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
Leanne Miller
I had lasik with intralase last thursday at bluewater, the staff were excellent especially the surgeon Wayne Crewe Brown, he put me at ease straight away and talked to me all through the procedure which it's self was unpleasant but not painful the worst thing was the pressure on my eyes and the loss of sight when the flap was lifted but i was re-assured all the way through. Mr Crewe Brown even came to the recovery room to tell my husband what a good patient i'd been and what a brave lady I was!!! i am very pleased with the results, at my 24hr check up i had some mild inflammation for which i had an extra appointment yesterday, this has now clearded up and my eyes feel good after several days of dryness. i am getting a lot of glare from lights but my sight is so much better i don't care!!! both my eyes were very short sighted before with a prescription of -6.75 i have worn glasses from the age of 5 but now i don't need them although my sight is not perfect (yet) i am well above the legal driving limit and can see well. I would reccomend the treatment to anyone the procedure is over very quickly and after effects minimal compared with the results.
Audrey
WOW- Had lasik wavefront with intralase at Glasgow branch yesterday. What can I say!! AMAZING,SHOULD HAVE DONE IT YEARS AGO. I was VERY nervous but the procedure was plain sailing. No pain, even the suction was not really what I expected it to be. It was over in 10 minutes. Not even 24 hrs have past yet and I can see brilliant! Mr Klopper was very nice,as were the staff who assisted him. Special mention to Martin who came to see me afterwards. Lovely guy!
Ann King
Have now got to have treatment again as it did not work first time, have had no help from Watford Branch, i am still waiting for confirmation of date booked last week.
Catherine Gaul
I had my consultation at Optical Express in Chelmsford & my surgery at the Cambridge branch on 28th July. I had LASIK Advanced CustomVue Wavefront + Intralase. I thought I may as well do it right if I was going to do it at all! I wanted the surgery done for my forthcoming wedding on 30th Aug. The clinic was busy. Waited around quite a bit but was told to leave myself 3 hours, which was about right. The surgery itself was quite uncomfortable (only having the flap created). The pressure from the suction wasn't very pleasant. Was worse in my right eye (which had the higher prescription). The laser itself was painless. Afterwards my eyes were sore. Felt very gritty & runny. Right eye was quite bloodshot (bruised) too. Hoped it would go inside a week like they said it would (and it has). Couldn't believe the difference even the next day & they have just got better each day. Used my drops & wore my goggles religiously for a week (Wouldn't like to think I'd had to have worn them for 6-8 weeks though as I read from someone else!) Have just had my week post op appt. They are delighted with my eyes. Not as much as me though........ Worth every penny! DO IT!
Steve Leonard
On spec, I made an appointment with Optical Express Shaftesbury Ave to see if I could get eye surgery done. On the day, I phoned to say I was running a little late. I was told they had no record of my appointment. After making another appointment later that day, I was tested, and yes I could have it done but it would have to be Wavefront Lasik with femtosecond for £3200. At the time I said ok and filled in the credit forms. Top tip for you optical express - don't have your salespeople (as you don't do the intial tests with surgeons) gloat about having booked such an expensive op in front of the customer! 3 of them were loudly boasting about it as one of them was quite knew to the job (shown by his making of mistakes with the equipment). Is this the sort of place to trust your vision? I phoned the next day to cancel and once they stopped hanging up the phone when they tried to transfer me, and managed how to spell that rare name "Stephen" told me it was cancelled. They did try to lie and say they were the cheapest - they are not: I went to Optimax and had I had the same procedure would haved saved hundreds anyway. The surgeon at Optimax said there was no need for wavefront too, saving more money. Total at Optimax: £2090. OPtical Express are just a bunch of car salespeople - don't trust them
Sarah Payne
I had the Lasik treatment last Friday (27th July) at the Cambridge centre and the surgeon was Tom Materman. Everyone at the centre was really friendly and reassuring, with lots of hot drinks and biscuits to hand. Funnily enough I wasn't nervous at all (even thought everyone kept telling me I should be!), which I think helped with the treatment as it seemed to be over with really quickly. There wasn't any pain - just a slight discomfort,so if you can try not to get too nervous it will be a lot easier. I could see almost straight away and my eyes were not sensitive to the light at all. It was only when I was on my way home (not driving of course) that my eyes felt really heavy and all I wanted to do was close them. As soon as I got home, I went to lie down for a few hours and felt much better after that. The only thing I don't like is that I can't wear any mascara for a week! (How vain am I?!) At my check up a day after, I did an eye test and the difference is amazing - no more glasses - hooray! I would recommend it to anyone who is considering it - it's definitely worth it.
Karen
Had wavefront with intralase yesterday at Optical Express, Glasgow. My prescription beforehand was -9 and -10 so I was quite nervous about how my vision would turn end up. 1 day later and first check up and I have been told that I am already at driving standards. I really cannot believe it. After having such poor vision before surgery, its amazing to see without my glasses. My surgeon was Susanna Boytha. Both the surgeon and her team were very nice and reassuring. Anyone feeling nervous should just go for it, as it really is a lifechanging experience. Still can't believe it.
julie lankshear
just had lasik surgery at cambridge. The staff were so friendly and reasurred me the whole time ,i was told what was happening through out the whole procedure. I am amazed at the results . It was very quick and painless and for the first time in years i can see without glasses
Claire
I had lasik with wavefront on 27th July at the Cambridge branch and I would recommend it to anyone who is fed up with constantly wearing glasses/contacts! I could see a huge improvement straightaway and had perfect vision the next day. The procedure was very quick and I was never in any pain - my eyes just felt light sensitive and a bit gritty, but that was no different to wearing contact lenses. The staff were very helpful and made me feel comfortable about the procedure from my very first enquiry. The aftercare is excellent too. I'd definitely recommend optical express for anyone considering treatment.
Michelle Brown
I am just writing to defend Mr George at the Birmingham branch - I have just read a review regarding his customer care and lack of bedside manner. Myself and my sister have had lasik with wavefront and whilst I have to agree with the comments made in the previous review can say that the main thing is he is a very good surgeon and both myself and sister have perfect eyesight - surely this is the most important bit of the service
