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
Andrew Roberts
LASEK Dr Jain, Milton Keynes Previous to my earlier comments in early May and June. One month after the op on June 2nd I could make out 3 of the 4 letters on the bottom line of the chart although I was guessing a bit 20/40. Considering I was 4.75- in my right and 5.75- in my left, not bad! I had and still have a slight problem in dim light where the left is a bit fuzzy, it's a bit annoying and reading things say from a moderate distant on a notice board in the office. I was told this was due to normal swelling in my left eye in the line of focus. Four weeks on the same problem exists. Hopefully another month it will reslove itself. I will update on 3 months but am pretty happy all in all.
Carla Tapia
Just a few hours after the surgery and I can see clearly, I should have done this a long time ago. The staff were very helpful and supportive I can't thank them enought. Shaftesbury Avenue / July 2006
Simon Hodgson
I had my Treatment at Optical Express in Reading. I couldn't reccomend the treatment enough, its opened up so many possibilities that I couldn't have done before. The customer service was equally superb. They made me feel so at ease throughout the whole process. The waiting is without a doubt the worst part of the whole thing. But after the surgery that was it!!!! The freedom without glasses is superb!
Amanda Jones
I had my initial LASIK treatment in May 05 at the Newcastle branch, but having a high prescription, astigmatisms and large pupils meant I suffered some regression and have needed enhancements. I've just had my final treatment and couldn't be happier with the outcome. I cannot fault the staff here, they have been fantastic and very reassuring throught out the past 14 months. All the staff have been extremely friendly and professional, the clinic location is very close to the town centre so is very easily accessible and the clinic itself is at a very high standard. I would highly recommend the Newcastle Optical Express to everyone.
Ross McMahon
Has been great-Not having to worry about contact lenses and glasses is great - makes a change to your everyday life. This vision I have now is better than I had with contact lenses and my eyes feel "so free", no lenses, no soreness, just great vision. I do not get the headaches I used to get when wearing glasses. I would highly recommend this procedure to anyone who wears lenses or glasses. Its a small price you pay for the reward you get. I had initial assessment and aftercares at Eastcheap & the surgery at Bluewater.
Sarah
Update - 3 months post Wavefront Lasik @ Milton Keynes. I still have prescription & astigmatism in both eyes. They have got a little worse since my check up @ 2 months. Still have dryness so using ViscoTears morning & night, vision fluctuates daily & I now have a twitchy left eyelid!! Gotta go back in 3 months (so I'll be 6 months post-op) & hopefully I'll be considered for an enhancement. Still great being free from glasses/contacts though. General wandering around I don't realize my vision is a bit dodgy, it's just when I have to read something, like the departure screen @ the airport last week, I realize everyone else can read it & I can't :-(
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.
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.
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.
dora
Had lasik wavefront on 18th (ie. two days ago). Prescription was -4 and -4.5 roughly, with very slight astigmatism. Found surgery itself far more terrifying than I had expected from everybody else's comments - the responsibility to keep the eye not being treated open felt really frightening. i actually managed to dislodge the flap as the surgeon was replacing it, and he had to re-paste it down. He used the phrase 'it all depends on you' which completely freaked me out. However, that said, it all went well, and is healing up nicely. The sight gets a little better every few hours. Yesterday at my 24 hour check up I had vision better than driving standard and feel now that I am getting better. I can't actually tell what my final vision will be like as it's apparently too early to judge. it still feels as if I am looking through a screen of water - a bit like when you've just put eyedrops in. This is apparently because there is water under the flaps while they are healing. I have been told this is normal. They basically said its all going well and I won't know fully for a few days, but I can feel it is going to be pretty good. I don't want to scare anyone off, - even now I know its all been worth it, but equally I think all the blithe comments along the lines of 'oh the surgery's nothing to worry about', 'it didn't even bother me', etc are slightly misleading. Would advise taking valium first, and maybe practising holding both eyes open while poking self in one eye.... It all only took a few minutes, so who can't cope with a bit of awfulness for a short while? Birth can be hours and hours, and the dentist is pretty bad. On the up-side, afterwards it didn't really bother me at all. Just used the eyedrops as am still doing which help a lot. Will post report next week about progress.
