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
Richard Matthews
Surgeon: Mr Andre Oberholster Date of Surgery: 28th June 2007 Clinic: Nottingham Surgery Type: Wavefront Intralase Lasik Very Impressed. The op was over very quickly, the discomfort only lasted 3 hours and already - one day later - I've got better then 20:20 vision. Everyone has been very helpful and I feel blessed to have the gift of sight again!
Catherine Stearn
I had lasik laser treatment on my eyes 11th May at the Cambridge branch. The staff there, Elaine especially, are extremly friendly,helpful and most of all made me feel at ease. I felt that I was treated as an individual, they always remember my name and who I am which to me is very important. The procedure was extremly quick and completly pain free and within half an hour I was eating in the pizza hut !! Results are supurb, which is a far cry for wearing my glasses from the moment I woke to the moment I went to sleep. I would strongly recommend this surgery, I felt very apprehensive as your sight is precious but the surgeon is first class. Go on what are you waiting for ????!!!!
ZoeTippett
Surgery: Inverness on 23/08/07 No pain!! Consultation went well and the service was excellent. Surgery was extremely painless and the surgeon and her staff were lovely and put me at ease. I could see more or less straightaway, and after an hour of watery eyes and a little stinging I could see number plates and road signs. By the afternoon everything was crystal clear. My vision is now better than 20/20! Should of done this years ago!!
Julie Benson
From arriving for a consultation service was 100%. Everyone instore was amazing! The surgery was slightly uncomfortable, but everyone was was supportive & talked me through the whole process - it was so quick!! The whole whole procedure was nothing like i imagined - I joked with other patients afterwards "It's like popping out to get your hair cut!" Waking up the morning after - can't believe the results already. Less than 24hrs & my vision is BETTER than 20/20! AMAZING!! Thanks to everyone at Inverness Optical Express!
Debbie Nicoll
I had laser vision correction two weeks and I am amazed at the results. I can now see better than 20/20 in both eyes. I had my consultation at the Edinburgh George Street branch of Optical Express and My laser counsellor Graham was first class and the laser optometrist Sinead was brilliant. Couldn't have faulted anyone. On the day of surgery I was told to allow 2-3 hours for the surgery to be carried out, but I was out in an hour and half. My surgeon was David Teenan, himself and the surgery team were fantastic and constantly reassured me as I was quite nervous. Overall I couldn't fault anything and I definitely made the correct decision choosing Optical Express. I have now recommended them to all my friends and family. First Class.
Nicola Smith
I had my surgery done in Manchester, Barlow house. My prescription was very high and i thought that i wouldn't be able to have it done, but i was delighted when i was told by the really helpful optometrist, Christopher Price that I was suitable. The surgery was painless and is without a doubt the best thing i have ever done. My wonderful surgeon Mr Waseem Aziz was so kind and put me at ease through out the treatment... Thank you so much Optical Express.
Winnette M A Dooley
I Couldn't believe that I woke up 6 hours later with most of my vision back and able to see my clock, which I could not do before without glasses! The staff here were really friendly and helpful, even giving their own personal experiences of their own surgery. Thankyou very much for everything !!
Andy Passey
Lasik Intralase Wavefront 10 August 2007 It would be wrong to claim the procedure was fun - but I didn't find it to be much worse than a trip to the dentist. 16 hours since I was zapped and I've just been told my vision is better than 20/20. Apparently there is a little inflammation in one ey, but I'm not really in any discomfort. I'm overjoyed, if my eyes were capable of producing tears, I'd probably shed one. Fantastic - Thank you. PS: I'm not a huge fan of the sleeping goggles but I can live with that.
Kathy
I am extremely pleased at the whole experience. I went in for my first consultation 2 years ago but at the time I was not suitable for treatment due to the size of my pupils (they are larger than average which would’ve caused night-glare if I’d had the operation at the time). But 2 years later I went back and due an advance in technology and a new procedure called “Wavefront” I was able to have this operation in both my eyes. Throughout the consultations I was thoroughly advised on what to do, what to expect etc. On the day of my surgery I was taken in by my surgeon – Mr Wayne Crewe-Brown – and he discussed a few points with me and asked if I had any questions. He also told me about the operation. I was then taken into the laser room and the procedure lasted about 10 minutes. Throughout it my surgeon was telling me step-by-step what he was doing and what would happen so I felt totally at ease. The staff at Bluewater have made this a great experience for me and I am so happy with the results and the after care. I have recommended this procedure and this Optical Express store to many people now!!! On another note, the procedure was not at all as bad as i thought it would be. I didn't find it painful at all. It was uncomfortable but definately in no way painful. And once the procedure is over, thats it! 3 hours later and I could see clearly!!!
Neil Dixon
I had Lasik Wavefront on 13/07/07 with Mr George,who was very skilled and reassuring.The whole experience was fantastic.Clean,professional,efficientand friendly. The surgery itself was a strange experience but not at all uncomfortable. For the first few hours afterwards,my eyes felt gritty and watered continually,but were never painful. Even as igot off the operating chair my vision was dramatically improved,and continued to get better. After 6 hours i could read number plates 40 metres and my eyes were only a little scratchy,like wearing my contacts an a 'bad day'.When I woke up the following morning my vision was perfect- better than 20:20 and no dryness or discomfort. Getting lasik is the best thing i've ever spent £2600. One thing though the anti-Inflammatory eye drops (pred Forte)are quite odd:milky white and they taste very bitter when they drain from your eyes into the back of your mouth!
