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
Sarah Beech
Had Lasik surgery in Manchester 7/4/06, the procedure is fine & nothing to worry about but getting home walking thru town & then on the train (with my parents) was awkward as I had my eyes closed most of the time (like when you put lens disinfectant in your eye by accident but you can't wash it out - ouch!) went to bed for 2 hours and was amazed to be able to watch a DVD when I got up! 20/20 vision at my checkup the day after and I was thrilled as you can expect. The following 3 or 4 days I had headache which I think was from the pressure of the bit while the "flap" is made, paracetamol kept it at bay. My weekly checkup shows I am a bit longsighted now (was -4.50 shortsighted before) but I'm told that will improve, my sight varies a bit during the day but because I'm using a PC 9 hours a day I suppose that's to be expected. I agree with previous comments that £395 per eye is a bit misleading (this applies to anyone with approx -1.00 - maybe Optical Express should grade this as I paid £795 per eye). Having said this to be able to drive & get up in a morning without sticking lenses in my eyes for the 1st time in about 20 years is great & hopefully will improve, will let you know how it goes!!
simon lee
LASEK surgery yesterday 18/04/06, in Reading. All went well and painless. I will return of the contact lenses out on Friday when I will write further. No streaming eyes and so far, 24 hours later, no gritty eyes either. dDo not waste time thinking about it. Just go for it.
Ben Dove
Mt treatment was as pain-free and unintimidating as you can imagine. The after effects of the surgery was a feeling not disimilar to having a very long swim in a chlorinated swimming pool. Grittiness sounds a bit severe. I have had a heart attack two years ago that ended up with me having stents implanted under local anasthetic (me wide awake during the whole procedure!!) So the laser treatment did not bother me in the slightest. It's all over in a few minutes anyway so don't bother getting worked up about it! For me personally, the consultation was worse than the surgery, so if you didn't mind that, and don't mind eye-drops, proceed with confidence. Oh yeah, the vision afterwards really does defy belief, its like looking through a clean window in perfect focus. FANTASTIC!!!!
Sarah
Wavefront Lasik, Optical Express, Milton Keynes, Weds 29th March 2006. THE PROCEDURE I was petrified about having my eyes clamped open Clockwork Orange style. In reality, they basicly taped my eyelashes open with some medical masking tape stuff & I couldn't feel a thing coz of the numbing eye-drops. The worst bit for me was the pressure on the eyeball when the flap was being cut. It wasn't painful, but wasn't entirely pleasant. Yes, there was a burning smell, I was aware of it, but it didn't bother me. 3 WEEKS LATER At 4 days & 10 days my vision was 20/20 in the left eye, but still -0.75 astigmatism in the right eye. As there was no change in those 6 days, I'm not very optimistic that my right eye will improve any more. Because my right eye is my dominant eye, the fact that it's blurred is REALLY annoying me, & I can't appreciate the fact that my left eye is 20/20 coz overall, my vision is still blurred. I'm having trouble opening my right eye in the mornings, it's really heavy & I really have to force my brain to get it to open... don't know what's going on there?? I'm not saying my experience was negative, I'm definately happier & more confident not having to rely on glasses. This site is full of success stories... I'd really like to hear from people in a similar situation to me... I can't be the only one!!!
Linda
I have had my eye surgery at Newcastle branch of Optical Express on 7th April and all I can say is "Fantastic". They were very specific and checked all kinds of things before advising me if i could actually have the surgery in the first place. I was fully explained every procedure and what would happen on the day of surgery. The day of surgery my appointment was at 11.30am I have numerous tests again to check my eyes were still ok and 10 mins in the theatre I was done!! I could see staright away just my eyes were watering a bit but we came out of the opticians and went for lunch!!!! My eyes got a bit tyred a little later but 2 hours of shut eye and I was as good as new!!! I went back the following day for chekcup all ok and then 1 week later and my vision was 20-20!! I was nervous before having this done but the staff put me at ease and answered all my questions. If you are thinking about it go with Optical Express they are the best!
LEANNE DEAN
9 months on and I have perfect eyesight with no problems at all. Absolutely thrilled. All the staff and the surgeon in Belfast were amazing. They talked me through everything and put me at ease. I cant recommend the procedure highly enough. Thank you!
Montina
Salena, After having a consulation and the treatment can vary as it will be when there are appointments available. They say that they only do surgery 3 days a month. So if you are having you consultation in April, then you are looking at May for treatment if they are spaces, if not it could be June etc. The average costs are £695 each eye for your type of prescription, but that is for normal LASIK, not wavefront as that is a lot more, not sure on the price. I have recently had my treatment at Southampton (1 week ago), can't fault the surgery or the Surgeon who was excellent and very reassuring, but the staff you first meet don't always put on a good customer focus.be prepared for delays as they are always running late for appointment times. Apart from that it's ok there. Hope this helps..
Andy Wade
I had lasik eye treatment at the beginning of January in Birmingham (Mr George) after an intitial consultation in Nottingham - no complaints - all went much as others have indicated and my eyesight is about 20/20 BUT - if, like me, you were short sighted and also needed reading glasses because of ageing eyes (I'm 57) and wear vari/bifocals)but could read without glasses before the operation, after surgery you will find you need off-the-shelf reading glasses. They are cheap and no problem to find but for the less active it may be worth considering whether the excahnage of existing optical aids for another is worth the cost. The final decision will probably be down to vanity!
Clare
On 25th March i had LASEK surgery. I have wanted surgery since i was 17 and i finally plucked up the courage to go for it and i can honestly say it is brilliant! The consultation was extremely thorough and i wasnt given the hard sell as i was at other clinics. My counsellor Marie from the Nottingham branch explained everything clearly and answered all of my questions. On the day of the surgery i was very nervous but thanks to Mr George and his fantastic team i was put at ease (with particular thanks to a lovely lady called Ankh who was very kind when i was shaking like a leaf!) The surgery was a success and after 12 years of wearing glasses i can see perfectly - i still now keep going to take my glasses off!! I had no after effects a little bit of grittiness when the lenses were due to come off and that was it which was a relief as i was expecting the worse! The only down side is the Admin side i had been booked for two appts and they got my address wrong so a debit card receipt (with all my card details on) nearly went to the wrong house. But thats all i can find fault with everything else was pefect! So to anyone thinking about it GO FOR IT!!
Andy James
I had lasik treatment on 14/03 at Birmingham.Had a long wait day of surgery from 14:30-15:45 hrs.Went in for surgery at 17:45 ,very simple only slight discomfort trying to focus at the orange flashing light during surgery.Couldn't believe the lazering was for only 35 seconds per eye-all done! Watery eyes for the evening -went to bed at 21:30 hrs after applying drops. Woke up at 6am completely recovered only slight grittiness until about 10am. So this was a breeze! Very odd to wash & shave in morning being able to see myself properly-not a good thing really! I loved the experience of dumping my glasses in the re-cycle bin upstairs. Good staff . Thanks.
