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
jason
Well from my first consult in sheffield meadowhall for lasik treatment i was at ease and under no pressure whats so ever :) My prescription is not very strong but strong enough so that I need my glasses while driving or watching tv, movies ect. They informed me that wavefront is better as it maps the eyes and potentially gives you better night vision, but also told me that standard would be perfect to me also. After doing nearly 8 years or research on lasik i decided that for 490 pound all in (after recommendation) i would finally make the jump. I was treated yesterday on the 5th of may and it was even easier then i thought it would be (which i knew was pain free) The part that bothered me the most was the first set of eye drops but after that they encouraged me and kept me informed with how each eye was going. On the drive home things where alittle cloudy but could already see number plates :) I even felt like if push came to shove I could have drove (altho I wouldnt have). I really hope this puts peoples minds at ease as i had read this website and found it had put me at ease. On a seperate note I have a friend who has had it done but only they had intralase (flap created with laser) between our stories i think the mechanical is the easier and faser option as he felt pressure on the eye as they lasered it open.
Tracey Wheaton
I attended Bristol Clinic on Wednesday 28th April. We drove up from Plymouth and had arrived at 2.pm I was told that I could be there as long as 3 hours. However as it was I was seen very quickly, they double check my eyes before surgery I completed my consent form, then met Mr Tom Materman my surgeon and discussed any questions I might have had, but to be trufthful I read the information so many times i just wanted the proceedure done. I waited outside for about 10-15 minutes, then I was called in for surgery. I was explained and shown exactly what would happen through the procedure before Mr Materman came in. Once he attended the procedure was as exactly as I have been informed a few moments ago. Very quick and precise and with no pain. Mr Materman explained the procedure as he went, and I felt so at ease as I had just been told the same thing before by the nurse. All finished I was then taken to a darkish room and explained the aftercare procedure and then I was ready to go home. I must have been there approximately 1 - 1.5 hours very quick indeed. My only issue was driving home it was extremely bright day and I can confirm you woudl not be able to drive yourself so you do need to take someone with you. My Husband drove home to plymouth but I myself could not even open my eyes as it was so bright. I had sunglassess on and a top over my head. The drops eventually worn off and my eyes felt a little gritty. but not so bad that it was painful. We got home and I decided to go to bed for two hours so after inserting my eye drops I went to bed with the wasp like googles - nice but essential. if you are like me I rub my eyes when I am alseep and this stopped me doing that. Next day I went to have eyes tested and I already have 20/20 vision, I can see I have one eye better than the other at this moment and up close my vision is a little blurred but I was informed this will get better over time. I cannot fault the procedure and I wish I had it done ages ago. The reason I scored them lower on Customer Services is because a patients card was visable for my husband to read and apparently the patient was nervous of the surgery someone commented on the card "wimp". Not really customer service to see that on a patients card but still to be able to see a patient records from the waiting area.
Heather Trottier
Very good customer service Staff very friendly Joanne Magraw is also very friendly and puts you at ease the surgery was just a little uncomfortable when they make the flap and then no pain at all afterwards my eyes were a hazy and a bit uncomfortable but if you take pain killers this eases my vision is very good in both eyes 19.25 pm I had the op at 12.15 today Highly recommend Southampton and Joanne Magraw
Heather Trottier
Very good customer service Staff very friendly Joanne Magraw is also very friendly and puts you at ease the surgery was just a little uncomfortable when they make the flap and then no pain at all afterwards my eyes were a hazy and a bit uncomfortable but if you take pain killers this eases my vision is very good in both eyes 19.25 pm I had the op at 12.15 today Highly recommend Southampton and Joanne Magraw
Anna Lucas
Fantastic results and a very speedy recovery. I felt that I was given all the information and support I needed to choose to go through with the procedure, and I didn't feel any pressure to have the procedure after the initial consultation which I really appreciated.
Keith Whatley
I had my surgery at Optical Express in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. I felt welcome and calm all the way through the prelimanary tests and the surgery I had on the day of the treatment. I cannot fault the care and reassurance I was given by all the staff at Optical Express. The procedure itself was completely painless with no discomfort at all. The only point I would like to make is:- I live 2 hours away from Optical Express in Cribbs Causeway, and on the rather sunny drive home, the anesthetic eventually wore off and my eyes began to sting like I was peeling onions.... This was very uncomfortable for a total of about 3.5 hours, even 2 pairs of sunglasses did not help. Once I had laid down in a dark room having taken my eye drops, the stinging went away quite quickly and I managed to open my eyes and see fairly clearly. The point I would like to make is, if I had known this prior to the procedure, I probably would have stayed in a hotel in Bristol over night and travelled back the next day. So, beware potential patients - if you live a long way away from your nearest clinic.... A week on from my surgery and my eyes are brilliant! I would still highly recommend it to anybody.
sally metcalfe
Absolutely amazing, very professional, friendly and very reassuring. Credit to the team spot on xx
Sally
absolutely amazing. After wearing glasses for 32 years I thought I deserved a change. Meadowhall team were fantastic, friendly, reasuring and very professional. Treatment was exactly what they told me it would be. Many thanks xx
Allie
It wasnt me but my mum who went for the surgery. The laser procedure went very well itself, but the care she got afterwards was terrible and unexceptable. My mum was unfortunately very short sighted which can cause a retinal detachment. My mum went for at least 3 check ups after the procedure complaining of floaters which are a good indication of a retinal detachment. The optom she saw in the Woking branch just said that my mum had to get used to them and nothing could be done about them. My mum couldnt take it anymore and went to our local A&E. They told her that she had the detachment for at least 6 MONTHS which optical express did not see after having many checks with them, one only a month or so before she went to the hospital. Their patient care was appauling and i would empasise the fact that my mum has lost some of her vision due to their optoms in woking not doing their job properly.
Michaella
I had my consultations in Torquay where staff were able to check my suitability and talk me through all of the surgery before I went ahead with it. After deciding it was what I wanted, they booked me in for the Bristol clinic and my surgeon was Tom Mattermann who is very proffesional and well educated on the subject, putting me at ease straight away. All the staff at Bristol were extremely friendly and helped put mine (and my Mum's) mind at rest before the surgery. The treatment was quick and I could see results straight away, discomfort lasted only a couple of hours. I'd highly recommend Optical Express to anyone considering Laser Eye Surgery!
