire Rowe
Consultation at Stockton Treatment at Newcastle I had Lasik surgery on Monday and was in and out in 45 minutes (go for an early appt). No pain at all during treatment just pressure and afterwards hard to keep eyes open and felt gritty. I went to sleep for 2 hours and woke up fine. The next morning my vision was great, just a little dry in my left eye but I am very happy at this early stage and would recommend it to anyone...no more glasses or lenses...yeah!!!
salenashaw
The whole experience has been fantastic - the procedure was interesting - not at all scary! It was all over really quickly. I could see straight away & the following day, at my check-up I had better than 2020 vision. After wearing glasses for 27 years, I feel like a new person - don't hesitate to go for it - you'll wonder why you ever waited. Its brilliant!!!
claudio fardella
Fast and friendly service by all staff that have dealt with me. Had the surgery in Dec 05 and although there was no pain my eyes felt a little gritty for about three days after everything was fine. My vision has been steadily improved over the last six months to the point where I now have 20/20 vision. I am very happy with my vision as with the whole experience of dealing aith Optical Express. My only regret is I didn't have it done sooner.if you are thinking of having it done, do it now not later.
Suzanne Burns
Optical Express...Belfast Best decision of my life so far..money well spent..pain free surgery..lovely staff to put you at ease. I only had slight iritation for a couple of hours after but could see perfectly the day after treatment. Declan was a great help at the consultation as were all the members of the team. My advice for anyone thinking about it...? "Go for It!"