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
Sue
Hi Everyone. I am going to the Eye Clinic in Southampton this Monday just to chat and see if it's possible to get the Laser done. My friend Fiona (who left comments further up the page) had hers done recently so it was great to speak with someone that has had it done, so i feel better about it. I can't help thinnking though that i might be the unlucky one if i get it done. Fiona looks great, and i am more confident with it since reading all these comments. I will keep you posted if i get it done. Take care.
Debbie Martin
Booked in for my enhancement today, for end of May! Argh, scared! My eyes are now only -1.25 in both eyes so fingers crossed they will be perfect after the surgery. Not bad considering my eyesight was -6.50 and i was blind as a bat! I am going to ask the surgeon if I can have plugs in the next day on my first check up to help with any dryness as I really suffered last time but as soon as they put them in a week later it really helped. Aftercare has been really good.
Rocco
I'm a scuba diving instructor and was wondering whether there are any problems with diving (what worries me is reduced night vision and reduced contrasts) after Lasik. Also, is pressure change likely to have an impac on an operated cornea? Greatful for any comments!!
Andrew Jenkins
I have noted a few comments re difficulty trying to recover the £30 consultancy fee. I have discovered Maxivision are not too speedy handing over the £75 referral fee either.
Lou
was supposed to be having my surgery at the London office - after already being rescheduled once as surgeons - on conference - this time was called 2 min's before leaving to catch train to say surgery flooded so no go... no info expect not happening and mixed messages re whether laser was damaged or just flood probs. was told - not helpfully - that could be fitted in Manchester - I live on south coast in Hants so teleportation obviously been discovered - or could be fitted in next wk - as me and partner both took time off this is not as easy as Maxivision seem to believe - people have to work to get the money to have the op and all this build up to have this happen NOT HAPPY BUNNY. End of today have consultation lined up with Eye Clinic in Southampton for tomorrow with poss. surgery end of May - so much for me having my eyes done for mid May - my birthday treat to self... Am now waiting for full refund - to be honest still contemplating charging interest on my money since they have had it + time taken so far...was told that as accounts dept had gone - at 4.50pm on a Friday - if only my hours so easy I would have to wait for timescale for my money back next week - but until threatening to go further it was not promised to be on Monday as they had the other clients to rearrange who had not had surgery today - as I am client - or was until I stopped trusting them to be competent - as benefit of doubt on first change I do not expect to wait for MY money paid in good faith - and esp. when it is required to pay some other co to do the job
Zeus
Un-confirmed reports would seem to indicate that Maxivision have been sold to Optical Express (described as a Scottish optician with an eye for acquisitions). Both companies declined to comment on the news. However one said that a press release was expected on Friday 2nd April... At this stage there is no reason to believe that existing patients have any reason to worry.
Lou
To Neil Soane (others with same problem from Maxivision) please email for more info on louisem@mab.org.uk - am away over bank holiday so maybe not immediate response. As you can see from my 25/4 comment am in same boat as Neil and have been given big run around all wk by Maxivision. No one can give me the info or is there to say when my money will be back. After lots of investigation I know the parent company of Optical Express are aware and have a person to deal with this company. I had this info late yesterday and giving her till lunchtime Friday and then calling her on her number - June Stewart on 01236 723300. Neil - let me know what your catalogue of errors were as could be ammunition for compensation as well as our money. I have spoken to sols who thinks I am owed and willing to write to company - just waiting to see what June says. Tried to email you but no link so see email above. Will update site when I have any results. Addition to 25/5 am now going to have my eyes done with Eye clinic - ironically who is also owned by Optical Express - very very good service. Recommend and am booked in for 30th May - am getting money looked into to trf it from Maxivision to Eye clinic via parent co.
Lou
UPDATE spoke to June @ Optical Express - Maxivision's new owners and were told some interesting facts. Maxivision went into administration Friday morning 25/4 due to financial problems - so burst pipes at London conincidence or fable - I think the later esp with the info later. Late Friday early Sat Optical Express bought them from the administrators. They are now on a factfinding mission led ably by June to find out the status with current and expectant clients...basically if you have had the surgery cancelled wait for an offer via Eye Clinic or Optical Express - if you go elsewhere you may have a long battle getting any money out of the company that was Maxivision and or administrators. Because I went to Eye Clinic before this happened it is hoped to simply have the surgery done through them for the cost already paid to Maxivision so my deposit to Eye Clinic to be returned (as they still financially up and running). The problems will be for you who were deemed unsuitable for surgery after money paid and not yet had money back or paid another company and had surgery before Maxivision money returned. If it is the case where money paid and surgery booked look at getting your money back from them under you chging mind and look into the other 2. From my experience of the consultation with the Eye Clinic they are very good and Id recommend them and I have no qualms going with them on 30/5 at Southampton. My email louisem@mab.org.uk or ring June at Optical Express . Good luck to all in same boat (or worse) as myself from trusting Maxivision to do as they promised...
Riyaz Jasat
As a satellite clinic for Maxivision in Leicester, we have been dealt with very indiscriminately over the financial fiasco recently. We have been performing consultations for over 16 months and my only bugbear has been the failure of accounts to pay up on time. Perhaps the writing was on the wall as far back as December 2002 when staff initiated the start of many high profile resignations within the company. DCM holdings, the company taking over Maxivision have stated they will NOT be liable for any debts. Indeed, a vast sum is owed to myself and many other practices I have spoken to. They failed in their basic rights of courtesy to inform any of the practices personally of the ongoing situation. We have moved to a more reputable set up with a single surgeon only and feel sympathetic towards any patients attending/having attended for counselling/consultation with Maxivision. Any comments to riyaz@evingtoneyecare.co.uk welcome.
Lesley Cully
Maxivision - I have been through the 'burst water pipe' scenario and the 'taken over by Optical Express' scenario. I was told on Friday that there was nothing to worry about and confirmed my new surgery date for this Thursday. I called today and am now told there are no gaurantees and it's 'highly unlikely' my surgery will now go ahead. When I asked about cancellation I was informed that I would not get my money back as I paid Maxivision and they no longer exist . I am now stuck in limbo wondering whether I am ever going to get my surgery or indeed a refund if not.
