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
julie price
I first thought the cost was very expensive being £4500 but that was because my prescription was so high. I sat and thought about it and the thought of being able to see clear without my contact lenses was pulling me towards having the treatment so I did. Looking back now 1 year ago I can't believe I even wore contact lenses, not only can I see clearly I can read free from glasses aswell and this will remain for all times now has they have settleed to what they will always be. One greatful customer thank you Andre Oberholster
julie price
I first thought the cost was very expensive being £4500 but that was because my prescription was so high. I sat and thought about it and the thought of being able to see clear without my contact lenses was pulling me towards having the treatment so I did. Looking back now 1 year ago I can't believe I even wore contact lenses, not only can I see clearly I can read free from glasses aswell and this will remain for all times now has they have settleed to what they will always be. One greatful customer thank you Andre Oberholster
Sue Thornton
I got professional, caring, communicative service from everyone at Optical Express throughout the treatment. Everything was explained very clearly, the optometrists discussed options and prices so that I was able to make the right choices and I felt consulted and valued throughout the process. My sight is, in fact, far better than predicted. I was warned that I might need specs for reading but my sight is so good, that I don't. The bliss of being able to read in the bath and in bed is immense. I have just come back from a fortnight in Rhodes - the first holiday without contact lenses and all the paraphernalia that goes with them, plus prescription sunglasses and varifocals. Delighted to be without it all, just cool sunglasses!!! Totally wonderful all round.
Stephen
I initially went to Optimax and then Ultralase for a consultation. I left both consultations more confused then when I arrived, having done no research before hand I was confused with the different treatment types and benefits of each one. On passing I called into Optical Express, Silverburn to enquire about prices for their surgery. I was attended to by a gentleman (who I later found out to be the store Manager) who was friendly, positive and actually explained everything I needed to know about Laser eye sugery in terms that I actually understood. I booked a consultation there and then. On the day of my appointment I was guided through the consultation by Ross and the Optician, Claire who I could not fault at all. I have to admit, as strange as it might seem I actually quite enjoyed the whole experience. 10 days later I had my surgery with Susanna Boytha who couldn't have been nicer and more reassuring and I did not feel a thing during the surgery, I have experienced more discomfort with contact lenses. 1 week on I have better than 20/20 vision and I am delighted. THANK YOU OPTICAL EXPRESS IN SILVERBURN!!!!!!
Keeley Monk
I've just come back from my three month check-up and can honestly say I've forgotten that i ever wore glasses.My surgery was very quick and i had 20/20 vision by the next morning.I plumped for the basic treatment as this was all i could afford i was told about the benefits of wavefront but was never put under any pressure to go for the more expensive option.I'm so glad i had this done and i recommend it to everyone, so much so my friend is booked in to have it done on Monday.My advice don't be squeamish,take paracetamol as soon as you come out then go straight to bed.
Wilma Young
This is the best thing I've ever done! I was very squeamish about my eyes and couldn't even wear contact lenses as I was unable to put them in. I came for my consultation and the whole procedure was fully explained & all my questions answered. The surgery itself was over before I knew it. I can't praise the staff at Braehead & Silverburn highly enough, I was put at ease every step of the way. Thank you all very much.
Michael McKenna
It is just 36 hours since my laser surgery and I am pleased to report that the slight discomfort that I initially experienced has now disappeared and I was informed today at my 24hour post operation appointment that I now have better than 20/20 vision. My sight was R -5.25 and L -5.75. I cannot speak highly enough of the treatment I experienced at the Cabbots Circus, Bristol branch of Optical Express, the consultant Sophie and of course my surgeon Mr Tom Masterman and his team, who I would like to sincerely thank.
Rhoda Morgan
Excellent service from all staff from first consultation to follow up appointments. Excellent communication regarding actual procedure before, during and after.Clear and precise instructions on using eye-drops, do and don'ts and what to expect after procedure. I would (and have) highly recommend to friends and family.
William Gaunt
Having worn glasses or contact lenses for well over 20 years (and I'm still not 30), this was all about the liberation. And so far it's been brilliant. I went to the Harley Street clinic in August (so just over 2 months ago), and was treated by Mr Patel. I certainly can't fault his work: I don't think I could read the bottom line of the chart with glasses, but I can now - reckon I could probably see another one below that! My only slight quibble is over what they tell you, and the price. The first point - I had done enough of my own research (which I think is important) to know the risks and the statistics. I got the impression that Optical Express were a little bit too keen to get people in without being totally transparent: sure, they were willing to give answers to questions, but they could have been a little more forthcoming. And the price - well, it's still probably cheap for perfect eyesight, but, while price clearly isn't the main thing to base this decision on, there are some highly reputable places (including some that colleagues of mine have been to) that are significantly cheaper for the same treatment. Overall, though, I'm really happy with the result, and would go through the discomfort (because, whatever they tell you, the suction is pretty uncomfortable, and your eyes can be very sore for a little while, and mine were very dry until quite recently) again without any hesitation.
Sohbat hussain
The whole experience has changed my life. I have worn specs for over 30 years but Optical Express has make me feel young again. I had a very good experience with Optical Express as my consultation was in High Wycombe and my treatment was done in Uxbridge. From start till end everything was explained to me clearly and all the procedure went brilliantly well. I can see for miles without glasses and my friends are amazed how its done. I am going to recommend OpticaL Express to all my family and friends.
