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Optical Express

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1806 Reviews

Optical Express were simply brilliant. Everything from the warm welcome of the counselling staff (shreeya Mistry), consultation with Pretti Khakhar to the treatment with the surgeon was seamless. Throughout the process I felt tota ...Read more

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.

  1. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
  2. Prices
  3. Treatments
  4. The Verdict
  5. Surgeon Reviews
  6. 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 OverallClinic RatingCost RatingSurgeon RatingTreatments 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

optical express laser eye surgery prices

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 ProcedurePrice (per eye)Finance Options (per month)
LASEKFrom £595£49.50
(10 months on 0% APR, £100 deposit)
LASIKFrom £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 surgeryFrom £1,995£48.89
(for 36 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
Multifocal lens surgeryFrom £3,195£47.39
(for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
Phakic IOLFrom £3,395£47.39
(for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
YAGFrom £595N/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

laser eye surgery review 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:

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:

  1. Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched with the leading eye clinic in your area
  2. 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)
  3. 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

6. Optical Express Reviews

RatingDate

17 Mar 2006

done at Glasgow Many thanks to all the staff they were great. I cant believe i can see without wearing my glasses. It is a big confidence boost. Im so glad i went ahead with it, i wish i did it years ago. Special thank you to Andrew and Marie

15 Mar 2006

I had Lasek treatment at Milton Keynes in December and I now have perfect vision. The staff were extremely professional and the aftercare excellent. I can recommend Optical Express and I should have been brave and had this done years ago.

15 Mar 2006
No Rating

Hi Marie, I visited several clinics for consultations before finally choosing Optical Express. I had my examination and surgery at their clinic in Shaftesbury Avenue. Where are you booked for your assesment? The reason that I choose Optical Express was mainly due to the service and care that I received from the moment that I walked through the door. I had surgery 3 months ago and I must say that the care that I have received after surgery was second to none and I am glad to say that I now have better than 20/20 vision. My decision was not based on cost but on care and I have to say that Optical Express provided the best possible care. My advice to you would be to choose Optical Express and go for it!!!

15 Mar 2006

I underwent the laser surgery 3 months ago and I have had nothing bad to say about the whole experience. I now have 20/20 vision and wish that I had it done years ago. I would recommend Optical Express to anyone as they offer a fantastic service and the staff are excellent.

13 Mar 2006

LASEK SURGERY @ Birmingham Store. My eyes were both -3.00 and now,three days after surgery,I have 20/20 vision!The surgery was quick and completely painless ,it was a weird experience but its worse going to the dentist i think!I had an initial shock reaction after surgery with nausea & hot flushes,but afterwards i have had minimal discomfort.Some grittiness ,sharp pain on two occasions and some light sensitivity-but its absolutely nothing to complain about and definitely worth it. I had very good vision directly after surgery and felt comfortable reading and watching telly the day following surgery.I would recommend the procedure to anyone,it was so quick,easy,minimul discomfort and amazing results!The staff are very friendly and helpful,and I have absolutely no regrets and im so glad i decided to have it done!

13 Mar 2006

Bilateral Lasek Surgery 2006 @ Birmingham. The best money i've ever spent!I've worn glasses for years and to get rid of them has given me a new zest for life!I feel like a teenager again(i'm 37).Everyone here is lovely and very helpful and professional.Sam is a lovely optician and Dr George is just a miracle worker!Thankyou everybody at the laser clinic for giving me a new outlook on life!

13 Mar 2006
No Rating

I have been to another eye laser clinic for a free consultation, and was very impressed with the service I recieved, it was the price that has put me off as it was going to be double the price of Optical Express. I am due to go to Optical Express next week for a consultation, and I will be interested to see if there is any difference in the service for the lower price. Can anyone advise me if they visited any other clinics before choosing Optical Express? and what helped you make your decision? I feel the various clinics offer such a wide range of prices, it makes it difficult to choose the right one!

13 Mar 2006
No Rating

Off to have lasik in Leeds on the 22nd April, has anybody had the treatment there? any feedback would be a big help as feeling a little nervous.

12 Mar 2006

Had Lasek Surgery in Jan 06 at optical express in Birmingham.My experience of Lasek.Absolutely petrified about surgery and outcome(just went for it). Surgery did not hurt although a very weird sensation,Within 10 minutes surgery was over.I COULD SEE!! Slight discomfort in Left eye,on and off and a few tears other than that great,had lenses out 3 days later left eye abit gritty,had gone within 15 mins. Since then my eyes feel absolutely fantastic have better than 20/20 vision. All I can say is if you are thinking about having it done GO FOR IT.Mr George and his staff are wonderful people and i couldn't have been in better hands. (No Pain No Gain).

12 Mar 2006

I HAD LASEK TREATMENT AT BIRMINGHM. SURGERY WAS PAINLESS.ONLY FELT SOME PAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY,BUT MAINLY DISCOMFORT AND EYES FELT LIKE I'D BEEN PEELING ONIONS.OCCASSIONAL STABBING PAIN IN ONE EYE.HAD THE CONTACTS REMOVED.SIGHT IMPROVED DAILY.WAS A GREAT FEELING GIVING AWAY MY SPECS! SIGHT WAS 20:20 ALREADY IN ONLY THREE DAYS!SO PLEASED AND ALL IS EXCELLENT.GOING TO THE CINEMA IS GREAT!


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