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
sherri wallis
Absolutely amazing! The procedure was so fast and didn't hurt at all. The staff were all lovely from the reception to the surgeon. I would, and have been, recommending it to everyone I know. I love being free from glasses!
Heva Simpson
Had this done yesterday and I still can't get over the fact that I can see!! My prescription was very high -6.5 and -7.5 but today I have 20:20 vision. It got clearer and clearer throughout yesterday and today I'm like a kid who has learnt to read - I keep reading everything I see as proof that I can see! The clinic staff were all lovely - from the consultation, through to the surgery to today's post op check up. Everyone helped to put me at my ease and answered all my questions. I had mine done at the Trafford Centre branch with Mr Qasi and I can't recommend them enough.
joan kennedy
i had my laser surgery done on Thursday 3 sept 09 at minshull st clinic the surgeon was dr qazi it was the best thing i have ever done and will recommend it to anyone its not painful and the whole process was a breeze no pain at all i would have had it done years ago if i had known.
James Ashley
I have to admit I was very impressed from the initial consultation right through to the treatment & after-care by Optical Express, Minsull Street, Manchester. Being a man I was very nervous but on the day the staff & surgeon, Dr. Qazi, put me at great rest & explained everything in detail as it was going to happen. The treatment was completed, Intralase 22 seconds & Laser 44 seconds, with a little pain. Although the benefit of having the treatment was by far better than any pain you may get. I was even spooked that I could see immediately after treatment & was amazed at the outcome. Had a fair bit of pain at & on my way home, I am a man afterall!, but within a few hours my eyes were fine with no pain. Following a check today I have greater vision than 20/20 already! I can not recommend this enough, gutted I never had it done sooner. Best thing is to do your research, don't just go cheapest as you only have 1 set of eyes!
Micheal Ward
My vision post-op has been perfect, or as perfect as my vision would allow. This is the best experience of my life and I only wish I had the procedure done years ago!!! Thank you so much everyone at optical express!!
Neal Carey
I had my consultation done at doncaster branch and the staff there were really good at explaining everything. Sam the optician and Leah and Sue the counsellors were all fantastic.My surgery was at the surgery centre in Meadowhall/Sheffield and i had my wavefront assessment there on the day of surgery. I admit being quite nervous on the day but i was reassured by the surgery team and relaxed enough for the surgery. The surgery itself was so quick and every point of the way was explained to me as we went along so i knew exactly what was happening. My eyes felt very dry and gritty straight after but when i went home i was advised to have a few hours sleep.When i woke up it was very clear and the gritty feeling had gone. The next day i had a little light sensitivity but this was in no way bad and some sunglasses stopped the problem.the drops they give you work to soothing the eyes too. When the optician checked my vision i could see 2 lines better than fully corrected which is better than i had with contact lenses and as good as glasses( but no glasses..I'm still amazed) All in all i can't recommend having it done enough.
Mary Padgett
I first thought about laser eye surgery many years ago when it was first advertised and have thought about it since many times but was too afraid and sceptical about it. Having plucked up the courage to take it to the next stage I was completely put at ease and my fears and anxieties allayed. Everyone I met at Optical Express were friendly, patient and made me feel completely happy to go ahead. The mild discomfort I felt after surgery was small price to pay for what I would call a minor miracle in having my sight restored to almost perfect after 35 years of wearing contact lens and specs. Thank you to all the staff at Optical Express, Metro Centre.
Mary Padgett
I first thought about laser eye surgery many years ago when it was first advertised and have thought about it since many times but was too afraid and sceptical about it. Having plucked up the courage to take it to the next stage I was completely put at ease and my fears and anxieties allayed. Everyone I met at Optical Express were friendly, patient and made me feel completely happy to go ahead. The mild discomfort I felt after surgery was small price to pay for what I would call a minor miracle in having my sight restored to almost perfect after 35 years of wearing contact lens and specs. Thank you to all the staff at Optical Express, Metro Centre.
MAUREEN
FROM MY FIRST INTERVIEW TO MY TREATMENT I WAS MADE VERY WELCOME AND AWARE OF EVERYTHING THAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. BOTH BRAEHEAD AND SILVERBURN HOSSPITALITY IS GREAT AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
e walters
I had my surgery on the 3rd July at the optical express outlet at the Trafford Centre Manchester. I had worn glasses since the age of 11 so for 33 years. I had my first assessment in early march 2009 along with a price for the surgery and then I left it for a few months before I decided to proceed primarily because of work commitments. During the time between my first visit and the final one in July 2009 Optical Express did not pester me with letters and this is something I noted as a positive as I am still getting letters from their competitors despite not responding to their calls or letters. I was impressed by Optical Expresses attentiion to detail as when I was first assessed in March it was thought I may have had a slight muscle weakness in one eye and this would apparently need to be checked prior to surgery.Prior to having the actual surgery this was again checked but only a couple of days before the day of surgery and it meant I would have to wear some contact lenses for one hour or so and the optomotrist was even willing to bring me a pair of lenses to my home for me to wear for a couple of hours. This was not necessary however. Two months on my sight is fantastic and my distance vision is amazing (I was short sighted). It is very liberating not to have to wear glasses for everything and it is particulary nice not to have to worry about walking in the rain and the oven steam as this means you cannot see anything for a few minutes! I am over 40 and thus my close reading vision is on occasion hazy when I am tired but this is corrected with sleep or a reading light. I also get some eye soreness when I am tired but to be fair I used to have this prior to surgery and it is a good reminder that I need to stop working. I would recommed anyone to investigate whether it is possible to have laser surgery however it is a personal decision.
