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
Denise Lowe
I have made an appointment for my initial consultation at Milton Keynes and so have viewed this web site for feed back.However can't find any comments from people who are longsighted that have had the surgery. I would greatly appreciate hearing any comments good or bad regarding post operative results.
Deborah Evans
Went to London clinic today for treatment but was surprised to find I had large pupils which increased the risk of night glare. This was particularly odd as I had been told my pupils were below average at my initial consultation in Winchester. I drive a lot for work and felt that this risk was too significant when combined with my astigmatism. Mr Panjit the surgeon was very patient explaining the issue and did not push me to have surgery. He did suggest I consider Wavefront technology which should be available with Maxivision later this year. This should reduce my chance of night glare significantly. So, I've left disappointed to still be wearing specs but reassured that the intervention was appropriate. I am going along to my optician in Winchester to find out why they said I had smaller than average pupils - this mystery is still to be resolved! Watch this space...
Debbie Mould
Had Lasek treatment on 4th Nov 02, it is now 07 Jan 03. My eyesight is EXCELLENT !! Left with 0.50 astigmatism in one eye. No haze, no eye-dryness now (stopped after 5 weeks). Absolutely delighted. Clinic and aftercare SUPERB. Maxi Vision, London
Nichola
I am due to go to Manchester and have Bilateral Lasik on the 17th of January. My surgeon is Mr Aziz. I am very nervous about this, but have found this site quite reassuring, most of the comments have been favourable, and I think it is down to pure luck if you have any complications afterwards!!! I am due to get the surgery at 9.15 in the morning and then travel back to Glasgow afterwards (I'm not staying overnight in Manchester) I'm then getting my follow up appointment the next day in Glasgow. Does anyone have any advice regarding the procedure, do's and don't before hand and also about the train journey home!!! (I've a vision of me on a train with everyone looking at me because I've got these big plastic shields over my eyes!!!!!) So I've looked out the hat and the dark glasses. All comments would be welcome as I'm starting to feel VERY nervous!!! Thanks. Nichola
Dave
I have worn glasses for 47yrs and thought that I was "doomed" to wear them all my life. I made an appointment at the Newcastle branch for new years eve, I am absolutely astonished to be told that after treatment all I would need was maybe some "Woolies" or "Bootsiz" glasses for reading only . I am going to have the procedure done in the very near future. I know its expensive , but what the "hell", the pro's out way the cons , I cant wait for the day that I can walk outside etc and not have to wear corrective lens. I'll keep you posted on the out come.
Andrew Loveday
Well the big days been and gone. I can now see!!!! today's Thursday and the op was Monday, I could drive on Tuesday. Although I'm still getting used to things and I feel 100% is not quite there I am hoping that over the next day or two things will settle down. Few tips for people going : There is some discomfort in the op nothing to bad but don't think its going to be a breeze. Take the sedative it helps !!!! The op affects people in different ways. People who shared the same hotel as me had almost perfect vision that night. I was still in discomfort - eyes watery, sore and poor vision. However the following day my eyes were perfect no discomfort and those with perfect vision the night before had lost some sight, although they are expected to get this back !!!!!!! On the night of the op I strongly recommend you take the sleeping pills your given and go to bed as early as possible. Rest to your eyes seems to be the best way !!! good luck to you all
Tracey
Further to my assessment I made the trip to Shaftsbury Ave for LASIK, or so I thought. They were running nearly 2 hours late (nothing for your companions to do although the staff are very nice and keep you filled up with tea/coffee etc.). When I got to see the surgeon he explained that with my prescription (-2.25) the outcome of either LASIK or PRK would be the same. Being as LASIK carries higher risks of complications with the flap etc. he said he would be doing PRK. I could've cried as I knew PRK was more painful afterwards and has a slower recovery period - right on both counts!! The surgery is a doddle, 10 min's for both eyes. Even the eyelid clamp which concerned me beforehand was no hardship. However, the rest of the day was very painful with a great sensitivity to light for the next 2 days. My vision didn't start to sharpen until 4 days after the surgery and continued to improve since then. On my 1 week check in Norwich I was told I had perfect vision in my left eye and almost perfect in my right with only improvements to look forward to. I'm driving and my night vision is pretty good too. I feel my short-to-long vision (and vice-versa) adjustment is a bit slower than normal but this is also improving. On the whole I'm over the moon with the results and feel that a few hours pain was well worth it. If I needed further treatment I would have gone through with it. Luckily it seems that this is extremely unlikely. I must admit, however, that with this wonderful LASIK there does seem to be a general lack of information on PRK, a loss felt by the few of us that still have it done.
Juliet
Taken the jump and had my check-up with an opticians in Norwich last week, given the all clear so off to the London clinic on the 19th January. Can anyone tell me if you FEEL anything? That's my only concern...otherwise looking forward to the idea of no lenses after 20 years!
Debbie Martin
Well, went back to Maxivision Monday evening and surgeon cannot really explain why my eyesight has deteriorated since surgery (three and half weeks ago!), the only thing he thinks may have done this is the severe dryness, even though I put them drops in like there was no tomorrow!!! I am not too happy as I am having to wear contact lenses until I go back in Jan 2003 for check up (which I have had to pay for!!!) plus solution, plus petrol costs and parking fees going back and forth to clinic. But at this moment in time the cost is not important, I just want my prescription back to 0 like it was the day after surgery. So today I am only giving MaxiVision 2 stars because of the inconvenience, but the staff are ace and very patient so I am not getting at them at all. Feel free to email me. x x x
Andrew Loveday
I am due to go to the Manchester Clinic on the 09/12/02 my surgeon is Mr Aziz, can anyone of experience of the Clinic and especially the surgeon please contact me with comments. I must confess to being a little nervous and I am sure I will be taking a spare pair of boxers on the day !
