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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 have just returned from my consultation at Maxivisions London clinic and I have to say that I was extremely impressed!! Not only with the staff and the facilities but just generally in the way that everything was organised.
I had read various comments on this site for various companies and as a result opted for two consultations with two different clinics. I realise that not every company can have nothing but excellent comments but on the whole I was left very impressed by the professionalism displayed at all times by Maxivision. And have decided to proceed with LASIK in three weeks (I can’t wait)…
Just a short note re: Tricia’s comments below on the £30.00 thing! I made sure given some of the comments on the site that I double checked this £30.00 thing with them before booking. And the explanation I got was that the Consultation with a Maxivision Counsellor is free! But the eye test with the Optometrist carries a £30 cost. If you’re suitable it’s refunded against your surgery as is the case for me!! If you’re not suitable it’s non refundable…I AGREE IT’S NOT INITIALLY AS CLEAR AS IT COULD BE, BOTH MY SISTER & COUSIN HAVE BOOKED AND IT HAS BEEN MADE CLEAR TO THEM! But then as you say and as this site shows maybe not all staff make customers aware of these situations.
I generally was very happy with Maxivision and based on my experience would recommend anyone to them, at least 3 of the companies i called for consult just wanted to send me a brochure!! And getting answers to my questions was like mining for gold!! However I spoke to Mary at Maxivision and she couldn’t have been more helpful she even called me back when she said she would!!! Outstanding!!
Had my laser treatment on the 8th and I was petrified, what had I done? I had signed a paper to say it was ok for someone to cut my eyes, fire a laser into them and if I was made blind that was fine (You have to do this for all clinics). On the day the surgeon said 1 in 100 cases flaps that are cut are inadequate and the patient will be sent home with no treatment being carried out, but your eyes will recover. 1 in 500 cases the flap is damaged and a scare will be left on the eye (figures nationally not from The Eye Clinic). All I could think at that time was get on with it, 20 minutes later it was over, the op had gone perfect and I could focus on objects far away (I was short sighted). The next day in the check up I was tested and I had 20/20 vision, but my near sight was a bit blurry (this is normal), four days later my near vision is nearly perfect. I am so happy I would definitely recommend using the eye clinic they are so friendly and professional. During the operation there were five people in the room, I have read some cases with other companies where there were only three. I also was assigned a personal nurse through the day which really put me at ease, and he really helped me through the op as I was s**t scared.
I have read other peoples comments on the Eye Clinic and they were surprised to find it looked like an opticians, well opticians normally check your eyes so that did not surprise me, and I assure you the operation theatre looked nothing like an opticians. All staff where wearing scrubs (if that’s the right word), and you had to go through a series of doors before you entered the operation theatre, it was 100% professional, I wish all hospitals I have been to were as hygienic; I really felt secure.
I know I have written more than usual, but if you are like me having laser treatment is a big thing. If you are considering the treatment e-mail me, I might be able to settle your nerves, no promises. Laser treatment is a risk, and to be truthful I believe most clinics are similar in standard, just make sure they have the most advanced machinery, for instance I am sure I moved my eyes by accident during the op, but the computer targeting the laser corrected for this. When I go back for my week check up I will find the names of the staff involveds in the op, though all staff during my contact with the clinic have been excellent.
I’ve just had my initial consulation (Reading branch). I was impressed by the setup, very professional. I’m scheduled for LASIK in a weeks time (15/08).
Just went today for my consultation, the staff there were really caring and informed. I have a weak prescription so initially they said PRK would be the way to go, but because I have large pupils and PRK only can cover a diameter of 6mm they have opted for LASIK, which I prefer even though it is scary that they actually cut your eye. After I have my op on the 8th of August I will add a comment on how it went.
I had the initial consultation on 11/07/02 at the Milton Keynes site. Chris Gascoigne performed the tests and was very thorough and professional throughout. It turns out I will only need surgery in my right eye as my prescription is -1.25 for right and -0.25 for left. He also explained that due to my hobbies of martial arts PRK would be the best choice. It took me about 12 hours before my pupils returned to their normal size after being dilated and I did suffer badly with light, so take sunglasses!! I went back 21/07/02 to have a contact lens put in my right eye, which I’m now wearing for 10 days to see if my left eye adjusts to not requiring glasses. I’ve never worn contacts before but again the staff were very friendly and patient in showing me how the wear them, and if this is a glimpse as to how I will see when I’ve had the surgery I can’t wait! My surgery is booked in for 16/08/02 with Mr Kumar so I will post back how it went. So far I have been extremely impressed with the service and feel very confident now about the surgery.