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.
5. Optical Express Surgeons
Mr Mehul Damani
MBBS, MS, DOMS, DNB, FRCS
Mr Luca Antico
MD
Mr Manek Patel
MD, RCOph
Mr Dimitri Kazakos
MD, MRCOphth
Dr Mohammed Shabbar Kazmi
MBBS, FRCS(Opth)
Mr Jonathan Carr
MD MA(Cantab) FRCOphth
Doctor Jan Venter
MD
Mr Khalid Khan
MBBS FRCS FRCOphth
Mr Jacobus Pauw
MBChB MMedOphth FCSOphth
Mr Sanjay Mantry
FRCOphth FRCS FRCS
Mr Andre Oberholster
MBChb MMedOphth
Mr Stefan Klopper
MBChB FCS
Mr Waseem Aziz
MB ChB FRCS
Mr Alex George
FRCOphth, FRCS MS, DOMS, DNB
6. Optical Express Reviews
Lucky
Very good service. Many thanks to O E
Lucky Ellahi
Everything was perfectly cleared to me on the consultation day and everything went perfect. Just cant thank anymore to Optical Express. Very knowledgable staff and professional team.
linda muir
what a difference its fantastic been wearing glasses for 20 years and this is my first day without them thanks to the staff they were great put you at ease
Jackie P.
On the day of my surgery I was a little nervous but the staff at the clinic were very kind and reassuring. The surgery didn’t hurt at all. My eyes were very light sensitive after and watered profusely. They were really stinging when I got home which was the worst part but it went off after a couple of hours. Now 10 days later , whilst I can see my vision is by far no where near as sharp as with my glasses. My vision is still blurred. My right eye is pretty good but my left eye is very blurry which gives me unbalanced vision. I struggle at work with this and end up with a headache by the end of the day, I don’t usually suffer with headaches at all. I drive but have not driven since my surgery as I do not feel confident with my vision as it is. My aftercare has been great and they keep reassuring me that this is not unusual and the it will get better as the days go by. I am keeping an open mind. Although they tell me that my vision is 20/20 at this point in time I wish I still had my glasses and am left wondering if I did the right thing in having this done. There do not appear to be any other reviews from anyone having this problem, hence why I have posted myine I will post another review in due course to update you. I was not warned that this might happen.
Paul jackson
Fantastic treatment from start to finish. I was very worried for months leading up to my procedure back in March of this year. My initial consultation was in the Torquay Optical Express and the surgery undertaken in Bristol Cribbs Causeway by Mr Tom matterman. The whole procedure was over in around 12 minutes for both eyes!
I am now enjoying our limited summer actually being able to wear sunglasses!
Please contact me at intamedia@blueyonder.co.uk and I can put your mind at rest if you need reassurance.
Thanks and good luck
Paul
Paul Jackson
Further to my previous postings I wanted to offer my latest feedback. It is now 17 months on from my procedure and my eyes are absolutely superb. I have now seen three of my family have the same procedure and they are so happy that they took the decision. No regrets, no pain, just fantastic sight.
I was worried that my sight may have started to deminish with time. I can put those fears to one side as it is stable and very clear. Its improved my golf no end too!
If anyone would like further information or a money off voucher I will send one up free of charge. Please contact me by clicking my name on the top of the posting or at intamedia@blueyonder.co.uk.
Bristol Clinic was totally excellent too. Great service all round. Everyone has their own experience but I cannot rate Optical Express highly enough.
Go for it
Paul
Julie
Two weeks on and my vision is amazing. Many thanks to Mr Osama Giledi who has given me my site back! I’ve just received vouchers so if anyone would like £150 off their treatment just send me an e-mail (julie.perfitt@pfizer.com) with your address and I’ll send one on to you. Note: you need to take the vouchers with you to the initial consultation to get the discount. Good luck, I really can recommend the treatment and all the staff at Optical Express, Bluewater.
Neville Carabott
Day one post-op and oh my word it works! I have 20:20 vision and better. Optical Express in Shaftesbury Avenue, London can’t be faulted from begining to end. I am leaving this review to reassure you if you are thinking of doing it. Don’t get caught into reading too much about this simple procedure. I was getting confused whether to do it at Optimax and save some money and pay more at Ultralase for lifetime guarantee treatment. I am happy with my decision to go with Opitcal Express cause they have the best technology. Once you are satisfied with the laser equipment used and the surgeon just go ahead. After the op your head feels like you are recovering from a bad cold and this soon left with two paracetemols. I suggest you take 2 paracetemols before you leave the clinic so that by the time you get home you don’t feel anything. I had to wait 30mins for the mild discomfort to leave then I slept it off and woke up feeling great. I had my first aftercare visit and all is well.
Paul Jackson
Superb service from start to finish. Now 20 months on and my eyes are fabulous. I will answer any concerns or questions that you may have and can also offer a money off voucher for your treatment.
I can be contacted by clicking on my name at the top of this posting or at paulj@sigmasd.com
This treatment has really changed my life, honestly pain free and very speedy recovery time. I would not hesitate to recomend Optical Express to anyone. Go for it!
Paul Johnson
Excellent service from Optical Express. I was nervous before the procedure but I honestly should not have worried. It was very professional from the start. The initial examination held by your local branch of Optical Express is carried out again to ensure that nothing has changed since the consultation. Once the surgeon is completely happy you return to the waiting room to be called.
My procedure was over in less that 20 minutes and although a bit hazy I could see without glassed for the first time in my life. It was strange to reach for my glasses and not need them 🙂
The recovery time was around a week to let my eyes completely settle but i can honestly say that it was worth it. My vision is now better than 20/20 and I can do all of the things that I found a hinderance with no problems. Even wear sun glasses if the sun ever comes out 🙂
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further information. I can even give you a money off voucher 🙂
