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
Mrs Lydia Shillitoe
Jo Tilsley
Simon Levy was more than capable as the surgeon and the support staff all very professional. The facilities were state of the art, bright, modern and hygienic. Both procedures were painless and I felt totally confident throughout, although I was quite aware of what was happening to me and would recommend any more faint-hearted patients to ask their GP for some diazepam or something similar. Recovery was very good from the procedure. I had a great deal of sensitivity to the light following the procedure, which gradually wore off during the next 36 hours. By the following day any soreness and pain had subsided. I awoke the following morning being able to see the detail of my bedroom ceiling for the first time ever. I followed the two week regime of eyedrops and not allowing water in my eyes without any hitch. My current prescription is 1.5 lines better than 20:20 vision and my night vision is fantastic. I am occasionally having to use +1 readers but at the age of 46 this is only to be expected. A fantastic result!! The novelty of crisp distance vision has yet to wear off and I am so not missing my prckly contact lenses or constantly asking the rest of my family to find my glasses for me.
Luckily for me this treatment was free of charge, during Optegra’s start up phase, in order to fully test out the new lasers. This did not however detract in any way from the quality of the treatment.
Chantal Dellaway
I have worn spectacles since I was six years old so they have always been a part of my life that I didn’t imagine was possible to change. The treatment that I undertook at Optegra has been life changing: no more eye strain from wearing my contacts for too long; no more balancing sun glasses over my spectacles on holiday when my eyes need a lens rest. It’s a miracle! The procedure took about 15 minutes and I was amazed how quick the recovery time is. Things were blurry to start with post op. and I had mild discomfort directly after, but with a couple of paracetamol and 4-5 hours rest/sleep at home my eyes felt comfortable. I followed my surgeon’s aftercare instructions to the letter and I am extremely pleased with the results. Thank you Optegra!
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.
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.
John Vincy
I was a little sceptical at first, and I thought that at best it would be marginally better than wearing contact lenses – the reality is radically improved sight and comfort – and excellent service.
Michael Coleman
Very welcoming environment with pleasant and knowledgable staff. The whole team was very professional. They explained and kept me well informed of the procedures at every stage of treatment from the initial examination, during the operation itself and the after-care follow-up. I am extremely pleased with the end result as I no longer need to wear glasses. I can now drive, ride my Harley and play sports without the hindrance my glasses gave me (although it hasn't improved my tennis backhand?!*). I thoroughly recommend this clinic to anyone considering eye treatment.
Luise Price
After thinking for years about having this treatment done I finally took the plunge. I cannot put into words how absolutely delighted I am. I had the treatment done just over a week ago and you would never know. I had my weekly check up 2 days ago and it was confirmed that I had even better than 20/20 vision. Optegra have been wonderful. The surgeon, Robert Morris not only performs the surgery but sees you both before and after surgery, supporting you through the whole process. Ali Blake, Optegras Optometrist is excellent, she examined my eyes thoroughly at the consultation. The rest of the team looked after me very well. They made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the process and were always happy to answer any questions I had without rushing me. All in all a first class service that I would highly recommend.
Tahseen Sherwani
I really was very impressed throughout with my experience at Optegra. From the initial consultation, through to the actual op and check-ups, the level of professionalism matched by patient care has been exemplary. Having worn glasses for the last 15 years, unable to get on with contact lenses, I had often thought about LASIK but never went through with it. However, having done a bit of research and found that Optegra had the latest equipment in the UK and top Ophthalmic surgeons, I decided to go for an initital consultation with Dr Rob Morris and it was really an easy decision after that. I now have considerably better than 20/20 vision and the only glasses I wear are sunglasses when enjoying this Great British Summer!
Richard Nevines
The whole process is quite incredible and was very easy for me as I am usually a squeamish and cowardly patient… •Initial eye test & consultation; •About 6 minutes in a comfortable recliner (no pain); •20:20 vision 5 minutes later! I can see perfectly now unaided .This is excellent for outdoor activities- plus everyone thinks I’m really brave ! “Thank you Robert Morris and everyone at Optegra .!”
Dr Richard Haycock
I visited several clinics prior to Optegra and decided that for the price the clinic offered superior technology, staff and facilities. Right through the process I was impressed with the professionalism of the staff and the quality of the technology and overall look and feel of the clinic. The treatment options were well explained during the consultation and the actual operation was painless and relaxed. I was -1.5 in both eyes wih mild astigmatism and now have better than 20/20 in both (0.0). I would recommend Optegra to anyone seeking reassurance for the highest quality in LASIK or LASEK surgery around. Thank you!
