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
Michelle
I have been told I am not suitable for LASIK due to thin corneas and I don't like the sound of PRK/LASEK so I am considering Diamond Microsurgery at a clinic called LCRS in London, which is a similar cost to LASIK. I would like to hear of any experiences with this surgery please or from anyone who has had this procedure. Thankyou (Note: LCRS are very anti LASIK/PRK!)
Gurpal Atwal
I have booked an appointment at the Reading clinic for LASIK surgery on Saturday morning 28th September. The surgeon will be Mr Sundeep Kheterpal. His CV seems reasonably impressive but has anyone had any practical experience of the surgeon? If so, please contact me details with as soon as you can. Many thanks and I'll post here how I get on.
Mark Hope
Amazing - I had mine done 2 years ago, -3.5 to perfect vision in 24 hours day. Excellent after care and op itself is painless. 2 years on, eye sight is absolutely perfect.
Mark Day
Having worried myself silly over LASIK procedure, my colleague Mark Hope (see his review below)was never in doubt that I should proceed (I was circa -5.0 in both eyes) From Day 1, this clinic were highly professional and efficient. I personally could nor care less if Mr Williams is "grumpy", "angry" or any of the seven dwarfs ! - He is one the best out there..FACT My Surgery was March 27 2002 - and with not the slighest side effect, I was told at 3 mths post operative that I am 20/15…LASIK changes your life and of course is a big deal, I agree…So its simple, go to 22 Harley St to get the best.
Jenny Green
I have just had surgery at the Manchester clinic and I am so pleased. I had my consultation in Liverpool which was fantastic. I had no idea Maxivision had so many clinics to receive a consultation and aftercare. I thought I would have to go to Manchester for it all. I am amazed at Maxivision's surgery centre, especially with the viewing window my husband could watch from. That put me at ease beacuse I knew they had nothing to hide if people could watch. Straight after the treatment I could see as if I had my contacts in, although my eyes were a little watery. One week on and I just can't believe I waited so long to have it done. I would say to anyone - go for it. I had a brilliant surgeon and the staff are so warm and friendly.
Matt
I went to Maxivision through my friend telling me to go. I was really sceptical as I play the guitar and didn't want anything to go wrong! I am amazed at the results and like the lady before me (Jenny) said, what an amazing surgery centre. My girlfriend watched and I did feel at ease. The staff are great and most of all I can play my guitar without glasses or contacts.
Ian
I had quite severe astigmatism in my left eye only, my right eye being nearly perfect, which I am told is quite an unusual prescription. Essentially my left eye's only purpose was to make my face symmetrical. I went for the surgery on 17th September. Literally the second after the op was finished, at the Glasgow clinic, I was aware that my vision was sharper. The staff at the clinic are excellent, very re-assuring, which in itself inspires confidence. I went for the first check up today, 18th September, and the optician seemed genuinely surprised how much my eye had improved after one day. I found the procedure uncomfortable, although not painful. I certainly had some mild pain and discomfort afterwards, but it passed within a few hours I didn't go anywhere else for a consultation prior to getting this done, but I read about other places on this site who carried out a fairly quick initial assessment. The Eye Clinics assessment lasted nearly 2 hours. This thorough approach inspired a good degree of confidence, and if you're thing about letting someone stick a ray gun in your eye I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place.
Debbie
I HAD LASIK ON 4TH SEPT AT THE LONDON CLINIC, MY SURGEON WAS DR PANTIN HE WAS VERY NICE AND PUT ME AT EASE. BY FAR THE WORST BIT WAS THE WAITING AROUND. MY APPOINTMENT WAS FOR 2.30PM BUT I ACTUALLY HAD THE SURGERY AT 5.10PM. I DID FEEL THAT THERE WAS A BIT OF A PRODUCION LINE ASPECT ABOUT THE WHOLE THING BUT ON THE WHOLE THE STAFF WHERE REALLY NICE. YES IT WAS UNCOMFORTABLE, BUT NOT REALLY PAINFUL AND I HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH VISION JUST UNDER 20/20 IN EACH EYE. I WOULD DEFINATELY RECOMMEND HAVING IT DONE, MY VISION IS SO SHARP I STILL THINK I'VE GOT CONTACT LENSES IN.IF YOUR THINKING ABOUT, THIS SITE IS VERY HELPFUL-GOOD LUCK!
Hayley
I went for a consultation today at the Leeds clinic. I was told that I'm a very good candidate for Lazik and with my prescription it would be very straightforward. I'm booked in for 24 October with surgeon Rodney Eve. Only thing I didn't know was that they only performed surgery at Newcastle clinic - bit futher for me to travel. Staff were profressional, friendly and helpful. consultation took over an hour and half, and they were very willing to answer all my questions. I was quite impressed. Will write more after surgery
Graeme Spellacey
I have just had laser treatment with another laser clinic for a special offer price and it seems these things are just part of seasonal marketing campaigns. The same company even sent me an offer to go in a prize draw to receive a free treatment if I booked a consultation. at first I was a bit unsure about this as after all its your eyes dam it!!!!!!!!!!!!! But on reflection its just sales and advertising, boots have advertised as much as any of these clinics and this is just another type of promotion. On the comparison of technology I think you should do it anyway regardless of the price. I checked out the technology from the clinics I phoned and found that the Technolas 217 ( I think Maxivision use that one too) is very highly rated by the American FDA and is used by many as the benchmark. Finally as other postings on this site have also stated its very important to find out about your surgeon, about his general experience as well as Laser experience so contact the General Medical council about your guy see what they say. If at the end Boots seem best then go with them but I think that now with more companies doing this treatment I think between £900 -£1800 is a reasonable price £2500 seems a bit pricey, good look whoever you choose don't forget to post and let us know how you get on.
