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
Michele C Chapman
Lasek treatment, well organised no waiting around, sympathetic treatment of a very nervous patient! One day post-op vision still a little blurry but no pain, no swelling, no irritation, no problems!!
Jay Moore
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can see I had my consultation with the Newbridge branch in ireland The optician Derek was really impressive he explained everything in detail and told be both the negatives and benefits of all surgeries, in the end i was let make up my mind on what surgery was the best for me I choose wafefront lasik intralase Had my surgery on the 25may wit Mr Steffan Klopper He was brilliant he answered all the questions i had and put me at total ease Surgery was completely easy over in a few mins sat up and could see immeadatly amazin!!!!!!!!!!!!! i would recommend sleep straight afterwards as there is slight discomfort but had worse with my contacts went for my post op next day had 6/4 2lines better than 20/20 i was -2.00 -0.75 in both eyes and was 6/38 massive inprovement as you can guess and its only got better since i would recommend opticial express to any1 and especially newbridge as their team was brilliant and from start to finish made feel totally comfortable the whole time tanx Newbridge and any1 thinkin bout gettin it done id say GET IT DONE!!!!!!!!!!
ann
Consultation performed @ meadowhall and surgery @ leeds. I had L eye wavefront monovision surgery. I wish i had done it years ago a life changing experience. Would highly recommend the procedure to anyone thinking of having the procedure done. Thankyou to optical express and all staff involved.
andrew judge
Had lasik with wavefront yesterday at the manchester clinic, I found the staff very friendly,reasuring and profesional. My surgeon was mrs Susanna Boytha who is a very nice and helpfull lady, I had -1.50 and -1.75 the only discomfort during the surgery was the insetion of the eye rings for keeping the eye open but it was not that bad at all. After the surgery eyes felt a bit strange,but not sore. when i got home eyes started to sting and water quite bad,Two anadins and two hours sleep later no pain and could see as with glasses. to-day i can see everything pin sharp with no pain or discomfort. If you are considering this procedure dont be soft get it done it is well worth it. and thanks to optical express.
Steven McLeod
World Class!! Anyone contemplating Laser eye surgery should without doubt Visit Optical Express. I have a busy life and i felt that i would have to take a week or so off to have this treatment done.. No way, i was back to work in 1 day, which suited me fine. I visited the Clinic in Renfield Street Glasgow at 10.00am It was very popular and the atmosphere was great and relaxing as everyone was asking everyone questions, drinking coffee, and generally chilling out reading etc. It was actually amazing to see patients come out of Laser Eye surgery when you are sitting there, it is like nothing really has happened other than they have been crying, but of course can now see where they are going!! Dr Teenan, Stewart and his team were without doubt nothing other than perfect. They were calming, very professional and actually filled the very short operation believe it or not with an element of fun! The operation was completed in a very short period of time with my the team there talking me through every step and letting me know what was happening i felt totally at ease and had no worries. Once the operation was complete i could most certainly instantly see much better, however a little cloudy and the feeling was like a eyelash in your eye. I will say that at no point do you feel pain, so dont think it is painful, because it is not. The only painful thing i experienced about it was actually thinking and saying to myself that it was going to be painful! Nonsense! You really cant feel a thing.. Technology and the skill of Dr Teenan is really Excellent. Lots of Eye drops and away we went! I went home, a friend drove me home and i was advised to sleep, which i did for a period of 6 hours, i woke up put my drops in and went for my dinner! .. Amazing!! Then back to bed with my goggles on... Next morning i went for check up etc Eyesight was indeed pretty normal, however just a little bit cloudy, but the eye drops fixed that. This is now 3 weeks later and i have written this (June 28th 2007)and if i could have had it done years ago, i would have never given it a second thought. It has changed my life completely and i can see better than i have ever seen in my life, which helps when you wake up in the morning! I would recommend Optical Express in a second, the entire journey was flawless and service as i said in my opening statement World Class! So.. Dont put it off any longer, get it booked in with them now and you will see the difference it makes to your life. Steven McLeod
Melinda Berrill
Had surgery yesterday afternoon,Staff were absolutely brillient and today i have 20/20 vision,Clamps were the only thing i worried about and i was told about everything before it happened.Why oh why didnt i have laser treatment sooner.
PamL
Surgeon: Ms Susanna Boytha Date of Surgery: 28th June 2007 Clinic: Glasgow I opted for wavefront intralase, before surgery I only had a small prescription of about -1 in each eye. At the consultation I was so wound up and scared, once they put the drops into my eyes that make your pupils go big I fainted. The days leading up to the surgery I almost cancelled about a dozen times, but in the end I was brave and went for it. I was shaking when I was lying on the table, but afterwards I felt I had been worrying and stressing for no reason as the surgery was not that bad. I felt a little discomfort when they put the clamps on but not much and the flaps were done in no time and the laser was not too bad either. I went for my 24 hour checkup and already my eyes are better than 20-20 My eyes feel a little gritty at times still but Im so glad I went for the surgery, and for anyone out there worying about the acutal day of surgery dont, its not that bad. Pam
Penny Lawless
I had surgery yesterday afternoon-proir to tuesday,i hadnt thought to mch of what it would entail,i was fine until i lay on the surgeons chair.i froze for about 10 mins then it was all over-had no reason to worry at all!i slept for a few hours after surgery and relaxed for a few hours then slept through the night and today WOW!! i can see! it's better than i thought! Thank you all at shaftesbury avenue for everything.
Malcolm Maeda
amazed=) It did not hurt at all and i am still getting used to not having to reley on my glasses, I would recommend to anyone,thanks to martha who was great. Thank you.
Elizabeth McDonald
Wavefront Lasik 22/3/07 - Had the surgery yesterday (5.15pm) and feel brilliant this morning at 9.30am. Surgery uncomfortable but extremely quick. The staff in Glasgow (just like at George St, Edinburgh) absolutely fantastic, very attentive & reassuring. Half an hour after the op the teary eyes began & the grittiness appeared. For the next 4/5 hours grittiness was extremely irritating and vision was better already at 10pm. Have just had a one-day checkup today and I have better than 20/20 vision already. I am absolutely delighted & over the moon. 29/3/07 - One week later. Feel fantastic, eyesight just unbelievable. So glad I got the laser treatment & my only wish is that I got it sooner. Night time vision also brilliant. Its great to be able to drive again without the glasses. 18/3/07 - One month later - vision completely settled & confirmed as having 20/15 vision - fantastic! A massive thank you to Optical Express. Staff tremendous.
