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
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.
Iggy
Hi, too early for me to rate the clinic, but I have finally booked my surgery date for mon 21/05/07 after my consultation last week. I have an appt tomorrow for a wavescan. I was recommended lasik wavefront. I initially said i would opt without intralase, but after a bit of research I changed my mind. Also, now that I have found out that lasek carries less risks of complications than lasik I am more confused than ever. I suppose I will discuss it tomorrow with the counsellor, but in the meantime can anyone give me any wise advice? My surgeon will be Mr Blumfeld and my prescription is -4 on both eyes.
Alx
Hi everyone I am due to have laser surgery 17th July in Glasgow with Sanjay Mantry. Has anyone heard of him? I confess that I am quite stressed about the all surgery thing! Thanks in advance for any tips!
rachel
Had Lasik at 11.15 this morning at the Newcastle clinic, and the results are AWESOME! I can see for miles - so impressed. My prescription was -2.5 left eye and -1.75 right eye. The experience itself was quite scary and a bit uncomfortable but not painful at all. It was all a bit impersonal though. Was waiting half and hour before I saw the surgeon for about 2mins before surgery when he checked my eyes. Then I had to wait about 20 more minutes til I was ushered in for treatment. There just wasn't much interaction or reassurance going on, and it did feel like I was on a production line of some sorts, but I cannot argue with the results at all. Just hoping the healing goes well!
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.
Chris Mackillican
Gets better everyday- very very pleased just wish I had it done sooner. very pleased with the service and staff.
edinburgh
it's been just over 1 week since my treatment, had lasik intrlase with wavefront at glasgow clinic. The surgery itself was a bit scary and uncomfortable but was over and done with really quickly, slept for hours after and any pain was taken care of with a nurofen. My consultation was at shandwick place, lynn was excellant and explained everything really well and made me feel comfortable, my councellor was jackie and she was really good fun, even though i was nervous at my consultation she made me laugh and made me realise that i was about to change my life forever, a huge thank you to all the staff at glasgow, but an even bigger thank you to all the team at shandwick place. You gave me the gift of sight. xxxx
Nadine M
I had intralase wavefront LASIK on the 28th of April at the Shaftesbury av. clinic, and have a couple of reflections on my experience. First overall, I'll caveat this by saying that I still have a residual prescription in both eyes of about -1.5. While this has clearly biased my view on the process there are a couple of things I want to highlight for anyone considering Laser surgery. 1) Decide what is more important to you- price, or personalised medical care. The frustrating thing about large chains is the minimal contact you have with the surgeon. I first met him 5 minutes before the surgery, and have not seen him since. All post op appointments are done by assistants, and I often have gotten the feeling that they were giving textbook answers, and largely telling me what I wanted to hear 2) Look around, get different quotes, and ask friends for recommendations before signing up. I was pressured into signing up at the optical express clinic on the day of my initial consultation, and went ahead because my job takes up a huge amount of time, and I didn't have that much opportunity to look around. However, I have now had to invest more time in repeat visits, getting glasses , etc. If anyone has been in a similar position, and is considering getting an enhancement procedure, please get in touch. Thanks
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)
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.
