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
lauren
FAN-BLOODY-TASTIC!! I had wavefront intralase on wednesday pm and i have to say how excellent the surgeon at newcastle optical express was! mr esselaar was amazing and explained everything fully to me as he treated me. i didnt feel rushed or scared, he totally put me at ease. the laser technicians were equally as fabulous and i even had my very own personal carer, who held my hand throughout the whole operation. i was at 20/20 by the next day, and couldnt get over the feeling of just being able to see! my counsellor, bill, and everyone at the newcastle branch have been wonderfull and very accepting of the fact that i am a complete wuss, and on several occasions needed to chat about my fears and doubts which im sure everyone has. all in all a fantastic experience... the worst part of the whole procedure was being told that i had to remove my make up for 3 days before and 1 week after.... dun dun ddduuunnn. (it all worked out ok though - eye lashes tinted, sun beds etc etc. phew!) if anyone is thinking of having this done and you are having any secnd thoughts or doubts i cant recommend these people highly enough. they are complete miracle workers! all the best to everyone thinking about it/awaiting treatment! lauren x
julie rose
Had consultation at meadowhall store just had my 3 month check up and i can see two lines better on the chart than 20/20. I can honestly say it's the best thing i've ever done and i've even recommended two friends who have also had surgery through meadowhall. Thankyou to everyone at meadowhall for making it happen.
Debbie
Clinic - Harley Street Surgeon - Michael Jefferys Well, 3 months on from surgery (wavefront lasik, pre op presciption -2.25 in both eyes).... and I've been discharged!! Yeah!! No problems, no dryness and better than 20/20 vision in both eyes! My magic eyes!!! and I'm glad to see that others are following my advice of looking at the healthcare commission's website and doing a bit of research before picking a clinic! Well done Erin, I'm glad it went well :-)
David Brown
Mr Emanuelle Rosen used his new "tracking laser" to correct astigmatism and myopia in my right eye in 1998.He suggested and I accepted to try mono-vision. I am nearly 60 and do not need glasses for distance or reading. Yesterday I had my annual eye examination by my consultant in France who declared my vision to be perfect in the right with excellent eye condition. Mr Rosen is superb. Keep-up the good work. David Brown
Mohammed Saifoor
Consultation Clinic: Aylesbury Surgery Clinic: Milton Keynes Mentally stress free from glasses. Explanation was so excellent that it was impossible to turn down. Vision is perfect!! High Satisfying results. Very pleasent and Polite staff. Proffessional and Helpful. No pain at all during the procedure. Will recommend it to everyone who is suitable! Best of all...10 months interest free!!! (Perfect for all Muslims)
Dorcas Coggins
Excellent value for money. should have done it sooner. the staff and surgeon at the bristol branch were superb. highly recommend this surgery.the after care also was great. have really got my sight back. thanks a million.
Lynn Kirkland
Location - Glasgow Surgeon - Susanna Boytha Had surgery on 10 May and is by far the best thing I have ever done for me! My appt was at 2.30pm and it was all over by 3.15pm - & actual surgery couldn't have lasted any more than 10 mins. Didn't feel any pain only slight discomfort when the suction was applied but that was only for a few seconds. Even afterwards only felt like I had grit in my eyes for a few hours & my eyelids felt heavy so just went to bed for a few hrs and when I woke up felt better. Although it has cost me more than I was planning for it has been worth every penny and would say if you are thinking about it then you should go for it - you won't regret it. Its so amasing being able to see the alarm clock first thing in the morning and most importantly no pain involved!!
Tracey Dent
Lasik-wavefront I went to Cambridge on the 16th April. I was fed up with wearing contact lenses & hated wearing my glasses. I was a bit nervous on the day but there really is nothing to worry about. All the staff were very nice & made me feel at ease. The actual procedure took 20 minutes, a strange feeling whilst it's being carried out but NO pain. (really)!After a few hours sleep I woke up with what felt like brand new eyes.. Any one thinking of having laser eye surgery..GO FOR IT..I wish I had done it years a go... My vision now is so much clearer than when I wore contact lenses.. I have been for my post-op check ups & am pleased to say I have achieved better than 20/20 vision What more could I ask for.
Andy G
Surgeon: Dr Tom Materman. Clinic: Belfast. I had wavefront lasik with intralase, Dr Materman was very honest with me before the procedure and told me that because of my perscription (slightly long sighted with high astigmatism), that there would be a chance that I would need a retreatment but that in the long term he thought we could achieve the required results. I am wrighting this after having my procedure yesterday and I can see perfectly. I had my first follow up appointment today and I can already see better that the driving standard, Im so happy, all I can say is that I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering getting it done. Thanks to everyone at the Belfast clinic.
Sharon Powell
Surgeon: Rodney Blumenfeld Location: Shaftsbury Avenue, London I would like to thank you all for the reviews I have read on this site. Like all of us, I read up and had thoughts of who is the best company and surgeon... we are talking about our eyes at the end of the day! Anyway, after reading about Rodney Blumenfeld I decided to have surgery with Optical Express. The staff were great and made me feel at ease about the surgery and answered all my questions. During my initial consultation they wasn't happy as my eye prescription changed when having the general eye test and that of the wavefront test. They asked me to return in a weeks time, which I did. They said I would have to have LATEK and not LATIK as my corneas measured 4.25 on one occassion and 4.54 on the other. Today I went for the LATEK Surgery and Rodney Blumenfeld said that I wasn't suitable and wouldn't go ahead as if he did my corneas they would be to thin and the affects could leave me with a worse sight than I have now. A few years back opticians never measured the cornea and those with thin corneas have had problems since, even to point of having surgery to replace the corneas. Well, I know I picked the right surgeon and he said some companies may go ahead and that is my decision. He sat me down and answered any questions I had and explaind why he decided not to go ahead. He thought about ME and my sight. I said to Rodney Blumenfeld that I would like contact lenses and glasses and would they be able to see me now? Rodney went downstairs personally and I was seen to straight away. The Manager for the Glasses department and Shelly looked after me to make sure I was happy with the right glasses even though the shop as busy. The nurse came down to see if I was OK again, the consultant saw me straight away for a contact lense fitting. I still have to wear glasses/contacts and I am disappointed, but it could have been worse if he went ahead. I could have had the surgery at another company and they could have gone ahead and not told me or measured my corneas. So, was I happy YES ... I am just unfortunate not to have surgery, but was definately right in making the decision with the surgeon. It's my eyesight at the end of the day! I don't want to put anyone off as read great reviews at the surgery in their customer comments book and how it changed peoples lives. Thank you to Rodney Blumenfeld and everyone at Shaftsbury Avenue. P.S. They gave me a discount on my glasses too due to the time I had spent going for consultations, which I see as for my benefit.
