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
Jo
I have spent the last year researching laser eye surgery and have read everything possible, including all the negative things, however I decided to go ahead. I had my surgery at the London clinic on the 18th November 2002. I was very impressed by all the staff, who were friendly and professional. Both eyes were treated by Mr Panjit who was excellent. The treatment lasted 20 minutes and was a bit uncomfortable but painless. The worse thing was the smell! It now four days since surgery and I'm following my aftercare routine to the letter but the best thing is I can see :) both eyes are 6/6. I am amazed by the results and it's the best thing!
Jeff Hammond
Update from my comments posted on 24th Oct 02. I can honestly say that my vision is fantastic now. My eyes do get a little dry even now but I can cope with adding drops daily! I would recommend Mr Panjit for the surgery and the optometrist Allan Dennis at the London Clinic. Both were excellent. If you need to ask questions just drop me a line.
Phil Mitchell
It's now a little over a year since my surgery with Mr Williams at the Harley St clinic and I now have 20/15 visual acuity in both eyes so naturally I am delighted. My thanks to Mr Williams and his excellent staff.
Juliet
Taken the jump and had my check-up with an opticians in Norwich last week, given the all clear so off to the London clinic on the 19th January. Can anyone tell me if you FEEL anything? That's my only concern...otherwise looking forward to the idea of no lenses after 20 years!
Andrew Loveday
Well the big days been and gone. I can now see!!!! today's Thursday and the op was Monday, I could drive on Tuesday. Although I'm still getting used to things and I feel 100% is not quite there I am hoping that over the next day or two things will settle down. Few tips for people going : There is some discomfort in the op nothing to bad but don't think its going to be a breeze. Take the sedative it helps !!!! The op affects people in different ways. People who shared the same hotel as me had almost perfect vision that night. I was still in discomfort - eyes watery, sore and poor vision. However the following day my eyes were perfect no discomfort and those with perfect vision the night before had lost some sight, although they are expected to get this back !!!!!!! On the night of the op I strongly recommend you take the sleeping pills your given and go to bed as early as possible. Rest to your eyes seems to be the best way !!! good luck to you all
Debbie Mould
Had Lasek treatment on 4th Nov 02, it is now 07 Jan 03. My eyesight is EXCELLENT !! Left with 0.50 astigmatism in one eye. No haze, no eye-dryness now (stopped after 5 weeks). Absolutely delighted. Clinic and aftercare SUPERB. Maxi Vision, London
Robert Spragg
It's now been three and a half months since my treatment, and everything has settled down fine. Initially my night vision was a bit worse than before the op - haloes etc around lights. This has now disappeared. My prescription has ended up as 0.0 as far as the short-sightedness is concerned (in both eyes), with just a small amount of astigmatism left in each eye. I have not needed even to get reading glasses made up yet. The Eye Clinic's after-care service has still been faultless. I don't know why I didn't have the treatment before !
Nichola Reynolds
Hello, just thought I would post again to let you know how I got on, I got my surgery this morning in Manchester and I'm back home in Scotland now, and all I can say is - Its Brilliant, I can actually see!!!! The procedure was completely painless, (I'm not exaggerating) I took the valium beforehand so I was very calm, which I definitely think helped. The staff were great, they talked me through the whole procedure telling me what was happening next etc, they even told me afterwards that I had been really good, I just stayed as calm as I could, and got though the procedure no probs. But to be honest the procedure itself never really bothered me, it was always the results afterwards that I was worried about, well if this is anything to go by I think it has been well worth it. I don't think is has sunk in yet that I can actually see without my glasses. Right now my eyes feel as though I have been wearing my contact lenses all day and I just want to take them out and rub my eyes!!!! I will be honest though, once the anaesthetic wore off, my eyes were pretty sore this afternoon, but I just rested them and managed to get a little sleep on the train home, and I can now manage to open them OK. I've taken 2 doses of my drops (3 different drops 4 times a day, twice in each eye!!!) and I've just taken my sleeping pills and I'm off to bed. The only moan I have about the whole thing, is to say that they were very busy today and I thought I would have seen the surgeon before I left but I didn't, someone else checked things were OK before I left though, and when I was leaving I turned round to say goodbye and no one heard me so I was like "OK, don't say Cherriothen", but they were probably just too busy. So I don't think that's goes against the professionalism of MaxiVision and I would definitely recommend them!!! I will update you on my progress over the next few weeks!!!
Andrew Loveday
just had my monthly check up after the op in December, all I can say is perfect !! just go for it !! its the best thing you can do.
Gerard
What can I say! I went to the Shaftsbury Ave clinic on Thursday for Lasik. I've been very short-sighted for most of my life and when I came out a few hours later I could see! The staff were excellent, v professional and v reassuring. Got there for 8.30am. My eyes were checked out on an interesting contraption that checked the layout of the eyes. Went upstairs. Paid the money to the very nice Anna, the Laser Clinic office manager, then saw the surgeon who did the some double checks (same as when I went for the suitability consultation.) Went in for surgery half an hour later and that was it! Foggy sight for the first day - went home took one of their prescribed sleeping tablets. Woke up... went in the next day and my eyesight was already 20/20! Just out of an appointment today they're now even better (didn't that would be possible). Sharleen my carer was very kind. You might think that you won't need someone to hold your hand but when you're lying on your back with your legs in the air and the surgeon is sticking clamps in your eyes it helps! I would highly recommend Lasik and The Eye Clinic to all.
