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
Jennifer
The first thing I would advise anyone getting this done is take a whole week off work. I went back too soon and that was a mistake. As the treatment is so simple and painless you don't realise your body has gone through a trauma and needs time to recover. However, that aside- this is great! One month later and 20/20 vision. I don't have to worry about where I put my glasses, sitting on them, dropping them, scratching them and all the stupid things I did. Travelling is a piece of cake. The staff at both Inverness and Glasgow were great. They offered every piece of infomation, support and need that I required. The freedom I have gained is well worth it!
jeff stevenson
It is absolutely wonderful to wake up in the morning and see where you are! you no longer have to think about putting lenses in before going out or taking them out before going to bed. also walking into a shop with your sunglasses on because you will not be able to see if you take them off. Optical Express looked after me very well and professionally, I just wish they had told me the price would be coming down a couple of months later! The only downside for me is occasional discomfort at night when my eyelids seem to stick to my eyes and this can be very painful. hopefully, this will go when the eyes have healed fully. The surgery was relatively pain free and I was able to drive the following day. consultation was at stockton store
GARRY HOWE
The only down side to this experience is that as a result of not receiving a phone call saying that I was to get LASEK instead of LASIK, the recovery period is longer than unexpected. The opticians are very good and explain all the associated symptoms and recovery times.
Simon Mayo
Generally very good, felt a bit uncomfortable during operation. Price went up between consultations due to price structure changes. Happy I have had it done, would do it again.
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!"
Aneela Hafeez
Consultation @ Eastcheap. Treatment @ Bluewater. Do not pay heed to people who complain that the surgery could be dangerous! As long as you do your homework and follow all instructions given - you'll be fine. I went to the Bluewater Surgical Centre on morning of 25th of April, had the procedure at approx 11:45, wass at home at 1:30pm. Took a couple of paracetamol(had a little light sensitivity on way home) went to sleep, woke up at 7pm and was working on my computer at 9pm(much to the distress of my husband!). But I felt wonderful. No pain, no glasses, total freedom after 23 yrs! I'd recommend it to everyone! P.S. Ultralase are more than double the price for the same operation (they claim they have better machines).
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.
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!!!
Neil Owen
Consultation at Eastcheap Treatment at Bluewater. Like many who contemplate this surgery and worry about the risks and potential discomfort, I too fretted over having this done for many months. They obviously have to advise you on the possible consequences of surgery but the risks really are negligible. As the consultant said: You need two things for a successful operation: (1) A Good Surgeon ( Wayne Crew-Brown with whom I had the surgery at Bluewater had performed the operation for 15 years and over 10,000 procedures); and (2) the right prescription/corneal thickness etc - that is all explained when you attend for appointment. In short, THERE REALLY IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. If you are an active person like me, having to put in contact lenses for sport or going out, having to change from glasses to sunglasses (I had photochromic glasses which is not a proper substitute for either) then laser surgery is for you. I went with WAVEFRONT/LASIK. There was excellent clinical support and the staff were friendly and informative. First class results - vision is now better than 20/20 - I have no prescription at all.Fully recommend it! GO FOR IT!!!
