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
Karen Cornwell
Surgery at minsal street Manchester — They were very nice and helpful.
Consultation and aftercare Cross street Manchester. — They were all so very helpful and able to answer all my questions.
Don`t know why i never had the surgery done earlier as its been wonderfull. Thanks for all you`re assistance.
Jacqui Gorden
The best thing i have ever done. To be able to see clearly without aid is the most fantastic feeling.
Both care and treatment was second to none. A Big Thankyou.
CONSULTATION Cross Street Manchester
Surgery Maxi Manchester
David Lea
Brilliant Awesome Only regret is that i didn’t have it done ten years ago. A new Lease of life
Tracey Cheung
I would most certainly reccommend this treatment to anyone who needs glasses or contact lenses. The treatment itself took abput 10 minutes with a bit of discomfort. At the end of the first day of the treatment , i would say i had nearly regained most of my vision without glasses. Having done this treatment is one of the best things i have done and i may say to anyone who is considering it —-“GO FOR IT”
CONSULTATION — Cross Street Manchester
SURGERY — Maxi Manchester
Judy Rich
It is a marvelous feeling wearing neither glasses or contacts, which had been used for 35 years. I had to wait longer for the laser treatment as contacts made it necessary to wait 3 months, but there was no sesation during the treatment,no reaction immediately afterwards and no grittiness which had been expected. I now have what is termed 20/20 vision and i wish i had it done years earlier but thanks to my late mums inheritance from my childhood home i now have complete freedom, and thank all the staff at cross street and salford quays for lokking after me.
CONSULTATION — Cross street Manchester
SURGERY — Rosen
Jackie Walker
After many years of wanting eye laser treatment i finally went ahead. I was really nervous and realised right away there was no need. Everything from treatment to sight has been perfect. I should have done years ago
CONSULTATION —- Cross street Manchester.
SURGERY —— Maxi manchester
Steve
What can I say, absolutely brilliant! Had my surgery carried out at Shaftesbury Avenue branch in London. Bit of a wait as they were running behind (5 hours in total in the branch!), but staff were very friendly and kept everyone updated, including a plate of sandwiches!
Didn’t enjoy the procedure at all. On the upside it only took about 10 minutes but it was a real toe curler! Creating the flap was the worst bit and I hadn’t expected there would be quite so much pressure on my eye which was a bit freaky and unpleasant. The actual lasering was completely painless though, although wasn’t very nice smelling the smoke, aka “gases from the laser”, as referred to in the literature they give you! Afterwards I was quite disorientated. By the time I got home the local anaesthetic had worn off and to be honest the pain was quite bad. I had an awful headache that painkillers couldn’t deal with and my eyes were really really sore and watering badly. Lay in a dark room for the rest of the day / night. By next morning however things were an awful lot better and all I have now is some tenderness and mistiness in my vision. The vision is absolutely brilliant though! I have just had my 24 hour check up in my local brach (Wimbledon) – really friendly laser optomestrist- and guess what I have BETTER than 20/20 vision (ie, I can read the bottom line of the chart!! Feels fantastic!!
In summary, if you have the money, this is the best investment you’ll ever make. Don’t underestimate the short term pain ie up to 12 hours after – some people are lucky, but I though it was pretty bad. Next day though you’ll be feeling 100 times better.
PS – have just stamped on my face furniture and chucked them in the bin!!!
Roy statham
I am extremely grateful to the team at Optical Express for the exellent treatment i have received. The surgery itself and the aftercare was very professional and i felt very comfortable throughout the whole procedure. Very pleased with the result
THANK YOU TEAM
CONSULTATION Cross street Manchester
SURGERY Maxi Manchester
Diane Billows
Great treatment, wish i had it done it years ago. Service and staff exellent. Would recommend it to anyone who`s fed up of wearing glasses.
Allen Bretao
Best money i ever spent. After 30 years of contact lenses, this was a godsend given that i hate wearing spectacles. The suction ring was uncomfortable but bearable, whole operation was about 10 minutes 2 – 3 hours of uncomfort following some aching and smarting, but slept and dozed through this. After some grittiness for 3 – 4 days.
( similer to wearing lenses for the first time)
CONSULTATION Bluewater
SURGERY SHAFTSBURY
