Male
Female
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.
-
I had my Lasik treatment in April in London. The surgeon and nurses were very professional and personal. They ensured I was ‘comfortable’ each step of the way. I was offered the choice of taking the valium tablet before hand which I did; consequently, I was relaxed during the operation but able to concentrate so that I hardly moved my eyes. The surgeon said it went very well. (During the op it is best for you and the surgeon if you relax, don’t be too nervous and don’t move your eyes!) Strangely, I found the smell from the laser (though quite normal) the most disconcerting. My eyes were not so sore or red afterwards but I believe that just depends on the individual; I was lucky. Now, I am doing well. My eyes are great. I trusted the surgeon and I did everything I was told to do. I could see straight away but mostly kept my eyes closed. My eyes have got better as time goes and I also go for the regular post-op check-ups. I still don’t rub my eyes and I make sure I don’t get dust in them. I am glad I had this treatment and believe it was money well spent. However I also know I didn’t have to have it done – it was not for health reasons. I took the risk and, for me it paid off. I hope what I have written will help those who are thinking of having it done…and good luck.
My criticism would be that although the surgeon and nurses were excellent, the people that manned the help lines, receptionists and counsellors could do with Alot more training. For me, they seemed the least helpful when I wanted my questions answered and their lack of professionalism did not inspire confidence in me at all. I almost decided not to go ahead with it because of this – because in a way, it reflects (unfairly) on the whole clinic, including the surgeon and nurses. Most of the time, they seemed too busy to give any personal attention and that made me feel uncared for. And this was the case even after my op. I also did not appreciate or find amusing the insensitive ‘bring your blind dog with you’ remark by someone on the help line. Your eyes are the only ones you’ve got and for someone In the ‘business’ making blind jokes before one is going in for an eye operation is really not on. I hope this information will help improve the kind of service provided.
-
Had my surgery on Friday 16 May 2003 at the Shaftesbury avenue branch. My prescription in my right eye (the one I had done) was -5.25 before surgery and +0.25 after my third check up on Thursday 22 May 2003. I am very pleased with the results and the staff and surgeon were very attentive. The waiting time is very long though and you have to be prepared to be there for at least half a day! This is to ensure that they check all the equipment thoroughly before each patient. A word of warning though, if you prescriptions are very different in each eye and you are going to do both eyes at some stage, but not together on the same day, be aware that you may experience double vision, which I was not warned about – but this is no fault of the Eye Clinic. I have now booked to have my other eye done in June.
-
I too have just visited an eye clinic for my aftercare but can’t conmplain. Their facilities are excellent and although I have had to travel a little further I felt totally at ease with the Optician I saw. I can imagine some people being upset if it is alot further, but I think it is worth it. I think the fact I can see perfectly without my contacts is the best feeling I have had. A few extra miles for aftercare, which isn’t that often is worth it for not wearing contacts anymore.
-
I have had a brochure from Maxivision for some time now and heard they had been taken over. I called to find out what was going on, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it has basically made them part of a much larger company. I live in Glasgow and instead of having to travel to Manchester, which was my main concern, I can have the surgery in Glasgow. It was my freind who originally recommended me and she is still having aftercare treatment. Although she has had to move location for her aftercare the eye clinic she has visited is superb and the aftercare fantastic. She was concerned at first about moving to a different optician but has found everything to be superb.
-
I had Lasek at Manchester a month ago, from reading the the latest comments sounds like I just missed all the problems. I have had to change opticians for my follow up appointments, luckily for me there is an Eye Clinic close to my place of work.
As for the surgery itself, I would like to reassure anyone worried about Lasek. I was extremely nervous (take the valium, it helped me) the surgery was completely painless. I did have some discomfort after and my eyes have taken about a month to settle completely. My vision is now -0.5 in both eyes, I was -2. I don’t need glasses anymore which is what I wanted! I thought Maxivision was good, the staff were friendly I don’t really have any major conplaints.