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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.
Our Testimonials
Surgeon: Mr Tom Materman
Date of Surgery: 20th July 2007
Clinic: Milton Keynes
Tra la la la la – I can see, I can see – glasses are in the bin!!!
Having had previous problems with dry-eyes, astigmatism, one lazy eye and being Ms Magoo (not much wrong there then!), I had wavefront intralase.
I honestly can't say I was worried about the surgery, the procedure had been explained to me fully – so I knew what to expect. I did however worry about the surgery results. I should'nt have – The results are amazing, no matter how many times you hear or read it, to wake up and be able to see without bin-lids……I'm still bouncing!!
The staff at Leics (where I had my initial consultation) and MK were fantastic. The surgery was painless, although a bit weird. Only snag was the waiting around, but I was told this before (plenty of mags / TV to keep me occupied). Like others, I could clearly see immediately after surgery (although through a milky haze!). Pain afterwards? not really, although very uncomfortable for a few hours (stick yourself in a vat of chopped onions – streaming eyes, blocked nose, uncomfortable to open eyes etc.). The next morning – WOW -I can see better now than I could before with my glasses, and it's still improving. 20/20 vision in one eye, my lazy eye is just a smidge behind (that's just at my 24hr appointment).
Now I can take 2 bottles into the shower because I can read the difference between what is shampoo and what is conditioner!!!
Seriously, don't let your fear of the surgery put you off, it really isn't that bad. Any questions you have, any doubts, anything you don't understand – ask the staff members. They are your eyes, it's your money & your decision – but if anybody asks me – based on my experience, my advise would be to go for it!!!
Lisa : )
LASER COUNSELLER – Lakeside Thurrock (as from October 2007)
I would just like to say, after reading ALOT of customer comments/worries that I myself do not need laser vision correction, and during my training i had to see suregery taken place, and as quite a scared person, i wasnt looking too forward to it. I myself imagioned the surgery to be really scary and painful but this is not the case. I was higly surprised at how quick the treatment was (roughly 20 mins) and how “easy” it looked. Obviously i dont mean that the procedure is an easy procedure to take out as the surgeons are very highly skilled and trained in what they do, but on the whole the procedure is very fast and accurate. I do recccomend people to definately go for the Wavefront treatment as it does achieve personl best vision, the standard procedure is Highly succesful but it is best to have the added benefits of wavefront technology. I hope ive managed to re-assure people in Laser vision correction and i hope to see some of you very soon!
Ross Clark
LASER EYE COUNSELLER
Lakeside Thurrock
I had surgery on 8 July 2006 (1 year ago) at Shaftesbury clinic with surgeon Osama Giledi. I had the wavefront scan and wavefront guided lasers. Previously I'd been about -2 on both eyes with astygmatism.
My eyesight is now perfect and has been for about 10 months. I do feel as if my eyes are very dry quite often, but that could just be because London air is generally quite polluted. I don't require eye drops, although use them maybe once every 2-3 weeks. My eyes do sometimes feel as if they're weaker/thinner than they were previously, but I guess maybe they are… this causes no problems though.
My experience of surgery was a little traumatic. During all my pre-surgery tests I specifically asked whether I was suitable for LASIK. I was assured that I was a “perfect candidate”. However when I turned up on the day the surgeon looked at the same test results and said I was not suitable for LASIK because my corneas were uneven thicknesses.
So he gave me 30 minutes to decide whether to do LASEK or to go home. I was entitled to a full refund if I said no. Although I was not actively pressured, I did feel a little pressured by staff coming to ask if I wanted to go ahead every 5 minutes. And I felt as if I did not have enough information to make an informed decision about LASEK, as I had spent the previous 2 months reading up about LASIK.
I decided to go ahead. The next 4-5 days I had very sore eyes, and very blurry eyesight. I was forced to take more days off work than I had planned, which was annoying and again if I had been told early on that I was only suitable for LASEK I may have decided not to do it.
For about 2 weeks after surgery my eyes were very tired and very dry, and I had less than perfect vision. I had double or triple vision for about 3 weeks in total, which was somewhat concerning.
After about a month the double vision had subsided, but for the next month or so I still had problems focussing on sharp brightness contrasts, e.g. computer screen or train timetable messages (anything with LEDs was a problem).
About 2 or so months after surgery I felt as if my eyesight was good, and it felt stable. It has been so ever since.
Optical Express's test of your eyesight prescription post surgery is not overly flash – I got told I had 20/12 vision (i.e. better than 20/20) but I guessed some of the letters on the board as I had done the test a number of times during the whole process.
Surgery itself was not too bad – having my eyes held open for about 2-3 minutes each eye was a little uncomfortable but not too bad. The surgeon did have to re-do one eye, which was a little concerning, and a bit more painful.
Was it worth doing – yes. Could it have gone better – probably. Do I recommend Optical Express – yes, they were capable, but not perfect.
I also checked out the Ultralase offices, which seemed almost identical in terms of professionalism and technology as Optical Express. I chose Optical Express because they were about £400 cheaper (taking into account the discounts I could get from either), and the office was more convenient for me.
Hope that's useful.
Very surprised at how quickly my vision has improved. The staff have all provided an excellent service. When you have your surgery it can be a bit of worry but the nurses & surgeon in glasgow make you feel relaxed.
I would do it again!
I had my surgery on 11/07/07 by Mr.Khan at the Leeds Clinic. I was not waiting around too long, and the whole procedure can't have taken more than 10 minutes. I felt no pain at all, although the experience was a little weird and I was extremely nervous during the right eye. The left eye seemed to be done in no time. Once the anestetic wore off, my eyes streamed for an hour and then began to calm down. At the check-up the next day I could read the bottom line of the chart with both eyes – amazing.
The staff (nurses and admin) have been friendly and helpful throughout. The optometrist who carried out my 1 day check was excellent – he was patient, had plenty of time for me, answered all my questions, told me exactly what to expect over the coming week and was generally very thorough. The clinic has been great at managing my requests for appointment times and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. I just hope my eyes are still just as good at my week check up!