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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
I had Lasik/Wavefront surgery carried out at London Shaftsbury Avenue on the 03-03-06.
I only suffered with mild short sightness -1.75 in both eyes.
The procedure last approx 10 minutes from walking in the operating room to leaving the room. The actual laser part in self lasts only about 30 seconds per eye. The preparation where your eye lid is taped back was very uncomfortable (but not painful)
After surgery it was a mixture of feeling like having grit in your eyes (and remember you cannot rub your eyes) and a feeling that you have been peeling onions were your eyes weep.
After an eight hour sleep in a local B+B. I did not like taking the risk of taking the tube after surgery in case of infection, I was total pain free. A follow up the following day showed better than 20/20 vision.
For me it was a very positive experience although I feel the recent advertising of £395-00 per eye is a little misleading to the vast amount of potential clients.
The surgeon who under took my operation Mr Giledi did a a 10/10 job for me. Although I feel time spent researching your surgeon would be time well spent.
Its not for everyone but it worked for me.
Good luck
hi went in for lasik last monday morning. they deceided whilst i was already in the chair that lasik wasnt suitable for me so was it ok if they did lasek??? Luckily i had read and understood both procedures so agreed. unfortunatley this meant more time off work and longer to heal but in the longer run a better option as no “flap” can ever lift open. i had the surgery following which, about an hour, the pain came it hurt like mad for a short time then subsided. the worst day is day 3 i was really suffering. since then i have had only uncomfortable eyes.
i can see much better although i am still photophobic. i am glad i have had the procedure but be prepared not everyone has a painfree op and healing.
lasik wavefront.
Had surgery on saturday at Bluewater and I am feeling disapointed my eyesight feels so blured and I am unable to drive as signs and number plates are unclear, I really thought that I would be able to see by now. I paid extra for wavefront so I would acheive better vision ASAP. I really hope it improves as I feel really down about the whole thing. On many comments people with this treatment see 20/20 on the first check but I could hardly see the first line going for another check today but vision has not improved.
Had consultation on 8 January then went ahead with the surgery on the morning of 22 January 2007. Both sessions were at the Glasgow clinic. Without a doubt, the difference the surgery has made to my life is amazing. I can now see 6/4(which is the last available line on the charts!). Pretty much taken the whole thing for granted now! I had wavefront lasik with intralase so not cheap but when you're sitting there making a decision just remember it's your eyes and you only get one chance at this. Prescription in each eye was -3.50 and my treatment worked out at £1495 per eye. A friend recommended me so we each got £50 off (small snip really when you're talking £3k!). In terms of the day itself, I won't lie – it is like a conveyor belt! In some ways that puts you at ease as if its no big deal. Despite this, the staff are incredibly friendly as was the surgeon who has clearly done this A LOT (I had Susanna Boytha). I have still given the customer service rating a 5 since as far as I'm concerned who cares when you think of what you're actually paying for. I'd rather they were busy than not; and I'd rather have successful surgery than pampering. I've read a lot of people saying there is discomfort and I would definitely agree – and its a fine line between discomfort and pain at that! Having said that, I think it's just because with intralase it takes a little bit longer so you have slightly more discomfort. Funny how your memory blocks things out since now I barely remember the pain! Went home and tried to sleep but couldn't. Got up, had some lunch, went to sleep then when I got up again I had no discomfort whatsoever. It is SOOO worth it. Only thing I wasn't expecting is that your vision will fluctuate for a couple of weeks from both the surgery and the medicated eye drops which you use for two weeks. I wasn't expecting that and it did make me slightly nervous. And in the mornings you're eyes will be particularly dry. I've ended on the negative, but be assured this treatment is amazing. Go for it!
I had a -3 in one eye and -4 in the other – now 6 days post op I am 'better than 20/20' and absolutley delighted. The staff at manchester and salford quays have been very good and I have no hesitation in recommending them. The only problem was the huge jump in price ( I had £1500 in mind ) and reading the other posts now, I think I should have tried to get that reduced. But for the 1st time in 25 years, I can see the time as soon as I open my eyes, priceless.