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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 had LASIK within the last month and only found out about this site through friends. I have now achieved vision at a level just higher than 20/20 and am amazed at the results . I did suffer slight haze but it only lasted about 2-3 days before clearing. I was initially extremely nervous and even on the day still not really sure that this was the right thing to be doing.. but now I can’t believe the difference it has made to me , I feel like a new person..I attended an Optimax seminar in Leeds and was almost put off for life following the aggressive nature and tone used by the female presenter (apparemtly the Birmingham Centre Manager)at least 12 people walked out half way through..and one poor woman in the audience was nothing short of verbally abused.. I was left feeling that I still did’nt get enough information, or that I had enough assurance on the company’s running and success rates to go ahead and book. As a result I booked to attend a maxivision Seminar also in Leeds. The presentation was about 45 mins long and included lots of information on why short sightedness occurs etc , they tested my prescription and also spoke to me individually for some time all with a view to providing me with as much information as I required to make a decision. This is what clinched it for me, they were extremely honest and advised at least 3 people ahead of me in the room that it was’nt worthwhile for them. The staff at the clinic were fantastic and the clinic itself was fantastic. I dont know what I was expecting but my experience has by far surpassed all expectations.
Well it may be a little too early to give Maxivision a top score but I am so impressed with my results so far. If things do go worng from here I will put up another comment. I had the surgery 4 days ago. The whole exercise was run like clockwork. The staff were all very nice. The actual surgery is nothing to worry about. You don’t really see anything and you are talked to through the whole process. For a few hours after I couldn’t really open my eyes. I took a train home; takes about two hours. By the end of the journey I couldn’t believe it I could see really well. Since then my eyesight appears to be as good (if not better) than all the people I have tested myself against (couldn’t resist doing this). I guess I am lucky, I haven’t even really had any discomfort. In fact, my eyes are more comfortable than when I wear contact lenses. One could almost forget to keep putting all the eye drops and things. If this is the end result I am absolutely amazed and this is some of the best money I have ever spent.
I was very surprised with your clinic. Nice friendly staff, and very impressed with Mr Pilia. Ample coffee, very clean appearance, well done. I have already talked to various friends, and had to give information away, even as far as Anglesey, and Worcestershire! If I could be of any help answering any questions regarding Maxivision, I would be happy to help.
The whole procedure was painless, but provided wonderful results. All the staff involved from beginning to end were excellent, which made me feel very confident. The literature was very informal, explaining the procedures thoroughly. Not only pointing out the good points, but the problems that could be incurred. All the other companies I gained literature from, failed to provide such essential information. Maxivision comes highly recommended by myself, and I have spoken to friends and colleages about the procedure, and they are very interested in having it done for themselves. Having had the treatment myself, I find it very difficult to find fault with anything from Maxivision, and their great staff. Keep up the good work, and thank you for making my dream come true.
Two weeks ago I had laser treatment on both of my eyes for myopia and I am absolutely delighted with the results. It feels like I have new eyes! At last I am free of glasses!
I was naturally a bit nervous about the procedure but the staff at Upper Wimpole Street in London were brilliant. More importantly, I was very confident with the refractive surgeon, Mr. Pillai. He introduced himself prior to treatment and after talking to him about my concerns he totally put me at ease – I knew I could entrust him to do a good job and he did!
The treatment itself, although a bit daunting at first, was so quick and painless. Within 10 minutes I was back in the waiting room and it was all over. For the first couple of days after surgery my eyes were gritty and a bit sore but the benefits by far out way any discomfort that was felt – I now have 20 20 vision.
I did not go into having LASIK lightheartedly. I took on board all the risks that were involved and the possibility of the surgery not being as successful as anticipated. Having a well qualified surgeon, like Mr. Pillai obviously reduces any risks involved.
I am so glad I took the decision to have LASIK treatment. It has totally transformed my life into a much brighter, clearer and happier place!