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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
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.
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From start to finish I found the staff at Chester, Manchester and the Trafford Centre very friendly and professional. I had a problem with the eye clamp staying in place the first time I went for treatment. This was down to nerves and the fact that I was so very tense. The surgeon was very reassuring and told me that they would be able to try again in about 10 days, after the redness in my eye had gone down. I arrived at 2.30pm on 6th July 2009 and was seen by the surgeon who explained everything to me again. They asked me if I would like someone to hold my hand, which I accepted! Everything was done at my pace, they constantly asked me if I was OK, counted down the amount of time left for each part of the surgery and if I was ready for the next steps. By 4.30pm I was done. The first hour or so after the surgery was the worst, I couldn’t open my eyes, due to them being sensitive to the light and they streamed with tears. I took a co-codamol and that eased the discomfort. Since then I’ve had no discomfort at all. I suffered no pain whatsoever, just discomfort. I cannot thank them enough for what they have done. My vision was quite bad (-7.0 R -7.5 L) and now I can see everything. I took great pleasure in throwing my glasses away and can now properly look forward to a worry free trip to Namibia. Would definately recommend them to a friend. Totally worth every penny.
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The actual process itself isnt too bad at all,just the sensation of pressure-its all over so quickly.It was very uncomfortable for the first hour on the journey from Bristol to Exeter, I was hypersensitive to light and could not open my eyes. It eased up considerably after the prescribed rest period.After my one week consultation I had the fantastic result of 20/20 vision in my weaker eye and better than 20/20 in my right. IT REALLY IS WORTH IT!. Dont feel that you automatically have to go for wavefront,being the latest method,(UNLESS SPECIFICALLY ADVISED TO) it is more expensive and I am proof of the equally great effect of this other technique. I recommend that you ask for extra lubricating drops though as you will get through alot, keep them by your bedside for when you first wake up.
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I had me treatment at the Bristol Cribbs Causeway clinic back in March. My eyesight was apalling and I was very nervous before surgery. My surgeon was Mr Tom Matterman and I can honestly say that the chap is a genius. From start to finish I felt really well looked after and more importantly safe! The surgery took all of ten minutes for both eyes and I could see pretty well directly afterwards. My sight is still improving and I am due to go back for another examination in a couple of weeks.
No halo’s, no pain and great vision. If you are thinking of having surgery done please don’t hesitate. Optical Express rocks!I would be glad to tell you more of my experience. if you need any further information or indeed a money off voucher for treatment please drop me a line at intamedia@blueyonder.co.uk and I will pop one in the post.
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I found the initial consultation a little ‘salesy’ but was expecting that. Staff were all very helpful and knowledgeable though. Had my treatment in Glasgow on 27th June. Arrived at 10am and was all done by 10:45. Staff were really nice and reassuring. Treatment wasn’t pleasant but wasn’t painful and was at least over very quickly! My vision was very cloudy after the procedure and I found it very hard to keep my eyes open – came home and slept for an hour and when i woke up my vision was great and by later that night was as good as it was with glasses. Gets better everyday – my eyes are very dry but drops work great. Feels a bit like I’ve had my contacts in for too long sometimes – then i remember I don’t have any in!!
Wish I had done it years ago – so glad I had it done – although its taking a while to sink in that i won’t need my glasses/lenses ever again!
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17/06/09 is the day I had my surgery @ Trafford centre, and boy what an experience! All my 15years grievances thanks to my short-sightedness were over in a matter of 30mins! Awesome experience… The technology, the hospitality, Dr Qazi, the extra friendly optical express stuff (i suspect they’re always high on something tho esp. @ Trafford centre, lol!), oh and not forgetting the free coffee!
Special thanks to Liz, Nicky, Vasanti and Katie. But most of all Dr Qazi. Believe me you guys, the technology does its job efficiently but your hospitality does its magic too! God bless you all.Thanks,
Esther