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
Gill
I had lasik/wavelength treatment two weeks ago, and at the moment I really regret it. I have lost all my near-sighted vision, and cannot see anything closer than arms length, or even further.I wish I had been told exactly how much vision I would lose, and that I would have to wear glasses for all the time,except for distance. I had an astigmatism, but could read quite well with or without my varifocal glasses, but now have to wear reading glasses so much more than before treatment.I cannot see in my purse, or the worksurface, or to put makeup on, or even my computer screen at work, which is all such a pain. I am hoping that things will improve, and that my vision will get clearer, but I have been told that my distance vision is the best it will be, which is not as good as I hoped. I would have waited until my near vision had gone with age before having the treatment, so make sure you are prepared to lose near vision in order to gain long sightedness.If mine gets any better I will let you know.At the moment, I wish I hadn't had it done, but maybe it is still early days. I hope so.
Laurie Todd
Optical express, Cambridge. My laser eye surgery with Optical Express was nothing short of brilliant. The staff were really very good and made me feel welcome and sure about the procedure. I thought it was hype about how quickly it healed and was amazed that it actually only took 24 hours for me to get the benefits. I could actually see better without my glasses only minutes after the operation(i was really short sighted). I can now read the entire sight chart with no problems and was told I now have perfect vision. My only warnings would be to have some pain killers after the anesthetic drops wear off its uncomfortable but no worse than peeling onions. I had very poor eye sight before i had laser eye surgery and wasn't expecting it to be cheap to get laser eye surgery but was a little surprised at the price. But after working out how much it would cost to buy contact lenses and glasses the rest of my life it works out a lot cheaper. Id definitely recommend it to anyone.... its crazy being able to see without having to carry a bottle of saline solution around with you all the time. Just watch out for walking outside after the op, my brain went a bit into overload being able to see everything perfectly. Laurie Todd
Michelle Brown
I am just writing to defend Mr George at the Birmingham branch - I have just read a review regarding his customer care and lack of bedside manner. Myself and my sister have had lasik with wavefront and whilst I have to agree with the comments made in the previous review can say that the main thing is he is a very good surgeon and both myself and sister have perfect eyesight - surely this is the most important bit of the service
Karen
Had wavefront with intralase yesterday at Optical Express, Glasgow. My prescription beforehand was -9 and -10 so I was quite nervous about how my vision would turn end up. 1 day later and first check up and I have been told that I am already at driving standards. I really cannot believe it. After having such poor vision before surgery, its amazing to see without my glasses. My surgeon was Susanna Boytha. Both the surgeon and her team were very nice and reassuring. Anyone feeling nervous should just go for it, as it really is a lifechanging experience. Still can't believe it.
Catherine Gaul
I had my consultation at Optical Express in Chelmsford & my surgery at the Cambridge branch on 28th July. I had LASIK Advanced CustomVue Wavefront + Intralase. I thought I may as well do it right if I was going to do it at all! I wanted the surgery done for my forthcoming wedding on 30th Aug. The clinic was busy. Waited around quite a bit but was told to leave myself 3 hours, which was about right. The surgery itself was quite uncomfortable (only having the flap created). The pressure from the suction wasn't very pleasant. Was worse in my right eye (which had the higher prescription). The laser itself was painless. Afterwards my eyes were sore. Felt very gritty & runny. Right eye was quite bloodshot (bruised) too. Hoped it would go inside a week like they said it would (and it has). Couldn't believe the difference even the next day & they have just got better each day. Used my drops & wore my goggles religiously for a week (Wouldn't like to think I'd had to have worn them for 6-8 weeks though as I read from someone else!) Have just had my week post op appt. They are delighted with my eyes. Not as much as me though........ Worth every penny! DO IT!
Claire
I had lasik with wavefront on 27th July at the Cambridge branch and I would recommend it to anyone who is fed up with constantly wearing glasses/contacts! I could see a huge improvement straightaway and had perfect vision the next day. The procedure was very quick and I was never in any pain - my eyes just felt light sensitive and a bit gritty, but that was no different to wearing contact lenses. The staff were very helpful and made me feel comfortable about the procedure from my very first enquiry. The aftercare is excellent too. I'd definitely recommend optical express for anyone considering treatment.
Audrey
WOW- Had lasik wavefront with intralase at Glasgow branch yesterday. What can I say!! AMAZING,SHOULD HAVE DONE IT YEARS AGO. I was VERY nervous but the procedure was plain sailing. No pain, even the suction was not really what I expected it to be. It was over in 10 minutes. Not even 24 hrs have past yet and I can see brilliant! Mr Klopper was very nice,as were the staff who assisted him. Special mention to Martin who came to see me afterwards. Lovely guy!
Carina Campbell
The surgery staff at Leeds were great and so too were the Shipley staff(where i had my consultation & after care)! They made me feel at ease and looked after me well. The surgeon, Mr K Khan was brilliant, very efficient and has done a fantastic job. I would recomend it to anyone and everyone. It is so amazing I only wish wavefront and intralase had been around sooner!!! Don't delay have laser today!
Tony Cornwell
Optical Express Bluewater Kent. Bookings not very good. They changed mine twice without telling me till day before. Front staff bit snooty. "Consultatant was bit too sales-pushy. Actual surgery was brilliant. Could see very well within 1/2 hour. Didnt need the sunglasses till actually in bright sunlight. Had slight scare after 2 days, but went to another optical express in Cornwall (was visiting friends) and was seen without appointment. Aftercare exceptional and vision perfect, would recommend to anyone and did! Because they have had it done.
Matthew Law
I had poor eyesight (-7.5). I also have a progressive physical condition that affects my co-ordination. Thus using contact lenses was becoming harder and harder. Laser surgery was the answere. I could see perfectly the day after my surgery and am delighted.
