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
Elaine White
Has anyone else had the same problem as me? I didnt think my eyes were that bad but after a visit to optical express I feel absolutely devastated. Im short sighted with astigmatisim with a prescription of -3.25 r -1.25cyl and -2.00 -1.50cyl. Ive come away after being told that I not only have large pupils(?), thin cornea and night vision problems ( something again I didnt know I had) I like many others have seen the advertising for from £395. per eye. I have realistic expectations and didnt think Id be near that (probably around £700) but I have been quoted £1295.00 per eye!!! (this is the equivalent quote to Moorfields eye hospital!) Does anyone know a more affordable clinic within Hampshire or Sussex area. I went to Optical express in Southampton. The staff were very nice and I cant fault them. But I feel so dissapointed with their pricing. I think there is room to be a bit more honest in their brochures about pricing. I picked them out as I was on a budget and they gave the impression that they offered cheap laser correction. If there is anyone with a similar prescription can you offer any advice?? thanks
jackie wilkin
Had my surgery 6 weeks ago. Can I see better post-surgery without glasses then I could pre-surgery without glasses? Without doubt, but that wouldn't have been difficult as I couldn't see much past an arms length away without my glasses. Can I see as clearly post-surgery without my glasses as I could pre-surgery with my glass? Unfortunately NO (and surely this is the whole point or having the surgery?). My sight is no where near as clear as it was with my glasses. The staff keep telling me at each check up that fluctuations can occur up to 12 weeks post-surgery but my sight is not getting any better. At my 6 week check yesterday I asked at what point somebody actually admits to me that it hasn't worked and I was told if nothing changes by 10-12 weeks, I will be referred back to the surgical team! At the moment, I could not honestly say that I would recommend it to anyone else and I wish that I had never had the surgery - so far it has been a complete waste of money.
Audra
Hi, I am booked in with the Oxford branch of Optical Express for my Lasek treatment on the 2nd of March. I have been reading all of the reviews on this site and still can not decide if I should cancel and just continue to wear glasses, yes I am very scared about the op, do I really want to risk my sight? on the other hand it would be great not having to wear glasses ( tried contact lenses and they would not sit properly, so no good ). My surgeon is Steffan Klopper, has anyone out there got any words of advice?
Rory
See my previous post ref cost. Quoted £2400 by the Huddersfield office about 4 weeks ago. I've just had the same surgery with Optimax in Manchester for £1100 (Lasek with wavefront) 100% happy with the results, as I'm sure that I would have been with this lot had they done it. I do think its wrong however to advertise £395 per eye, and then for the price to increase 300%. My optimax quote went from £800 to £1100 because I opted for Wavefront as an extra- which seems a lot more reasonable.
Jules
Had retreatment Lasek surgery @ Manchester 8 days ago after my right eye regressed to a -1.00 prescription. The surgery iteself was fine, Mr Waseem was a star, but I suffered terrible pain for 2 days later (burning sensation). The anaesthetic drops were a great help! My sight is now worrying me! I cannot see close-up and as the majority of my work is computer based, this is quite worrying for me as everything is a blur! I am hoping this improves but at the moment it looks as though the eye has now been over-corrected? I have a check up on Sunday and will no doubt be told to "give it time to settle".
allen childs
Date of operation 28.2.07 @ Bluewater The consultation went on for 2 and a half hours. having lots of different eye tests. i spent a lot of time in the waiting room. on and off about 2 hours. at the end of the tests i asked how much it would be. to my shock the consultant said £1295 for just my left eye having wavefront. thats nothing like £395. so i said not to waste any more time and not bother. she then went to see the surgern. then convienently enough she returned and the price was £795 for lasik. so i booked it. surgery: i was booked in for 10am. i had arrived on time. i had to wait 2hours before the op.with no apolergy or excalmation of why they were running so slowly. The waiting room was also packed. Mixed in with dental patients. Finally i was seen to and met the surgern. He seemed a nice bloke and and answered all my questions. and put my nerves at ease. then into the operating room. the whole procedure took 15mins. loads of worry for nothing . it really was painless although a little nurve wracking. overall my eyesight is better, not quiet as good as i liked. but it is still a lot better. it is still early days yet as the op was only a few days ago. i would still recomend having the op.
Chris H
I'm one of the patients that has not been totally successful, so thought I'd outline my details. I had Lasik Wavefront Intralase 14 weeks ago in Manchester. My left eye has gone from -6.5 to -1.0 My right eye has gone from -5.75 to -0.5 My left eye remains blurred. I struggle when driving to read number plates & road signs. After my 3 month check-up, Optical Express have given me glasses for driving (not what I originally signed up for!). The left lens is -1.0 and the right eye is 0. This has improved my vision and driving is now fine. At my next check-up in 2 weeks, I'll be considered for re-treatment (Lasek) in my left eye only. Hopefully this will then give me 20/20 vision. Although I'm a bit concerned as another patient (Jules - see her posting of 09/03/07) has had the same treatment and now has bad close-up vision. My right eye is currently ok, but at times can be a bit blurred - it has taken 3.5 months to settle to this improved state. I'll report again with details of re-treatment.
carmel forrest
hi went in for lasik last monday morning. they deceided whilst i was already in the chair that lasik wasnt suitable for me so was it ok if they did lasek??? Luckily i had read and understood both procedures so agreed. unfortunatley this meant more time off work and longer to heal but in the longer run a better option as no "flap" can ever lift open. i had the surgery following which, about an hour, the pain came it hurt like mad for a short time then subsided. the worst day is day 3 i was really suffering. since then i have had only uncomfortable eyes. i can see much better although i am still photophobic. i am glad i have had the procedure but be prepared not everyone has a painfree op and healing.
leanne
lasik wavefront. Had surgery on saturday at Bluewater and I am feeling disapointed my eyesight feels so blured and I am unable to drive as signs and number plates are unclear, I really thought that I would be able to see by now. I paid extra for wavefront so I would acheive better vision ASAP. I really hope it improves as I feel really down about the whole thing. On many comments people with this treatment see 20/20 on the first check but I could hardly see the first line going for another check today but vision has not improved.
allison
I had intralase wavefront on 16/03/2007 in Macnchester. The procedure was painless but very uncomfortable, i left the room with adrenaline pumping and my hands shaking. I knew it wasnt going to be the most pleasent thing in the world but i seriously felt my body went into shock.I was given the drops to numb my eyes which worked but i still couldnt stop the reaction to blink when the sugeon went anywhere near my eyes. Infact, i think he was getting slightly annoyed with me towards the end. All in all you have to grit your teeth and get on with it. After leaving Manchester & driving back to Leeds (i wasnt driving) my eyes were sore,red,streaming & i felt travel sick as i couldnt open my eyes. I got home & went straight to bed for a few hours & i felt much better. My long distance vision is great in both eyes but my left eye doesnt seem to be as clear. Im struggling with slight blurred vision in my left eye but im hoping it will improve. I attended my 24 hour appoitment and i have 2 appove 20/20 vision in my right eye and 1 appove in my left. My eyes are still quite blood shot but im still using my drop & back for my 1 wk appoitment tomorrow. Fingers crossed my eyes are still healing and that my left eye will get better with time
