Optegra is a leading provider of laser eye surgery and lens replacement surgery in the UK, and often receives independent five-star reviews from its customers. You can choose from 30 Optegra clinics dotted around the UK, each one equipped with advanced technology, whilst keeping your vision correction costs in check.
So, what makes Optegra special? Optegra specialises solely in eyes, so you can feel safe in the hands of ophthalmic experts (not cosmetic surgeons). What’s more, its 155 eye consultants are hugely experienced, having corrected the sight of over one billion eyes to date.
Who doesn’t like Optegra? Based on our reviews, a few patients have been disappointed with the level of customer service at Optegra – and recent government inspectors weren’t impressed by the safety standards of the hospital.
Based on over 100 real customer reviews, independent reports from the CQC, and objective research, here is how Optegra fares for its clinic, costs, treatments and surgeons:
| Optegra Rating Overall | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (4.1 out of 5) | (4.4 out of 5) | (3.7 out of 5) | (4.4 out of 5) | (4.2 out of 5) |
- Optegra Review
- Clinic Rating
- Optegra Prices
- Treatments
- Optegra Surgeons
- The Verdict
- Surgeon Reviews
- 119 Patient Reviews
1. Optegra Review
(4.1 out of 5)
“I now have perfect vision. I was most impressed with the professionalism and care that I received from all the staff at Optegra.” – Rachel Whitlam
Optegra has an overall five-star customer rating, based on nearly 9,000 independent reviews on Lasik Eyes since 2002. Former eye surgery patients reserve the most praise for the clinic’s attentive staff, quality lenses, and value for money. That’s right Optegra prices are hard to beat in the UK.
But beware – the CQC (Care Quality Commission) rates Optegra London as requiring improvement. Although the staff are caring, inspectors found the clinic missed the bar on safety standards (such as providing sufficient information leaflets), and lacks effective leadership.
Pros: Experts in lens replacement surgery, eye specialists since 1804, fixed prices, 0% finance options, affordable eye surgery
Cons: Poor CQC rating, hit-and-miss customer service
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote – as well as free eye tests worth £800!
2. Clinic Rating
“After scrabbling for glasses on waking every day since I was 4 years old, I finally have freedom! Optegra has first class care and facilities – highly recommended.” – Dorothea Heath
(4.4 out of 5)
Optegra has a range of eye hospitals and clinics nationwide that vary in standards. The most recent reports from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Optegra’s clinics in Birmingham, Surrey and Yorkshire as “good”, but the London, Manchester and Whiteley branches “require improvement”.
Optegra stands out for opening its doors: it hosts regular open evenings, where prospective patients can meet consultants, ask questions about the procedure, and take a tour of a specialist eye hospital.
Technology and equipment
Optegra works with world-class manufacturers and suppliers of ophthalmic equipment and instruments.
It also oversees Optegra Eye Sciences, a separate non-profit research division dedicated to the development of eye sciences and advocating the latest innovations in eye care.
3. Optegra Prices
(3.7 out of 5)
Optegra eye surgery prices range between £1,795 and £3,495 per eye, depending on the type of surgery you require, the lens you choose, and the experience of the surgeon. The initial consultation is free, as with many eye clinics.
The cost of eye surgery at Optegra includes your consultation, aftercare, and treatment plan (including lenses if you opt for refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery).
Optegra’s prices can vary slightly from clinic to clinic, with London costing up to 10% more for refractive treatment. That’s for cover the higher overheads at the capital, but you can also look forward to getting slightly more experienced surgeons for your buck.
Here is a full break-down of costs for the most popular treatments at Optegra:
| Treatment | Cost (per eye) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK / LASEK | £1,795 | The most common laser eye surgery. |
| SMILE | £2,495 | More complex laser eye surgery. |
| Lens Replacement | £3,495 | Cataract treatment. |
| ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses) | £3,495 | Permanent contact lenses. |
| Presbyond | £2,495 | Treatment for presbyopia (long-sightedness). |
These prices are on par with the average cost of laser eye and lens replacement surgery in the UK. Some clinics like Optical Express are less pricey, while private eye hospitals such as Moorfields can charge twice as much as Optegra.
The good? Pay monthly finance options are available, meaning you can get lens replacement surgery for £131.06 a month over 12 months – and if you pay the full cost back within 12 months, it’s interest free.
The bad? Surgery at Optegra’s central London clinic costs around £100 extra for most treatments.
4. Treatments Offered
(4.2 out of 5)
Optegra offers a wide range of laser eye treatments, from laser eye surgery to lens replacement surgery (including cataract surgery), which you can see reviewed below. The main treatments it offers are:
- LASIK and LASEK surgery
- Lens replacement surgery
- Cataract surgery or Refractive Lens Exchange
- Implantable contact lenses
- Presbyopia surgery
Optegra offers Wavefront LASIK and LASEK surgery. This procedure is more advanced than traditional treatments – it treats every eye as individually as a fingerprint, so your treatment will be tailored to you.
The equivalent of lens replacement surgery at Optegra is called Clairvu, which promises the highest standard of refractive lens exchange (RLE). That said, our eye experts could not find any real difference between Optegra’s lens treatment and that of its rivals.
5. Optegra Surgeons
“Mr Morris explained the procedure so clearly, and gave me such confidence throughout.” – Mrs Gillian Fawkes
(4.4 out of 5)
Optegra only hires Fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) who are experienced in hundreds of eye surgeries. Each consultant specialises in an area of laser eye or lens replacement surgery, so you can expect an expert in their field, and the right treatment for you personally.
Generally, surgeons receive five-star ratings from previous patients. Mr Robert J. Morris is one of Optegra’s longest standing ophthalmologists – his reviews are good, but he doesn’t quite enjoy as few complaints as surgeons at other clinics.
Optegra’s surgeons are reliable for being:
- NHS trained
- RCOphth approved
- Experienced (5 years or more)
6. The Verdict
I was a little skeptical at first, and thought that at best it would be marginally better than wearing contact lenses – the reality is radically improved sight, comfort, and excellent service. – John Viney
(4.0 out of 5)
Most patients we spoke to had a positive experience with Optegra, and its reputation for providing stress-free surgery secures a space on the 10 best places for laser eye surgery in London and makes the top five laser eye clinics in Manchester.
However, the inadequate rating from independent inspectors just knocks this clinic off the top spot on our list of the best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK.
So, is Optegra 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 closer to going glasses free:
- 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 are eligible for 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 and personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and receive your very own tailored quote.
7. Surgeon Reviews
8. Optegra Customer Reviews
My Scheutz-Spence
Excellent experience! Having considered LASIK for some time, I'm delighted with my optician's recommendation of Optegra. Full and clear information before, during and after surgery, helpful staff and a friendly atmosphere made what could have been daunting, something wholly positive.
Laura Marsden
The whole process of having my eyes lasered was very simple and pretty much pain free, I wish I had it done years ago. I am 5 days post-op and have perfect vision! The consultation I had at Optegra about a month ago was very indepth and I seemed to go on about 8 or 10 different pieces of equipment and had my eyes photographed and examined from every angle. I was very impressed that I saw a surgeon for my consultation as that is not standard practise at one other clinic I went to look around. The clinic itself is like a spa, it is relaxing and calming as soon as you walk through the door. The treatment took all of about 3 minutes. The actual lasering part took about 4 seconds per eye - and my prescription was minus 5! (I prevoously looked around another clinic and they told me it would take about 60-90 seconds for the actual lasering which is really off-putting as I knew my corneas would start to dry as soon as the flap was lifted, which didn't sound good at all). I was amazed at the fact I could see so clearly as soon as I sat up off the bed. My surgeon, Mr. Morris was fantastic and felt totally safe the whole time with him and his team of clinical staff. Highly recommend Optegra, a lovely relaxing place with great staff.
Claire Wallis
I was very hesitant about having laser surgery, but my sister who had previously had it done talked me into it for my wedding day. It made such a huge difference to the enjoyment of my day, and all the photos turned out rather than having reflection from my glasses.
My sister had been trying to convince me for three years to have it done, and once I met the staff at Optegra they reassured me completely that the team looking after me were all complete proffessionals, who would not proceed if there was any doubt as to the success of the treatment.
I would encourage anyone who is nervous just to get on and do it, it really did not hurt, and was over in 20 minutes.
Simon Matthews
A quick and painless procedure. Professional aftercare and now PERFECT vision.
Mario Valverde
Having researched for the last few years laser surgery and a procedure that would fit in with my lifestyle of Sport. I reviewed other clinics and spoke to other surgeons. My main concern was having a surgeon who was top of their game. I also asked friends and family who had the procedure done before deciding to go ahead. I made the enquiry with Optegra and from Start to finish the professionalism and dedication of the team at Optegra where second to none. Rob Morris made me feel at ease from the very first consultation through to treatment and the aftercare. I was kept fully informed of the process and aftercare expectations were spot on. The procedure took less than 15 minutes and within a couple of days the results were amazing. I had put this off for years because i hadnt met the right Surgeon, but meeting Rob and his team changed all this. The results speak for themselves. If you wish to contact me about my experience then i would be very happy for you to do so. Thanks ROB and OPTEGRA
David Boxall
At First I was very worried about having this done, however after the consultation with my surgeon I could not wait. The Surgeon and Nursing staff were just great, the treatment was very quick and a little weird but very painless. The after care ( which is in my opinion the most important part ) was second to none, i followed the course of drops and my eyes were just fine. I now have 20/20 vision if not better!! and if i can say one thing to people its " Get down to Optegra now and have your eyes done ", the results are just amazing .
Nigel Cooper
Having ridden a motorbike for years and struggled with contact lenses and / or glasses Iinside the crash helmet, I finally decided to take the plunge and have laser eye surgery. Optegra was recommended to me and from the initial appointment I was made to feel at ease. The Team were professional and friendly and fitted the appointments around my schedule.
I have met many consultants through my work and can honestly say that Rob Morris is one of the most down to earth and friendly consultants I have come across. Having seen him at the initial appointment and talked through my concerns, it was comforting to know it would be him performing the surgery.
I was back riding my bike within a few weeks and my sight just continues to improve. I would thoroughly recommend Optegra.
Steve Umpelby
From the ease of getting there, friendliness of staff through to the actual results etc I've been very impressed. The staff took time to explain everything that was going on and came over as highly professional and thorough. I won't pretend the surgery was painless, but it was no worse than getting a speck of dust behind a contact lens and over in a few seconds. Within 6 hours my eyes were totally pain free and no longer light sensitive. I'd worn lenses for 20 years and glasses for 12 years before that and was about -7 in both eyes. I'd always been a little hesitant and the lenses were OK, just inconvenient but I've been recommending the treatment, and Optegra to everyone that has asked. Two months on and it feels great.
Nigel Cooper
I cannot thank the Staff at Optegra enough, from the initial consultation through to surgery and post surgery consultations, I was made to feel at ease and nothing was too much trouble. They were all professional, friendly and polite and the coffee was excellent! In my line of work, I have met many consultants and can honestly say that Rob Morris is one of the most approachable and professional men I have met. The day following surgery, my sight was almost perfect, with little or no discomfort. At the one month follow up consultation my sight had improved to better than 20/20 vision. Although advised not to ride a motorbike for a month, I found the temptation too great and after a couple of weeks rode 400 miles in a weekend with no problems. It felt even better being free from wearing prescription glasses and especially lenses which had a tendency to dry out. Can't stop buying designer sunglasses now!
Lisa Holloway
I would like to say a big thank you to the staff at Optegra. Everyone I met were very friendly and helpful which instantly made me feel at ease. The whole experience was seamless and although i had a relatively low prescription, two weeks on i feel my eyes are almost perfect. The follow up appointments are made at times convenient to you and the clinic is lovely. Overall i am really pleased and have recommended Optegra to others interested in laser correction.
