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Optical Express

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1806 Reviews

Optical Express were simply brilliant. Everything from the warm welcome of the counselling staff (shreeya Mistry), consultation with Pretti Khakhar to the treatment with the surgeon was seamless. Throughout the process I felt tota ...Read more

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.

  1. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
  2. Prices
  3. Treatments
  4. The Verdict
  5. Surgeon Reviews
  6. 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 OverallClinic RatingCost RatingSurgeon RatingTreatments 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

optical express laser eye surgery prices

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 ProcedurePrice (per eye)Finance Options (per month)
LASEKFrom £595£49.50
(10 months on 0% APR, £100 deposit)
LASIKFrom £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 surgeryFrom £1,995£48.89
(for 36 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
Multifocal lens surgeryFrom £3,195£47.39
(for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
Phakic IOLFrom £3,395£47.39
(for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit)
YAGFrom £595N/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

laser eye surgery review 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:

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:

  1. Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched with the leading eye clinic in your area
  2. 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)
  3. 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

6. Optical Express Reviews

RatingDate

01 Dec 2009

I have to say I was terrified and could have quite easily got up and left but Carol the nurse kept me calm, explaining everything, it was totally painless and very quick. Mr Matterman was extremely thorough and professional and the results are beyond expectation. I would recommend this to anybody thinking about undertaking this treatment.

01 Dec 2009

Fantastic job. I had my treatment on 24th November 2009. Dr Dimitro Kazakos performed my procedure which was both painless and without discomfort. I was able to see within a few hours, better than i can ever remember. I've been wearing glasses from the age of 7. The staff at both belfast city centre optical express outlets were very helpful, informative and made the whole experience pleasant. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

27 Nov 2009

Every thing was excellant. my surgeon was 1st class and it is due to both his and the pre op teams professionalism that i am selling this eye treatment from the roof tops.

24 Nov 2009

People sometimes ask why, if laser vision correction is so good, don't the staff have it done. Well I am an Optometrist, I have worn specs and contact lenses for 40 years before having treatment yesterday at the Trafford Centre Optical Express. Thank you so much to Andre and the whole team at Trafford. I am delighted to be able to see clearly so soon after treatment. I'd like in particular to mention the Laser Tech staff. I have worked with some of them before and know how committed they are to providing excellent service, but having experienced their role first hand I am so impressed at their professionalism and compassion.Also thank you to Elaine and Andrew at Maxi Manchester who did my consultation. ...(I can feel an Oscar speech coming on)..to conclude, I would not hesitate to recommend surgery with Optical Express to my family, friends colleagues or patients.

16 Nov 2009

Had consultation and surgery at Inverness clinic. Very friendly and honest. I was at the top of the scale that they could do so I had to be referred to a consultant before I could be recommended. I was able to have the surgery done a few months later as I had been wearing hard contact lenses for years and had to give my eyes a rest. The lasek procedure is simple but you do feel ill the next day. However, the Inverness clinic were fantastic when I called up to say I was feeling ill and I went in for a check up straight away and left very reassured that all was well. With Lasek you cannot see clearly straight away and it took me about a month before I was happy with my vision so be patient and the vision will come. I am delighted with the result and in the first time for almost 30 years I need no glasses/lenses for everyday living - amazing. I am still preaching the good news of laser eye surgery a year later - it has brought great freedom to my life.

12 Nov 2009

i had the surgery done on the 11/11/09 and had my first check up today the day after, i am so pleased with the results already my vision is better than what it was with my glasses and contact lenses ,this is a new lease of life for me after wearing contacts for the past 11 years,it is the best feeling waking up and being able to see my daughter without having to put and glasses or contact lenses in.Every single member of staff that looked after me at optical express was absolutely brilliant i couldn't recommend them more they made me feel so looked after and kept me informed with everything that was happening.This is the best thing that i have ever done and would tell anyone who is considering laser eye surgery go for it,it will change your life.

11 Nov 2009

Surgery was on 6 November 2009. I opted for standard bi-lateral surgery and am thrilled. I was a little apprehensive initially having chosen the standard option but I didn't need anything extra and it was fine. The full procedure took less than 10 minutes for both eyes. My vision was clear almost immediately. Surgery was carried out at Optical Express Newcastle upon Tyne. The surgeon was wonderful. Full cost should have been £790 but I received a £250 discount voucher, leaving me to pay just £540.

08 Nov 2009

i have some vochers for treatment to give away. £150 off!!!! if you want one just send me an email and i will put it in the post.

05 Nov 2009

I had my treatment 5 months ago and still have -0.75 in my right eye. Originally I had -4 on both eyes. During my 3 monthly check up I have been told I have only -0.5 on my right eye even if the machine showed -0.75...Vision in my right eye is very weak, especially after spending all day in front of computer I can hardly see the end of my feet! My left eye is much better, it's almost perfect. I hope Optical Express is not trying to avoid retreatment options as they said they do it from -0.75. I'm going there next week to see if I'm suitable for retreatment which I really need!

03 Nov 2009

I had my eyes done yesterday at optical express in meadowhall. staff were really friendly and made me feel at ease, procedure was a little uncomfortable but i think that was down to my nerves. The pain afterwards wasn't as bad as i had expected,Eyes just felt sensitive for few hours.Its amazing to be able to see things i couldn't see before without my glasses. I wish i had had it done years ago and i wud definitely tell anyone whose thinking about getting it done to go ahead asap :0)


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