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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
1,553 reviews written between 2002 and 2021. Sorted by newest first.
Treatments are as each reviewer wrote them. Reviews that don't mention laser or lens surgery only show under All treatments.
No reviews match these filters.
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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.
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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 yearsI 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!
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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.
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I would recommend laser treatment to anyone, the process is excellent and virtually pain free. the staff at both end were friendly and professional. it feels so nice to not worry about glasses or contact lenses anymore!
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I had Lasik at Newcastle on 7th Nov at a cost of £695 per eye (which is about what I was expecting). My appointment on the day was for 8.30 am, and by 10.00 am I was in the car being driven home. The staff were very good, obviously used to being asked silly questions and dealing with overly nervous patients. As for the procedure itself, having the flap cut was very unpleasant although not painful, but the laser was no problem (despite a smell like hair burning while the 2nd eye was done)and having the flap smoothed down was weirdly soothing. As the anaesthetic wore off I found I was hardly able to open my eyes, and when I did they watered like a hot waterfall. I went straight to bed when I got home, and I had to take some Ibuprofen for the pain. My eyes were aching and every few minutes I had sharp, shooting pains through both eyeballs. In fact for the first 2 hours I wondered if I had done the right thing. But the tablets kicked in and eventually I fell asleep. By that evening I was watching TV.
Since then my eyes sometimes feel a little dry, and a bit achy, as if I have been using the computer for too long. Overall though I have had very little problem, and minimal variation in vision. I have just been for my 1 week check-up, and I have been told that I have gone from a prescription of -2.50 to having no prescription at all. I can read the bottom line with my right eye, and the line above with my left eye.
This is not pleasant, and is not completely pain-free. You have to remember that it is a surgical procedure. I was wiped out for a couple of days afterwards. But as long as you are prepared for that, and have a few days off work, I would say that it is worth it. I have been wearing glasses since the age of 12 and now I am 25 and can see!!!
As for Optical Express, they were the most convenient clinic for me to get to, and I found them to be great. There was no pressure to go ahead, and it was accepted straight away when I said I did not want wavefront. Every appointment I have been for I have either been seen within 5 mins of the appointment time, or have in fact got in early. I went fully prepared to feel as if I was on a 'conveyor belt', as previous comments have said, but I found the whole experience to be personal, and I cannot fault the staff at all.