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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
Location – Glasgow
Surgeon – Susanna Boytha
Had surgery on 10 May and is by far the best thing I have ever done for me! My appt was at 2.30pm and it was all over by 3.15pm – & actual surgery couldn't have lasted any more than 10 mins. Didn't feel any pain only slight discomfort when the suction was applied but that was only for a few seconds. Even afterwards only felt like I had grit in my eyes for a few hours & my eyelids felt heavy so just went to bed for a few hrs and when I woke up felt better. Although it has cost me more than I was planning for it has been worth every penny and would say if you are thinking about it then you should go for it – you won't regret it. Its so amasing being able to see the alarm clock first thing in the morning and most importantly no pain involved!!
Birmingham – Surgeon: Dr George. After years of being to scared of the whole idea of this treatment I finally plucked up the courage to have Lasik with Wavefront. I had the surgery on Friday (2 days ago) and I am so chuffed with myself! – Yes it was totally painfree but a very wierd experience, I was absolutely terrified and if it wasn't for losing the money I had paid I would have pulled out but I can honestly say that if you are in doubt as to if you are brave enough to go ahead – you are! As everyone else has reported the only uncomfortable bit is when the suction is applied to cut the flap but this takes seconds and isn't as bad as having a filing! I went home went to bed for a few hours and four hours after surgery I could see – pefectly with no pain, no watery eyes etc…Went for my day one check up yestereday and could almost read the bottom line on chart – hopefully by next week it will be totally clear. HAVE IT DONE!!
Excellent value for money. should have done it sooner. the staff and surgeon at the bristol branch were superb. highly recommend this surgery.the after care also was great. have really got my sight back. thanks a million.
Mr Emanuelle Rosen used his new “tracking laser” to correct astigmatism and myopia in my right eye in 1998.He suggested and I accepted to try mono-vision. I am nearly 60 and do not need glasses for distance or reading.
Yesterday I had my annual eye examination by my consultant in France who declared my vision to be perfect in the right with excellent eye condition.
Mr Rosen is superb. Keep-up the good work.
David Brown
After struggling with reading with contacts over the last few years I had tried monovision with some success. On considering laser treatment I discussed monovision with the staff at Optical Express Meadowhall. Monovision is after all a compromise but they tried slightly differing contacts as a trial over a couple of weeks to get the best compromise possible on the 'reader' eye. Obviously to have monovision laser is a huge decision, but after the trials I decided to 'go for it' with Lasik Wavefront Intralase. Hopefully this would allow good enough all round vision to do everything without reading specs etc. Had surgery at about 2-30 pm yesterday (11th May 2007)at OE Nottingham with Mr Andre Oberholster,and now 23 hours later I can see clearly at both distance and close up better than I can ever remember, with no residual pain – only a slight dryness similar to wearing contacts which will improve with time. Before prescription was -2 left and -2.25 right, but really struggled to read corrected. Had to draw papers close up to read effectively uncorrected. Had full correction on left eye and right corrected to -1. The combination feels just right for good all round vision.
On the day, the staff were excellent and seemed to be taking every care to get things spot on, including taking extra scans when there appreared to be a slight variance from previous information. The procedure was painless, though a little discomfort when the suction was applied to cut the flap, but quite bearable and only lasts a minute or so. The laser itself totally painless, just a loud clicking noise as it 'did the business' and only took about 10 seconds per eye. Quite foggy and blurry when got up (though still a little better than unaided before) and eyes quite red. Stinging started on the way home and couldn't stand light, even mild despite shades so just kept eyes closed!!Stinging was fairly severe but bearable! Just laid down on sofa when home but gradually the stinging reduced over the next few hours, and the clock on the video started to click into focus. Good nights sleep then woke to no pain, and superb vision, easily seeing car number plates up the street. Been for check up this morning, all confirmed as well, right eye has a couple of dry patches so prescribed Viscotears to help. Absolutely superb, pricey, but worth every penny!!