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
Rob Bloye
I had Lasek (shaftsbury avenue) on on the 7th of August and today (3 weeks later) I have better than 20/20 vision with non of the side effects that the surgeons said I might get. Least to say that I'm very happy with the end results although I have to say that I wasn't expecting the amount of pain that I went through just after the op to be as much as it was. However this was only for a couple of hours and although the contacts they give you just after the op are uncomfortable they are taken out a few days later. When weighing up the odds its more than worth it.
Kerry
Yesterday, I attended the eye clinic in Southampton to undergo lasik. It is something I have been thinking about for quite some time, but was always put off by some bad publicity. As I work in an opticians, most of the professionals I have spoken to about it were never very keen on the idea. As I have worn glasses since the age of two and relied solely on my specs (prescription -5.75 with a -2.50 cyl) it was going to be by no means easy to correct the short sightedness let alone the astignatism. Everyone at the clinic were very helpful and put you at ease. Luckily, didn;t have to wait long. Professional Clive Mortimer was the surgeon and after a chat with him he put me totally at ease, but he did explain that he couldn' t guarantee that he would eliminate the specs but could certainly reduce the prescription somewhat. The procedure was very quick and totally painless, a trip to the dentist is far worse. The staff and Professor Mortimer were very reassuring throughout and explained at every point what was happening. Within ten minutes it was over and as I came out, I was surprised to read the fire exit sign, even through I had eye shields on. The worse part of the day was having to walk through West Quay shopping centre to the car park with these shields on and everyone staring. The half hour journey home was spent in darkness as by now it was a liitle uncomfortable to have my eyes open. I was given some sleeping pills and slept for a couple of hours. On waking the discomfort had gone and the vision was amazing. I could see the TV for the first time very without glasses. On attending my first check up the morning after, I was told that I had healed so well that you would hardly know that it had been done and that I already had 20/20 vision and at this stage would only have gained about 80% of my vision. Well done to the eye clinic and to Professional Mortimer for making my dream come true.
Steve Pearce
I'm one year on from my Lasik procedure which was done at the Reading branch in August 2002. I've been very happy with the results. My daytime vision has been excellent, it's as near to perfect as I imagine. Nightime vision isn't quite as good but still well within acceptable limits. The real bonus is my close vision, before surgery I was told I would need to wear reading glasses post-op. This came as no suprise as I had to do this when I wore contac lenses. After a couple of days I noticed I was not wearing them any more! No complaints here. The dryness problem (which never was excessive anyway) disappeared after a few months.
Sue Rees
I had paid a deposit in March for treatment, but was found to be unsuitable. I was told that I would receive a full refund of my £300 deposit, but it had not come through when they were taken over. However, I have now had a cheque for the full £300 so don't give up hope if you are still waiting. Also, if you paid by Credit Card they can chase the debt for you.
Grace
My experience was the cup slipped and only made a half flap so they could not finish the surgery. I had the other eye done the next day and plan to have the right eye done again soon. I have not seen anything where this has happened to anyone else but would love hearing from a clinic or anyone that might could tell me just how common this is and the liklihood of it happening again. My surgery was done by Lasik in Atlanta, GA
Vicky
Had my assessment at the Eye Clinic at Southampton and am suitable for surgery. Have slighter larger pupils than normal at 7mm, and also thinner corneas. Have been recommended Lasek instead of Lasik. Can't seem to find anyone that's had this done at Southampton. Am currently deciding whether to have it done or not. Nervous of night-glare & possible complications outweighing indisputable benefits. Anyone who's had Lasek done here please help me decide! Thanks
Severine MICHEL
I'm French and I heard to the radio about Maxivision what is now Eye Clinic.I did it at Birmingham, they have a new laser with tracer. I took my first appointement the May 27th and I was suitable for the lasik. It was great. My treatment was June 18th, it was very nice, They are very kind and would like to say thank you to the Surgeon Dr Kantilal Jain and assistants Jo and Sabrina. I have any regrets and for me it's like a miracle to see everthing. My sight was -5.25 each eye and -1 astigmatism et the day after the treatment it was 20/20 or 6/6. My month appointement will be next monday and I hope that my sight will be the same.
Hannah
I have been to the Southampton branch twice now for an initial assessment and then to see if my eyes have settled down enough to have laser treatment. I am seeing Mr Jain, the Southampton branch surgeon, next week to discuss the surgery as my corneas are only just thick enough apparently. Has anyone had him as their surgeon and if so, what is he like/how were your results? I am flying back from my home in Dubai to have it done so am a bit nervous and want to make sure it is okay. There don't seem to be many postings about treatment at Southampton!
Lou
Had my monthly checkup today. Both eyes better than 20/20 - and my left eye improved to this level from one wk check up. Even though building work going on Southampton branch still very helpful, attentive and answer all questions. Now need to go back in 2 mths time but very very happy with everything. Would not hesitate to recommend these - anyone wanting £50 off I have recommend vouchers which works out at £25 per eye discount if you proceed with surgery.
Lou
Forgot to say my treatment was through Southampton branch. I have emailed Michelle directly but happy to answer any queries on them as very impressed by the service
