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
Tracy Kane
I was the most nervous patient for laser eye surgery that you will meet, but I decided to go through with it, and now have better than 20/20 vision! I would not hesitate to recommend Laservision in Harley Street. Everybody I have met there has been so helpful and friendly, and they take all the time that you need to answer your questions. Mr Williams was not at all grumpy (like I have seen other people mention on this site) but very professional and reassuring while he was operating. It is a difficult decision to make to have the surgery, but the people at Laservision did all they could to help make my decision as informed as possible and have really looked after me (and my nerves!) before during and since the operation.
Andy Loveday
It's now exactly one year since I had me eyes operated on. The results are perfect, im so pleased I made the decision to proceed with lasik treatment and would recommend anyone to have the treatment.
Stephen Garrett
I have just attended my consultation at Optical Express in Glasgow. I was a bit apprehensive but the staff there were friendly and welcoming and I was put at ease straight away. My consultant was Vicky, who advised me that Lasek would be the best procedure for me, partly because I play a lot of sport. My prescription is –2 in my left eye and –2.25 in my right eye. I was then seen be a patient councillor, Andrew who answered all my questions. He was very patient with me and has eased most of my worries. My surgery is booked for Friday, 26th March and my surgeon is Mr Eve. First impressions of Optical Express is that they are a professional and friendly organisation. I’ll post again after my surgery and let you know how I get on.
JonQ
It's almost a year since I had my surgery in the Glasgow branch of Optical Express. From start to finish, the booking process, consultation, surgery and aftercare, the experience has truely been life changing. After finding out my suitability, I was given as long as I needed to make a decision on whether surgery was for me. My prescription was about -4.50 in both eyes. I didn't take too long in deciding to go ahead for the surgery, the consultation team were fantastic and helped me weigh up my expectations and fears. The day of the surgery was a tremendous experience, the procedure was PAIN FREE, quick and easy! I experienced some dryness in my left eye, popped into the clinic who prescribed liquid gel which done the job! I've been off drops for about 6 months, I go about my life normally and as a 22 year old guy who doesn't need to worry about contacts or glasses, it's great. I'd do it all again if I had to, and I'd reccommend optical Express to anyone! So, thank you Renfield Street Optical Express! Go for it and good luck!!!
lisa
Wow!Thank you very much Optical Express. The whole experience from start to finish was amazing. Very professional and friendly staff, painless surgery and a 100% improvement in my vision over night.I visited the Glasgow Optical Express for my consultation and aftercares, and had my surgery in the Newcastle branch, I could not fault one part of the process. I would recommend the surgery and Optical Express to anyone.
Trevor McComb
Decided on investigating laser surgey after a cousin completed the treatment with excellent results. I selected Optical Express as they perform the procedure locally. Also they have always received good feedback according to the reports I reviewed. I had avoided writing about my excellent impression of the preparatory consulation (incase that was later shown to be mis-leading as a result of poor follow-up) However, I completed my LASIK 18-Mar PM. This was not painful in the least - less so than going to the dentists. For me, the only unsettling aspect was having someone work on the preparation of the eye, though I stress that was totally pain-free. During the lasering itself (40 secs right, 32 secs left) there was no problem. Full processing took only 30 mins. After surgey I could see immediately. After the local anaesthetic wire off the natural tendency was for my eyes to close in reaction to natural light (rather than due to them being sore). However within 2 hours, I could open and see without problems. After a sleep (with the help of the provided sleeping tablet), things got even better - I didn't even think about using the painkillers supplied as they were not needed. Follow-up consultation today confirms that my astigmatism, short-sightedness at a level averaged at 4.7 is now 20:20 and improving as my eyes settle. Assuming that I avoid any type of infection, then things have gone great. I had followed this forum during the lead up to the process and used it to monitor how people felt about their treatments. For anyone reading this as part of a similar 'pre-op' activity, I would conclude by saying that the many good reports posted about Optical Express are spot on. Mr G Eve and the Glasgow team put all concerns at ease before and after surgery and made the treatment infact enjoyable. I would not hesitate to advise anyone to go ahead with the treatment - it changes things in a way that you would never believe.
Alan Collins
LASIK eye surgery, Monday 22nd March 2004. Consult in Edinburgh Optical Express (OE) 20th March and Surgery in Renfield Street, Glasgow. PX Left -6.25 Right -6.00 This has been a truly brilliant experience. From the Edinburgh assesment which was very thorough including counselling (and a special mention to Gwen Homer the Optician/Laser eye assessment specialist who was very attentive and professional). I must mention at this stage for those building their hopes up pre-assessment that OE turn down approximately 40% for the surgery mainly due to a person having insufficient Corneal Tissue and OE have strict tolerance levels which is re-assuring. It also makes the assessment quite nerve racking wondering if you are a successful candidate. Anyway enough waffling and on to the surgery itself. Very friendly in Glasgow and 90 seconds later I was back in the recovery room. The surgery itself is painless and a weird sensation actually which is difficult to describe. I must onfess though it was difficult to open my eyes and I decided to immediately take the pain killers and a sleeping tablet which are all provided.Took the second sleeping tablet when I got home and 8 hours later, back to 20/20 vision and goodbye contact lenses and glasses (why did I go through this for 25 years??). Although I still think it a tad expensive, another way of looking at it is when you consider £15 a month for Contact lenses and the £100-£200 and sometimes more every two years for glasses, it's probably not bad really. The 10 months interest free also eases the pain. Make no mistake, this is a magical way to re-discover clarity of vision and believe me there is lots you miss wearing lenses or glasses. Go on you can do it. Finally for anyone who have had tattoos, laser eye surgery is a piece of cake in comparison. Cheers Optical Express
Sarah
Had LASIK with Dr Jain this morning... Wow what an experience! Expectations relating to the surgery had not surprises although the left eye felt the pressure a little bit. Now 12 hours later my sight is amazing considering what eyes have gone through today. Mr Jain is a gentleman and Charles and the support nurses @ Milton Keynes (remembering this is 8.30 on a Sunday morning and they do not live local), need a medal! Thanks to the team. Back tomorrow for my check up but already things feel and look good.
Kate
I had Lasek at Manchester just under two weeks ago and it is the best thing I have ever done. Previously, I had decided to have Lasik as the longer recovery time associated with Lasek did not appeal to me and had heard some bad reports about the amount of pain you may suffer. However, after having a discussion with Dr Aziz on the day of surgery, he recommended I have Lasek due to my above average pupil size. He also mentioned that there is lower risk of suffering from dry eyes, which I had done when wearing contact lenses. I had previously worried about the risk of infection and complications with Lasik treatment, which is much lower for Lasek. Dr Aziz was incredibly honest and his advice was spot on. The surgery was completely painless, although I could feel some pressure on my eyes. The next couple of days were slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. My eyes felt gritty and were very sensitive to light. The worst bit was putting so many drops in but I got used to it pretty quickly. It is recommended you take a week off work but I went back after 5 days with slightly blurred vision and have had no problems at all. DO NOT be put off by Lasek. There is a slightly longer recovery time but after 7 days, your recovery is over with no risk of infection or complications. There is slight discomfort for the first couple of days but it is by no means painful. I went out for lunch the day after surgery and was completely fine. It just felt I had my contact lenses in for too long. I would recommend anybody to have Lasek treatment. It has totally changed my life for the better. Mr Aziz and his staff were wonderful, answering any questions I had over the next week. There is nothing to worry about and anybody thinking about it should just go for it.
Donna
PHONED GLASGOW BRANCH RE LASIK SPOKE TO ANDREW. GAVE ME GREAT FANTASTIC, NO NON-SENSE ADVICE. OFFERED A FREE ASSESSMENT WITHOUT OBLIGATION. STILL TO MAKE APPOINTMENT BUT WILL DO SOON
