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
valerie fabian
Its truly amazing! Having worn glasses since the age of 6, I now find myself 30 years later with better than 20;20 vision. I still cant quite believe it when I wake up in the morning no longer having to reach for my glasses. The surgery for me was no worse than a trip to the dentist and certainly a lot less painful than childbirth! It was all so easy and the staff and surgical team all helped to put me at ease. I had my treatment at Optical express in Southampton West Quay and following surgery my eyes were very sore and heavy, a bit like peeling onions as several others have described. I spent the day resting in bed (very nice-a break from the kids and my hubby coped very well!) The next morning I opened the curtains and could read the numberplates on cars across the road. I cannot believe how easy and quick it all was and would say it is the best money I have ever spent. My prescription was -5.50 and -8.50 and both eyes now perfect! Thanks to all the dedicated helpful team I now have my face back! I Wish I could have had this done years ago!
martin poolman
fantastic,what an experience since i was 16 year old i have worn contact lense and now i can wake up and see. the whole team at optical express shaftesbury avenue were brilliant from the first day to the last.i would recommend having your eyes corrected straight away.
Mat Lundin
A fantastic service from helpfull staff. My only wish is that i'd had the surgery earlier.
David Hayes
The operation was nuch easier than expected and I've actually got better vision now than i had with my glasses!
Angie Sparham
Had my surgery in February 2005. Totally delighted with the thoroughness, professionalism and friendly relaxed care given on EVERY visit. Wished I had taken the plunge sooner as the benefits are amazing after years of being reliant on glasses. Each stage was explained in detail and I felt totally at ease that I was being given the best care possible. The convenience of being able to have check ups in Nottingham was ideal. The staff at the Nottingham branch are always friendly and helpful, it was like having a day out not having follow up appointments. I hope my comments help anyone reading them as I know from experience what a big decision this is - your sight is so important.
Kim
I had Lasik surgery on the 6 May at Optical Express in Milton Keynes and like many other people who have written comments on this website, wish I had done it earlier. But in saying that, you have to be sure in your own mind that it is right for you, I myself had thought about it for 3 years. I have just had my 4 week check up and have been told I have better than 20/20 vision - I have been wearing glasses for 31 years since the age of 14. The surgery itself was painless (there were no burning smells) as I had read from other comments on this web site, all the staff make you feel relaxed and they do not rush you at all, it was all over in 10 minutes. The ‘thought’ of the surgery is worse than the actual procedure. I was home 45 minutes after surgery (at 2pm), there was no pain, just the feeling that I had been wearing contact lenses for too long and it was easier to keep my eyes closed. I went to sleep and woke at 5:15pm, and was watching TV 15 minutes later with no problems at all. I would like to thank Daci (the Optometrist) and Mr Klopper (the Surgeon) who have given me a new lease of life and of course the wonderful nurses and staff at Optical Express.
Rob Cunningham
Thanks to the in depth advice and care before and after LASIK treatment by Mrs.Young Optometrist and the Surgeon Dr.Boytha I am very pleased seven days later to find my vision better than I could ever have imagined. My thanks again to the staff at Optical Express Renfield St. Glasgow
amanda vincent
I had Lasek Wavefront at Newcastle on 29 April 2005 with Dr Eve. The staff were very professional and the surgeon and technician were both very kind and put me at my ease. The results have far exceeded my expectations in that from being R -6.50 and L -4.50 I now have no prescription in either eye. Within hours of surgery I could see better than I have ever done before. Although there was some discomfort at first this was short lasting and the improvement in my vision made it all worth while. I cannot praise the staff highly enough, from the surgeon, the technician, Richie, to the reception staff - everyone worked together as a team to ensure the best outcome for me. Another truimph for Optical Express. Well done keep up the excellent work.
Martin
I had surgery 6 months ago on 4th Dec 2005 and have not had any problems. The surgery was over in no time at all, I had mild discomfort afterwards but nothing to worry about. And by six hours later I could watch TV without my specs...IT's BRILLIANT
Scott Sanderson
I had suregery at the Glasgow Branch on 18th February 2005. My son was born on the 6th January 2005. Thats what made my mind up to have the surgery. No more glasses or contact lenses!!! The service provided was first class. I must also give praise to the staff working in George Street Edinburgh. Right from my first consultation to the after care check-ups they have been excellent. I would recomend this to anyone that is suitable. Really is life changing.
