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
Neil Soane
I would strongly suggest that all creditors owed money by Maxivision/DCM Laser/Holdings contact the BBC's Watchdog programme as I have done. We may end up getting some form of answer if enough people contact them.
Lesley Cully
I finally got my surgery in Manchester on 8th May which meant a 4 hour drive and overnight stay. I took the decision to make the journey as Maxivision couldn't guarantee when a London clinic would be available. I honestly didn't want to go through the trials of trying to get my money refunded which also sounded highly unlikely. The op went very well - Mr Aziz and I'm now back at work without glasses! My eyes are very dry but getting better. The follow up check with the Eye Clinic was good - they seemed very professional and knew all about the Maxivision problems. All my paperwork for the op were from Maxivision although there were also logos on some of it for the Eye Clinic and Optical Express. Good luck to all those in the process of trying to sort things out. Feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss further.
Andrew Jenkins
Received a letter from the company that purchased Maxivision in administration. It stated that they had no obligation to but have decided to pay amounts owed by Maxivision and that I would shortly receive monies due to me by Maxivision (£75 referral fee). I hope this means some of the other postings out a serious amount of money soon get repaid.
Michelle Powell
Travelled to the eye clinic at Southampton for initial eye test. Impressed with the lady who carried out my checks (she has even had it done herself) but I am still unsure. I would love to have it done but there are no postings on this site about the Southampton clinic. Anybody out there who has had it done, please post your experiences
Vicky
Had my assessment at the Eye Clinic at Southampton and am suitable for surgery. Have slighter larger pupils than normal at 7mm, and also thinner corneas. Have been recommended Lasek instead of Lasik. Can't seem to find anyone that's had this done at Southampton. Am currently deciding whether to have it done or not. Nervous of night-glare & possible complications outweighing indisputable benefits. Anyone who's had Lasek done here please help me decide! Thanks
Sue Rees
I had paid a deposit in March for treatment, but was found to be unsuitable. I was told that I would receive a full refund of my £300 deposit, but it had not come through when they were taken over. However, I have now had a cheque for the full £300 so don't give up hope if you are still waiting. Also, if you paid by Credit Card they can chase the debt for you.
Clare
I am going for my initial consultation in 2 weeks to Belfast. I am hoping to go to Newcastle to the Eye Clinic to have lasik done. I am only slightly shortsighted and have only been wearing glasses for 2 years. I am considering getting it done because i have a chance of getting a job i am interested in. Anyone have any experience in Newcastle, i think the surgeons name is Rodney Eve?
Amanda Carter
I have an assessment at the Reading clinic on Saturday and would appreciate any feedback anyone has on this clinic. Thx
Peter Connolly
I had Lasik in both eyes on 2 October at the Shaftesbury Avenue Clinic. Prof Mortimer was the surgeon. My prescription had been -3 and -3.25. It's difficult to give an overall rating. In terms of the procedure and the results, I would definitely give five stars. I now have 20-20 vision and am delighted. But the service from the clinic was mixed. After a Iot of research, I first arranged to have treatment at the clinic in August. At the final stage of the consultation, I was asked "why aren't you having wavefront - it's much safer". This was the first time wavefront had been mentioned. So I decided to postpone the treatment until I could have the wavefront (to their credit, they agreed to waive the extra cost). Two days before the second date for surgery, I hadn't received the confirmation letter, so I rang and they had no trace of the booking. They explained they had recently made a lot of people redundant, and that was probably why. Not very reassuring. On the morning of the third attempt, they rang and offered to postpone as their air conditioning wasn't working. But as I - and the person who was going to pick me up - had (yet again) arranged to take time off work, I wasn't keen to postpone, so we agreed I would go to the clinic and wait until they fixed the problem. After a five hour wait, the surgery went ahead. Prof Mortimer was excellent, and was especially reassuring when he said he'd performed the same surgery on his two sons. I see from this site that others have been offered valium, but I wasn't - I would have jumped at the chance, as I was very nervous. I went this morning for my one week check-up. They couldn't find my files, but we went ahead anyway, and the assessment was very positive. I just need to use my eye drops more often. I would certainly recommend the procedure, and Prof Mortimer, to anyone. But, in administrative terms, the clinic needs to get its act together before I can whole-heartedly recommend it.
MIRIAM
I am getting lasik done in a few weeks at Optical Express in Glasgow Clinic. My surgeon is Rodney Eve. Anyone have any experience with Dr Eve and the team in Glasgow ?
