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
SA
If you enjoy feeling like a second-class citizen, then Optical Express is for you. Clearly they rely on their ad campaign and high volume for profit, because their customer service is rubbish. To be fair, one month later, my vision is almost 20/20, but I wouldn't recommend Optical Express to any of my friends. I had my surgery at the London clinic, which is chaotic at the best of times. Staff there didn't know what I was there for (when I went for my check the day after surgery, I was told "this is your first visit isn't it?" ah no...) and they even had other clients in the same consulting room! I am also slightly concerned that every time I go back (one day, one week, one month check-ups) I am asked to do different visual tests; the day and week after surgery I was told my vision was 20/20, though at my one month check up I was asked to read much smaller letters and told that my vision wasn't quite perfect. Hmmm. So, in summary, Optical Express are average. Their prices are nowhere near as cheap as the ads and their customer service is crap. Oh and if you want to complain, don't bother, because the complaints manager in London has left, so you won't get a reply.
Jules
Update: Had Wavefront Lasik surgery 10 days ago. Vision is deteriorating and i am extremely concerned. The fog and blur is apparently the myopia returning. At my first post op appointment (day after surgery) i had 20/20 vision. At my one week post op appointment i was told i had 'driving standard' vision - but i felt i was struggling whilst driving, no clarity at all and desperately wanted my sight back (like when i wore contact lenses, which may end up being the case again). Today is much worse. I have avoided driving and rang the emergency helpline. I was told that because i have "dry eyes" and am using the eye drops regularly that this is the cause of the "blur" - uneven surface on eye - But i am not at all confident with this. My vision is poor and although it is early days, i am not confident that lasik has been a success for me. Each person is different, and each person heals differently, this i know, but having the best treatment (wavefront) with only a -3 prescription pre-op - what has gone wrong???? I feel utterly helpless and will need glasses to drive to work if no improvement this week.
Jules
Update: 3 weeks post op. Dryness improved in eyes but still have a prescription of -0.75 in right eye and astigmitism in left. Not too happy but hoping that this will get better within next few weeks. If not, i will need further surgery on right eye to correct myopia. No point in worrying as OE will not consider you for surgery before 3 months.
J Greenough
Had Lasik Wavefront over a month ago - I'm just at driving standard but still noticeably short sighted - no clarity at all and suffer in artificial light. Paying extra for Wavefront served absolutely no benefit to me. I'd recommend you only have laser treatment if you are prepared to live with having eyesight worse than when you wear your glasses or contact lenses. I would also recommend you do your research and read all the websites. I rushed into it, and if i had read a few of the honest comments on here stating that it may go wrong, i would have not gone through with it. I personally regret having it done and i am worried about having a re-op to correct my vision yet i cannot wear contact lenses because my eyes are too dry and uncomfortable.
lisa
Hi There, I am another person who has just been to Optical Express for their £395 treatment to find out they actually wanted double that.No Thanks.
frazer
I had Lasik Wavefront nearly 4 months ago. My left eye is 20/20 but my right did not go so well and after a referral to the surgeon for 'enhancement' of the right eye I was told I shouldn't bother as it may not end up any better - but possibly worse. I paid extra for wavefront as it was told it would enhance my night driving vision. It didn't. The imbalance between the vision in both eyes means my eyes get very tired and sore by the end of the day because they are competing with other to find a mean average. Some days wish I hadn't bothered.
Bernadette Johnson
Had laser surgery at Newcastle in July, vision not great awaiting possible further treatment. After care has been abysmal, appointments cancelled, locations changed, no one available in my local area when I need advice, today I tried Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington - no one available! Tried newcastle twice - no one available, will ring back, no return call. I wish I had never heard of Optical Express
Lisa
Surgery date: 12 Dec 2006 I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today, and previously was -8 short sighted in both eyes (very bad). Although my right eye is perfect and I have been told by Optical Express I have better than 20/20 vision, my left eye is still slightly blurry and both are a little dry still. I have been given eye gel as well as the blink drops to help the dryness. Has anyone else had the same problem, and if so, what was the outcome and how long did it take?
Rory
Attracted by the "£395 per eye" advert I went for a consultation. The price rose to c£2400, and despite initially talking about a 10% discount there was not one available at the end. Have since spoken to Ultralase and have a quote of c£1600 for the same treatment. Although everyone was really nice, and i was happy with the consultation, I think its probably worth shopping around before signing up with this lot.
H Bradley
From £395 per eye? Try £3090 which was quoted to me after a visit to the Torquay branch. I most certainly have not gone with Optical Express and will be looking for a clinic with better reports. To say £395 per eye and then charge £1545 is ridiculous and I don't care if it's "from" - that's the sort of thing you'd expect from a cheap flights website, not a clinic responsible for the fate of your vision! I was also promised a discounted rate which was later withdrawn.
