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
Paul
Had unilateral epilasek at Optical Express Bristol with Dr Jain on 14 December. I had previously had a consultation at Optimax as well as Optical Express. Dr Islam at Optimax was great and it helped my confidence to know that she had had bilateral epilasek and had performed unilateral epilasek on her husband but Optical Express were better organised with a calmer atmosphere and the testing of my eyes was much more thorough. Both places recommended epilasek on the dominant eye only. At my age (53) I would have needed reading glasses if both eyes had been corrected. Monovision should mean I can use one eye for distance and the other for reading so no glasses at all. I had read all the reports so I was expecting the pain and the discomfort after the procedure - and didn't get any! Didn't need the painkilling drops afterwards and haven't been light sensitive. The 4th and final day with the protective contact lens in made my eye sore, red and blurred but apart from that nothing except the occasional slight grittiness. (I cut a tiny nick in the tip of one finger changing a car headlight bulb and that has been much worse.) Partly lucky, partly only one eye done and partly not expecting it to affect me much - think positive. Just had my two week check and my left eye is now better than 20/20 - and should improve. The monovision is working pretty well - sometimes I am aware of the "other" eye causing slight blurring round the edges but I can watch TV without glasses for the first time in over 30 years. The monovision might take another few weeks before I acclimatise fully - I will let you know - but so far it is going really well and Optical Express have been great. The only (very small) moan is that I was there on the day of surgery for 2.5 hours (they did warn me) and the laser was on for 9 seconds. Is all that waiting really necessary? (Take a book.)
Chris Willey
Many thanks indeed to the Bristol team, especially Lisa Murrish, Carmel Andrew and Surgeon Mr Fenton, for their truly outstanding level of care and standard of service. Following Lasik treatment on December 9th, my vision is wonderfully improved. Absolutely everything I needed to know was explained in advance, the teams reassurance caused me to suffer no fear whatever and the surgery procedure was completely painless. I have no hesitation in recommending this treatment to anyone seeking the restoration of the wonderful gift of sight. Thank you all, very much. Chris Willey, Taunton.
caroline hodge
From consultation to treatment I found the staff to be helpful reasuring and professional. After 2 weeks eyedrops no longer required I now have 20/20 vision for the 1st time in my life. After care superb.
Tina Miller
I went for my treatment at the Glasgow clinic yesterday and I am amazed at how good my eye sight is already. In fact having had treatment at 1230 and three hours sleep in the afternoon (you need it!) by 8 pm I could see better than I could with glasses. Unbelievable! The surgery is not painful just uncomfortable and afterwards I can only describe the feeling as similar to peeling onions - watering eyes which sting a bit. But once you have slept the afternoon away no problems. I highly recommend Dr Bothya and her team - highly professional and very caring. If you have reservations then my suggestion is to go for it - you won't regret it.
Jan Jennings
I had my eyes lasered by Mr Jain last November at the Milton Keynes branch. After the usual tests, I met Mr Jain who talked me through the procedure, and gave me a tablet to help me relax. I was then taken through for the surgery. Everyone was very kind, and I was in the chair for a maximum of 15 minutes. The procedure was completely painless, and someone held my hand the whole time. You do feel some pressure on the eye, but that is the only slight discomfort. Afterwards, I was given my drops and a follow up appointment. My eyes were streaming when I came out, and dripping onto my lap in the car! Went straight home, had something to eat and went to bed. Woke up about 4pm and eyes slightly uncomfortable, but no need to rub them, and they were not as irritating as when my lenses needed taking out. Could already see quite a bit. The next day I woke up, looked out of the window and could see the car registration number at the end of my road! Felt no pain or discomfort at all - in fact it didn't feel like I had had surgery! Fab. Went for my check up and was told I had 20-20 vision. Excellent result and I couldn't be happier. Would recommend it to anyone.
Jo Prest
I had bilateral Lasik treatment at the Birmingham centre. The following day I had 20/20 vision. The procedure was completely painless and the staff were very professional. I am now one month post op and my sight is actually better than 20/20. All my consultations have been implemented in Nottingham and the staff are always helpful and professional. I cannot believe the change in my vision, and would recommend this treatment to anyone.
NEIL BOWMAN
I was superbly treaated from start to finish. The only slight gripe was that my operation venue was changed quite late on.
John Turner
I had stress-free, pain-free (almost enjoyable) Lasik treatment at Newcastle yesterday at 4pm. At 4:30pm, I could already see reasonably well (I had been about -5.00 in both eyes). I went home, closed my eyes for 2-3 hours, listened to music and drank wine, with no need for pain killers. I went to bed early, slept well and woke with better than 20:20 vision! Today I've been out and about enjoying my new freedom from glasses. One slight concern: at the first consultation it was suggested (almost recommended) that I consider mono-vision, to avoid the need for reading glasses. I was tempted, but did some research of my own. As a keen racket sport player, I might have regretted the decision since it can effect stereo vision. Interestingly, Mr Eve, my surgeon made the same point without me prompting him. The initial consultation ought to have pointed out this potential down-side of mono-vision.
Teresa Pickard
I had mono vision Lasek surgery. Although a little worried at first with only having one eye done, my vision is now better than 20:20. I have had no problems at all with the surgery or the aftercare.
James McCann
The staff was excelent,very professional and informative.The surgeon took the time to explain the whole process before going ahead with the operation. It was all over in five minutes, I did not feel anything not even the slightest discomfort. I should have had it done years ago. Within twenty minutes I could see very well, well done Optical Express for changing my life for the better.
