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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 surgery 5 days ago at the Reading branch. The results are amazing. Immediately after the surgery, I could see that everything was in focus, despite the white ‘cloud’ that was there.
Once the aneasthetic had worn off, my eyes were quite uncomfortable, bordering on painful, but a rest and some strong painkillers sorted me out, and by the evening they just felt gritty.
You’re told to keep your eyes closed as much as possible straight afterwards – I didn’t have much choice – my eyes were so heavy, I seemed to lose the ability to control my eyelids. This passed within about 3 hours.
The next day, things were still slightly cloudy but I was able to focus well – the first check up confirmed much better than 20/20 vision and I was able to read the bottom line of the chart.
5 days on – I have perfect vision (still have halo’s at night, but that’s expected for a while), any swelling has gone along with most of the bruising on the eye.
As for Optical Express – I’m going to split the review into 2 parts, the consultaion and surgery, because the experiences were quite different.
The consultation – they kept me waiting for over 45 minutes without explanation. Only when I asked what was going on did I get told they were running behind….. I’d already worked that one out so I wasn’t over happy with the pathetic explanation. I was ready to walk out, when they realised I was getting quite annoyed and they suddenly managed to find someone to see me. The consultant was lovely and very thorough throughout all the checks. She confirmed I was suitable and gave me the price. I was then shown to another room where you see your ‘counciler’ who goes through the procedure with you, but in reality, their main objective is to get you to sign up and pay your deposit. As I was not prepared to make a decision there and then – I was asked if price was the problem as they could do something! I still didn’t agree on the day as I wanted to think about it and discuss it with my family.
I called back a few days later, and when I said that price was an issue, they immedately took 10% off the price. At this point I booked the procedure.
The Procedure – as soon as I arrived, someone was waiting for me and whisked me off for the first set of checks and tests. Once they were complete, I was taken to the surgery suite, which is a much nicer environment than the consultation rooms. There were 2 others ahead of me waiting to be done. I then saw a nurse who went through the aftercare with me, she was a lovely, bubbly character who made me feel at ease. I then met the surgeon, who did some more tests and went through any questions I had – again, she was really nice. next up was the procedure, which from start to finish, took approx 10 minutes for both eyes. Not painful at all, but the ‘flap creation’ I found quite uncomfortable. All done, I could see and I’m led into a dark room to relax for while before going home. In total, I was in and out within 1 and a half hours.
So, in a nutshell – Optical Express are really good for the surgery, but you need to get past the ‘sales pitch’ first. Make sure you push for a discount, and try and find someone who’s had it done before who can give you a money off voucher.
My husband and I both had laser eye surgery at Optical Express on 13th March 2012 and are very pleased with the results. I had intralease- Lasik and my husband had Wavefront – Lasik.
We both only need glasses for reading which is a +1.50, so we are now able to just buy our reading glasses over the counter like at BHS or Boots instead of going to the opticians which is great and cheaper!!!
I am very happy with my outcome after my surgery . I felt very well looked after throughout the process and I am so glad to be free of my glasses. A big thank you to Mr.Teenan and his team at Silverburn.
Myself and my husband both had laser eye surgery at Optical Express on 13th March 2012 and are very pleased with the results. I had
intralease – Lasik and my husband had Wavefront – Lasik.
We have both been given !!! £150.00 money off vouchers !!! to give to anyone wishing to have laser eye surgery at Optical Express. Please just contact me at Jackie.briley@virgin.net and I will send one in the post to you.
The vouchers are valid for three months and all you have to do is when you go for your consultation take the voucher with you so that Optical Express know that you have one. Even if you have already had your consultation you can still take the voucher to the store you are having your surgery as long as it is before your surgery date and Optical Express will honour it
We both I only need glasses for reading which is a +1.50, so we are now able to just buy our reading glasses over the counter like at BHS or Boots instead of going to the opticians which is great and cheaper!!!
The entire process from initial telephone contact right through to my being able to see without glasses and all the follow up visits/checks was painless, and handled with extreme courtesy and professionalism. For the first time in over 18 years I have 20/20 vision and cannot thank all the people involved enough. I would recommend this procedure and Optical Express to anyone who is thinking of having corrective eye surgery.