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
MR. T.FENNESSY
HAD MY TREATMENT DONE IN CAMBRIDGE I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE RESULTS AND AFTERCARE ALL THE STAFF WERE BRILLIANT TO MANY THANKS TO EVERY ONE THERE
joy phillips
Absolutly amazing!!! wish i’d done it years ago!! Surgeon was so friendly and put me at ease. Treatment was fantastic!! Felt nothing at all and results are GREAT!!! Finally, after years i can throw those specs away!!! I’d recommend this treatment and the amazing staff from the Newcastle clinic anytime!! Thanks a million!!!
June Lennon
I am just back from my 3 week check-up. I am very pleased with the results. Graeme, Raymond and all the staff were very friendly and professional. I was a bit worried about the procedure but it was nothing, over in a flash. My only regret is I never had this done sooner. If you are thinking about it, I would strongly recommend it. June
Kevin Smith
I had Intralase lasik done on both eyes. Very unusual sensation but pain free. minor irritation afterwards - like feeling tired. had twenty twenty or better in both eyes within 24 hours. amazing. best thing you could do if you wear glasses. took a couple of weeks for redness to go away but now eyes look perfect and feel perfect.
Alison McIntyre
I'm 20 and i went for my free consultation two days ao in Belfast. However, they had to stop it half way through as i was so nervous i felt faint and very sick and everytime i felt better and they started again the sickness came back. From the tests that they did they could tell me that i need Lasik Wavefront with Interlase. I REALLY REALLY want to get this surgery done but i'm terrified i start feeling sick again in the middle of surgery as this could cause major problems. Can anyone help calm my nerves? What is the surgery like and is there anything i can do or take to calm myself before surgery? I have to go back in 2 weeks to get the rest of the consultation done. It's going to cost me £3390 so i don't want to have to back out at the last minute because i'm too scared.
Hilary Shephard
I had laser eye surgey using intralase and wavefront 5 weeks ago. I had some minor problems with inflammation in the left eye which resolved after about 3 weeks. The staff at Norwich were excellent and very supportive. The procedure itself was very quick and mildly uncomfortable. Afterwards it was extremely uncomfortable for about 3 hours but got better and better as the day went on. No discomfort the following day and the blurryness gradually resolved after a few days. I can see perfectly now, it's absolutely amazing, they told me it's rare for someone to have zero readings which I now have. The only problems I have now are dryness and starbursts of lights at night. My advice is, research carefully before you decide, follow the aftercare instructions to the letter and use the lubricating drops as much as you can. Take the first week off work and just take it easy. The after care was second to none, I'm very impressed.
Susan Thomas
Had my surgery on 19/10/07 with Mr George at Birmingham. I was petrified before the surgery, but there was nothing to worry about - it didn't hurt a bit. The staff were excellent - explained everything about the procedure and reassured me throughout. My vision is still a bit misty, and the left eye is much better than the right. I think this will improve once the mistiness clears. Has anyone else had any problems with mistiness and how long does it normally last?
Isobel Dumigan
The service I have received has been excellent. All staff have demonstrated professionalism and are well versed in customer care. I have recommended your company to several of my friends.
Bryan Smith
Can anyone help, I have had the consultation and can have the standard Lasik for £395 per eye or wavefront for £1195 per eye. At the consultation he struggled to tell me what the improvement would be from the standard to the wavefront?.
D Power
On the 12th October 2007 i went for my laser eye surgery. I visited the kilmarnock ,King st branch for my original consultation where instantly i felt at ease.Throughout my consultation i was treated with outstanding customer care, and felt it wes very informative. On the recommendation of the specialist laser optometrist,Jen, and Laser counsellor , Caroline i decided to go for the wavefront lasik intralase treatment. on my arrival at glasgow eye clinic i was greeted by Martin who was very friendly.He carried out further pre-tests and calmed my pre-op nerves! I met the laser technician Caroline who spoke me through my aftercare and got me ready for my surgery. Followed by Mr D Teenan who came to introduce himself and talk me through my surgery and what to expect. When my much anticipated moment arrived i was taken through to the laser suite. During the procedure it was totally pain free as i expected and i was constantly reassured throughout the process. After the surgery i was given one last check from Mr Teenan and given the all clear, and free to go home. After a few hours sleep i woke up with excellent vision. I can now read the bottom line of the test chart without specs!(woop woop) I would like to thank every member of staff involved and i am eternally gratful for the fabulous service i have received, I cannot recommend it enough!!!
