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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 originally attended optimax glasgow and was told my corneas were too thin and i was only eligible for lasek (the sore one!)I was a bit ambivilent and was sent away to think about it. Iong story….. eventulally didnt go back to optimax but had my consultation in Glasgow optical express. There I was told I was suitable for lasik and that my corneas were “not even close to being too thin” This was encouraging as I had not expected it.
I had my surgery in Glasgow 30/11/06 I had mild astigmatism in both eyes and a little shortsightedness. I opted for wavefront lasik having the flap cut using ultralase.
On the day I was of course nervous,I arrived in plenty of time and was led to the laser suite waiting area.This is one of the disappionting features of the day as I sat for 45mins nervously watching people come and go having had their surgery before reception staff took any notice of me, you would think spending £3,000 would be entitled to feel a little bit special. I soon realised the place was busier than argyle st, and felt like… without being too harsh, a little bit like a cattle market. I was eventully taken for my wavefront scan this I found quite difficult due to the complexity of it ( there is a bright red light at the end of a tunnel and you have to look beyond it I was constantly drawn towards the light!)However a little perseverance I got there.
I was taken into another room and a nurse gave me instructions on how and when to use the eye drops she also discussed what would happen during the procedure and reassured me.
After another short delay I met the surgeon for the 1st time Dr Boytha who was very nice, looked at the wavefront scans confirmed everything was ok and consented me. Have any questions written down and ready at this point as you dont get much time here to think!
I was then taken through to the room where the dreaded deed would take place. I was asked to lie on a bed between the 2 laser machines a patch was placed over my left eye and details confirmed.I seemed to be waiting for ages and was really scared at this point but staff were great and talked me through what was about to happen. This wait I presume was where Dr Boytha was yo-yoing between me and another patient.
I was given drops to numb my eye a clamp of some sort was used to hold my lid open this I did not find painful at all. I was then aware of pressure being forced down on to my eye and thought Dr Boytha was trying to force it into my brain! this is combined with the feeling that your cornea is being sucked towards the ceiling. This part is uncomfortable but not painful. It all happens very quickly there is some noise from the machine while you are asked to look at a red light, a staff member counts down 20 seconds the suction is released and thats it the flap has been created. The whole thing it then repeated with the other eye so you then know what you are in for!
I was then swung over to the other laser where the wavefront part is carried out, this was easy enough, different noise faint smell of burning and the feeling of the surgeon washing your eye and replacing the corneal flap. Thats it I was asked to stand up things looked a little hazy but I was told this was normal.
I returned to the waiting room where my friend ( the driver! absolutley essential you have one of these!)was happy to inform me how red my eyes were. Afrer 20 mins or so I was called back into the room Dr Boytha checked my eyes and confirmed everything had gone fantastically well and that I was free to go.
The journey home was worth mentioning Glasgow at this time of year pouring with rain and pitch black with the exception of the unbearable glare of the tail lights from the cars in front during the rush hour. I felt a little pain at this point and used my voltarol eye drops also took a coulple of paracetamol, though I would recommend you take them just before the procedure so they have kicked in at this point! I could hardly open my eyes my lids felt so heavy yet closing them made me focus on the slight burning feeling behind the cornea. When I eventually got home I went straight to bed put on my protective glasses which by the way makes you look like a large flying insect! and slept for 2 hrs. When I got up I felt my vision was good and over all I felt much better. I used my drops as prescribed and had a good nights sleep. The following morning I attended my local optical experss in motherwell where I had my eyes examined and was given the news that my vision is better than 20/20 in both eyes. I have not experienced too much in the way of dry eye as yet, certainly not as uncomfortable as contact lenses that have been in too long. The sclera (white part of my eyes) still have some red patches particularly under the left upper lid but I have been told this will settle after a week or so.
Like many other people before me I took a long time to take the plunge and opt for lasik. However I feel the wait was worth it due to the introduction of intralase which wouldnt have been available to me 2yrs ago.I am delighted with the results and would have to recommend it although it is expensive I don't understand why the price varies so much but you can be sure it wont be £395 per eye thats just to get you over the door.
The surgical team and equipment used in Glasgow are more or less faultless. What lets optical express down a little is the customer service side of things. If this improved which wouldn't take much by the way! there would be a gold star all round. In summary if you can afford it do it I am delighted with the results.
All the way through the customer service I received was great right from the consultation to the after care as well. The surgery went well and all the staff were very friendly. I dealt with Giles(cross street, manchester) for the aftercare and consultation and he is great at what he does. I would recommend eye surgery to anyone considering it. It is painless and the only uncomfortable part is the clamp on your eye during the procedure, but it's well worth it for perfect vision.
Thanks again to everyone at Optical Express.
Well where do I start. From the moment I walked into the Nottingham branch till after my procedure, (Lasik – Intralase) I was looked after by all the team in a tremendously polite, friendly and professional manner that you would find impossible to beat in any establishment. The consultation was first class and the treatment was both painless and amazing! My vision was improved beyond my wildest expectations and having played golf with my 'new eyes' today I wiah i'd had it done years ago. I can't believe the difference in my vision. It's also great not to have to mess around with contact lenses any more and this has been a truly 'life changing' experience. To everyone at the Nottingham Lister Gate branch thanks a milllion.
Surgeon: Waseem Aziz
Clinic / Consultation & Aftercare: Manchester Minshull St and Cross St (respectively)
Surgery: Lasik wavefront (both eyes at same time)
Previous prescription: -2.75 with astigmatism in left eye -2.0 right eye
Cost £1990 with wavefront
My age: 33 – needed corrected vision for past 8 years
I had my eye surgery on Thursday 16/11. around 1pm.. I came home and slept/rested until 6pm and looked out of the window.. I could see down the street already! – albiet a bit hazy still and sensitive to light.. the next day – less than 24 hours later I was confirmed as having 20/20 vision!
My distance vision is fine day and night – but near vision for reading still settling down. the left eye is taking longer to settle as the prescription was higher (16 seconds of laser on right eye – 27 seconds on left)
I had to go for an extra check up as the day after I had an oily residue – been back today and all is fine except a slight dryness.. Back to work tomorrow with no blooming contact lenses Hurrah!
What I will say is that the surgery is very uncomfortable and it is best to remain calm and as relaxed as possible.. Try not to think too much about what is happening.. I maintained a detached calmness throughout – almost pretending it was happening to someone else.. but saying that – It doesn't last for long at all.. it's the following hours of weeping eyes and not really being able to open them at all.. with huge light sensitivity… (stay in a dark room for as long as you need to) that is all discomfort and not pain as such. It's not pleasant and I would say that the speculum and the flap cutter are the worse bits – the laser itself is nothing to worry about – not even the slight smell!
They told me what was going on throughout which helped me stay calm.
And the consultants where thoughtful and turned the lights off as people left the surgery.. they will get you drinks and give you tissues.. just ask.
I have virtually forgotten about the discomfort of the surgery already, seeing it as a positive thing.
I even went out on Saturday night for a while – although I suspect the exocin anti-bacterial drops make me feel slightly quesy – so don't attempt a big drinking session so quickly
Of course the googles you have to wear for bed for a week are very attractive.. glad I'm single!
Can't fault it yet.. I recommend going for wavefront – don't mess with your eyes for the sake of another £500.. If the technology is there then go for it..
Heres hoping all continues as well as so far! Good luck!
I had my surgery on November 5th and I wish I had it done sooner! Good vision all round and dont have to worry about spex anymore. I nearly didn't have it done as I got put off by various negative comments with regards the prices being quoted, all I will say is read the adverts properly, they all say from £395 PER eye! I think that the pricing system is clear if people bother to read it correctly. Thanks to all the team at Leeds and Huddersfield.