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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 surgery performed a few weeks ago and am very happy with the results! The only thing that I found odd, was the fact that my direct debit had been refused over a silly reason like the company I work for is not registered with a specific telecommunications company. I am actually the sweetheart of all credit card company’s and have never been refused before……regardless I was so excited to have the surgery that I paid for it up front without giving it another thought. Now a few of my friends I have recommended it to, seem to be having the similar referals regarding the interest free direct debits and it has just made me a little bit suspicious.
Had LASEK surgery at London Clinic on Nov 6th 2002, and when I had my last check-up (at 3 months), I was discharged !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My vision is excellent. I can read bottom line of chart unaided, with each eye. I was -5 in right eye and -4.75 in left eye (plus astigmatism in both). I only had discomfort really for first 4 days (back to work after a week). Several weeks afterwards, my right eye became very dry, and I just changed eye drops which did the trick. Now all is well – no halos, starbursts, blurred vision – NOTHING ! The staff were great (everyone, from optician who initially checked me, the councillor, and the staff and Surgeon in London – Dr S Boytha – hope I’ve spelt her name correctly!) I’m taking my friend this week-end for LASEK surgery too !! I’ll keep you posted as to how she gets on.
Enquired about the surgery by calling the 0800 number. Spoke to a lovely lady who really put me at ease. I think her name was Mary. She told me all about the procedures and answered any questions I had with efficiency!
I have yet to decide whether to proceed with the surgery but Mary has put my mind at ease.
If I do proceed with the surgery I will go with Maxivision.
I have not had a consultation yet but am I thinking about it, At the moment I am very nervous and having read some of the comments on here about getting money back afterwards, has made me unsure. But if the staff are friendly like Mary then I don’t think I’ll have a problem. I will keep you posted as to whether or not I have the surgery. Good luck to all those who are having it done too.
I had LASIK surgery on 26.3.03 at Newcastle Eye Clinic & am extremely impressed with the result. The surgeon was Rodney Eve. The only negative comment pre surgery is that after having an initial appointment for 10.30am I was called & asked to go in for 8.30am with an operation time of around 9.15am, I was actually operated on at 11.00am. I was really nervous on the morning of the operation but I was given 2 valium to calm me down. The nurse that was assigned to me for the operation was lovely, she held my hand all the way through the procedure. The procedure was completely painless & over really quickly, I wasn’t even aware at what point the flap was cut, the laser was on for 16 seconds then it was on to my other eye, straight after the operation Rodney Eve checked my eyes & said everything had gone really well. My eyes were slightly burning (which is natural) but I went straight to sleep as soon as I got home after taking another valium & I slept for 5 hours, when I woke up it had gone. I took another valium at 9.00pm. At my check up the following morning I had 100% perfect vision in my right eye & over 80% in the left eye. I have been back for my week check up & both eyes are now 100%. My eyes are very dry after the operation so I have to put in the comfort drops every hour, I asked for another box of comfort drops but was told that they only give out 4 boxes after the operation and anymore I would have to pay £3.99 for (they did however give me a further 2 boxes), the LASIK leaflet does state that all aftercare is free & my LASIK advisor also said that all drops were free, so I am a bit disappointed now to be told I will have to buy more drops especially when I could be using them for anything up to a year. On the whole though I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rodney Eve & LASIK eye surgery.
Really impressed!!! I had LASIK 2 days ago at Shaftesbury Ave with Clive Mortimer. I give him & the Eye Clinic 5 stars!! Not only is he a professor at the forefront of this field but as a surgeon he had a very lovely, calming character which instils in you a lot of confidence in him, and in yourself as a LASIK candidate. He really puts you at ease!!! I remember him saying pre-surgery that with my low precription (-2.75, -3.00) he expects to get it right the first time…and he did. And by getting it right it means getting the best cut (the flap), the speed and ease of manually moving the flap away, irrigation, carefully replacing the flap, as well as the actual lasering. From beginning to end Clive did this with absolute precision.
The actual process was amazingly quick. Not at all what I expected. Believe me, I am one of the most squeamish people you could come across. I was really nervous, but with the help of the sedative tablet (Valium) they gave me beforehand & the confidence boosting assistant who held my hand & patted my shoulder through the most difficult parts, it really was not that bad! Honestly you don’t feel a thing (well, I didn’t) I didn’t even feel the clamp (he must have put a lot of local anaesthetic in – good thing really). The sedative working, I was pretty chilled during the whole procedure. For those who are worried about the flap forming bit, don’t worry because by the time they put the ring on your eye (non-painless), thereafter everything goes milky and you are not aware of when they form the flap at all, or even what they are doing to your eye. 2 counts of ten, a few more eye drops, then an bandage goes on & onto the next eye.
Immediately after surgery you can actually see around you, albeit a bit hazy. I had no teary eyes, or redness. I put that down to the surgeon’s expertise. Clive then checked my eyesight & immediately confirmed I had 20/15 vision (better than 20/20), infact almost verging on 20/10 although it will probably settle at 20/15 because immediately after surgery your corneas swell up, magnifying your sight giving you super vision (so to speak) but eventually will settle to be slightly less.
They send you home armed with plenty of eye lubricant drops (generous 6 pack) plus anti-inflammatory & steroid drops to heal and sleeping tabs.
I went in for a checkup today because I was a bit concerned about the haze in my left eye and the fact that I had a scratchy eye all yesterday and whilst I slept. It turned out that I had a stray eye-lash in my eye all this time! This may seem superficial, but it left my left eye really sore & hazy. I called up Eye Clinic help line & they suggested that I come in to see the optician to check up. Dye was put in my eye to check if I had any scratches. No scratches. The flap was not disturbed and healing nicely. The soreness was from dryness than anything else, which they might issue me with a gel type eye drop which offers more lubrication than the normal refresh drops. Oh, and my eyesight is still 20/10 in right eye & 20/15 in left!!
The aftercare here is firstclass. And before I forget Amy, the consultant at Cheapside (where I had inital consultation 2 weeks before) was very helpful and non-pushy, already putting me at ease for the surgery.
I totally recommend the Eye Clinic & most definitely Prof. Clive Mortimer! It’s been the second day and I now see things in the distance from my window that I never knew existed! Artificial light halo’s do exist but no worse than halo’s I experienced with astigmatism (for those of you who have astig, you know what I mean). I can now read words from a distant poster, or on moving cars which I never noticed before. Laser has given me better vision than I had with contact lenses or glasses. These I’ve thrown away now! Sure I might need the frames again when I’m 45 (for reading) but hell, that’s a good 2 decades away. So my advice to anyone considering this is to have laser done as soon as you can so that you can enjoy the freedom for longer!