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
Matt
Fantastic service and very friendly staff. Had the Lasik procedure done and the results are brilliant. Highly recommended.
Adrian
I had LASIK on both eyes on the 25th Feb at Bristol. My surgeon was Mr Klopper (great name!!). The team at Bristol were great and the team at Cardiff where I had the first assesment are just as good. I had the 24 hour checkup yesterday and my vision is better than 20/20 - I'm really pleased with the results - I've worn glasses for the last 15 years but not anymore. I would say that I was surprised how much my eyes hurt for the 4 hours following the surgery - I wasn't expecting that much pain. Maybe I'm a wimp! I scared myself yesterday while watching Wales playing France at rugby (and winning - go boys!!!!). I was jumping up and down and generally doing my nut when Martin Williams scored his second try and I'm sure I felt the flap in my right eye shift. I put lots of eye drops in and calmed down a bit (for about 30 seconds) and everthing seems fine. I'd recommend LASIK to anyone but be aware there is some pain involved - but it is worth it. My wife says I look younger but my children are still trying to work out whats changed about me! cheers Adrian
mark
Had lasik surgery 25/02/05 in Belfast branch. Surgeon was Mr. Crew-Brown who was 1st class, as were all of the staff. Procedure was painless albeit with a little minor discomfort. Eyes watered for some 5 hours thereafter, but next day check up revealed 20/20 vision. No pain experienced to date although eyes can feel dry(drops compensate for this). All in all 100% success. Thanks, to all in Optical express.
David Butler
I am so very glad that I made the decision to have Lasik eye surgery. The treatment and follow up service I received from Optical Express in Birmingham was excellent. I would recommend that anyone who is thinking of treatment to go ahead.
Richard Starritt
Had surgery done in Glasgow on 4th March by Dr K Jain. I was really nervous right up until the treatment, and within minutes I had wondered what I was so afraid of. As soon as I opened my eyes I could see a big difference in my eyesight. I Went home for a sleep and woke up 5 hours later with brilliant vision. Since then I returned the following day for my check up which proved 20/20 vision. All the staff at the branch were very profesional and friendly and couldn't do enough for me. I would recommend them to anyone!!! Thank you for brilliant clear vision
lokkie Cheung
I am very happy with the professionalism of Optical Express and with the results..
Sue
I had lasik surgery done in April last year (yes I know it's taken a while to post this message!) ...and it's fab! I've gone from being a -9.00ish, to not needing any glasses at all! The service I recieved at Optical Express in Renfield Street in Glasgow was second to none! Very professional and helpfull staff guided me through my laser experience. This is a company that I have recommended to everybody I know! My mum also had her surgery 2 months ago in Glasgow! If you are thinking about having laser done, give Optical Express a call!
Claire D
I had lasEk on Saturday 26/2 - The surgeon Mr Klopper and the team at Bristol were outstanding. I had absolutely no pain during the procedure or that day after the procedure. I won't beat about the bush, the following day was very uncomfortable - I was extremely light sensitive and couldn't keep my eyes open for any length of time. This wasn't helped by the fact that I managed to catch my eye with a corner of a tissue, I was a little concered so range the surgery and was told to go into my satellite store, which I did and was totally reasurred by the optician there that day. Yesterday and today have been much better and although I'm still have a little difficulty focusing i'm getting there. Looking forward to having the bandage lenses removed hopefully tomorrow. My vision is amazing - although still slightly blurred, I could see the difference immediately and I'm hoping it will continue to improve! My advice to anyone considering it is to think about it carefully and make sure you fully understand the risks - if you are willing to accept thses risks - go for it - the results can be amazing!
shona mcdonald
I am really please with my eyesight and treatment from Optical Express. Still getting used to not using my glasses but it really is a life change.
Mrs. Ashley Leslie
I had Lasek done on Feb. 17, 2005 at Shaftsbury Ave. I was very pleased with the service I received there, and Mr. Stephen Klopper, my surgeon, did a brillant job. As for the surgery itself, I am very satisfied. It did not hurt for me to have the surgery done, afterwards I was a bit uncomfortable. But I knew that was to be expected. I felt recovered by day ten and was able to resume driving. I haven't really experienced any discomfort or dryness like I thought I would. My vision now is 30/20 and life is so much better without contacts! I would recommend laser eye treatment and would recommed Mr. Stephen Klopper to anyone.
