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
Lou
was supposed to be having my surgery at the London office - after already being rescheduled once as surgeons - on conference - this time was called 2 min's before leaving to catch train to say surgery flooded so no go... no info expect not happening and mixed messages re whether laser was damaged or just flood probs. was told - not helpfully - that could be fitted in Manchester - I live on south coast in Hants so teleportation obviously been discovered - or could be fitted in next wk - as me and partner both took time off this is not as easy as Maxivision seem to believe - people have to work to get the money to have the op and all this build up to have this happen NOT HAPPY BUNNY. End of today have consultation lined up with Eye Clinic in Southampton for tomorrow with poss. surgery end of May - so much for me having my eyes done for mid May - my birthday treat to self... Am now waiting for full refund - to be honest still contemplating charging interest on my money since they have had it + time taken so far...was told that as accounts dept had gone - at 4.50pm on a Friday - if only my hours so easy I would have to wait for timescale for my money back next week - but until threatening to go further it was not promised to be on Monday as they had the other clients to rearrange who had not had surgery today - as I am client - or was until I stopped trusting them to be competent - as benefit of doubt on first change I do not expect to wait for MY money paid in good faith - and esp. when it is required to pay some other co to do the job
Teresa Milford
I had lasik done on 2 April at the Maxivision clinic in London and have been very pleased with the results. The procedure itself was not painful at all (the sedative is a good idea!), I only experienced some stinging in my eyes during the evening after the surgery - the following day was fine. Maxivision staff are very helpful and answer any questions you may have. Have just had my one week check up and was reassured to be told everything is fine. Up until then I was worried that something could have gone wrong but now I am feeling more relaxed about it. I wish Maxivision had a local clinic where I could get my check ups done on the Isle of Wight as the travelling is a pain (and expensive) but I guess you can't have everthing. Good luck to anyone thinking of going to Maxivision. If I am typical of their patients you won't have any complaints.
Fiona Connell
I had lasik on Thursday 10th April in Manchester with Mr Aziz. I was long sighted with some astigmatism. Before the surgery, I was using monovision contact lenses so that I could see both into the distance and read. My lenses were +5 and + 3.5.... so you'll realise that my eyesight wasn't too good! Today is Monday 14th and I am sitting at my friend's computer - no glasses - and my 1 week check up is days away! Apparently when you are long sighted, your vision improves for up to a couple of weeks - can't imagine it could get any better than this. Delighted? Ecstatic! I was concerned about having the surgery, as I have been 'reading round it' for almost a year and read about both good and bad results, the complications etc. Deciding whether to take the risk or not is a very personal decision, but I have to say, that having made the decision to go ahead, I was so impressed by the professionalism of all of the Maxivision staff, both pre and post op, that I am posting this comment as a way of saying thankyou for a job well done. I know I have been one of the lucky ones and I am truly grateful for the wonderful gift of being able to see clearly for the first time in as long as I can remember (very much over 21!). Thanks too to Mr Khan for the quick turn around when I arrived for my 1 day check-up, too early.....I was in Debenhams shopping when it opened at 9.30! Thanks....Fiona
Angel
I had Lasik surgery performed a few weeks ago and am very happy with the results! The only thing that I found odd, was the fact that my direct debit had been refused over a silly reason like the company I work for is not registered with a specific telecommunications company. I am actually the sweetheart of all credit card company's and have never been refused before......regardless I was so excited to have the surgery that I paid for it up front without giving it another thought. Now a few of my friends I have recommended it to, seem to be having the similar referals regarding the interest free direct debits and it has just made me a little bit suspicious.
Andrew Jenkins
I have noted a few comments re difficulty trying to recover the £30 consultancy fee. I have discovered Maxivision are not too speedy handing over the £75 referral fee either.
Julie
I had to cancel surgery due to personal reasons, but I found the accounts department very freindly and had a very quick response to my request for a refund. I had paid in full (£1790) and the money was back in my account in less than 7 days from cancelling my appointment. I will be going ahead with surgery later this year and will re book with Maxivision. I went to the Manchester Surgery Centre for my consultation and was amazed you could even watch surgery!
Louise
I was booked to have surgery this month (April), but have unfortunately had to cancel to go abroad. I was worried about getting a refund as I need the money before I go away, but received the full amount owed to me, £1760 within the 14 days promised. I will hopefully be back in this country later this year to have the treatment done.
Colin
My friend told me to go for surgery as it completly changed his life. I was so excited about being about being able to play golf and see where I was hitting the ball! I went to Maxivision and was suitable (luckily as I had my heart set on it) and booked for treatment in Manchester. I was so impressed with the surgery centre. Unfortunately I have had to put off my plans for a while, but if anyone is unsure, just go along for a consultation and I am sure you will change your mind. I will be re booking later this year and can not wait. PS I have had a full refund with no problems at all.
Sarah
Enquired about the surgery by calling the 0800 number. Spoke to a lovely lady who really put me at ease. I think her name was Mary. She told me all about the procedures and answered any questions I had with efficiency! I have yet to decide whether to proceed with the surgery but Mary has put my mind at ease. If I do proceed with the surgery I will go with Maxivision. I have not had a consultation yet but am I thinking about it, At the moment I am very nervous and having read some of the comments on here about getting money back afterwards, has made me unsure. But if the staff are friendly like Mary then I don't think I'll have a problem. I will keep you posted as to whether or not I have the surgery. Good luck to all those who are having it done too.
Debbie Mould
Had LASEK surgery at London Clinic on Nov 6th 2002, and when I had my last check-up (at 3 months), I was discharged !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My vision is excellent. I can read bottom line of chart unaided, with each eye. I was -5 in right eye and -4.75 in left eye (plus astigmatism in both). I only had discomfort really for first 4 days (back to work after a week). Several weeks afterwards, my right eye became very dry, and I just changed eye drops which did the trick. Now all is well - no halos, starbursts, blurred vision - NOTHING ! The staff were great (everyone, from optician who initially checked me, the councillor, and the staff and Surgeon in London - Dr S Boytha - hope I've spelt her name correctly!) I'm taking my friend this week-end for LASEK surgery too !! I'll keep you posted as to how she gets on.







