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
Alison Trebble
This really is a life-changing experience and I am so glad I've finally had laser eye surgery. There was no pain or discomfort and I now have better than 20/20 vision. Wazeem Aziz, the surgeon, and his team were extremely professional and the after-care and check-ups from Carmel Andrews at Optical Express in Bristol is exemplary. I would strongly recommend the Lasik procedure to anyone who is considering laser eye treatment. Better vision, excellent service and aftercare makes Lasik eye surgery better than I could have hoped for. Many, many thanks.
Colleen McLaughlin
I had Bi-LASIK at 11am (28/06/05) at the Belfast Clinic with Mr Wayne Crewe-Brown and his team. I can't believe the results already, I can see just as well as I could when I wore my glasses, Slight halo effect round lights but its only been 8 hours since I had the surgery also my pupils are larger than average this was to be expected but it isn't something that would bother me its not very noticible. I don't regret at all having the procedure, still waiting to see what my night vision will be like. Fingers Crossed.
ANDREW WARD
Well what can I say, after the initial worry about cost and the general nervousness about getting surgery on your eyes I can say it is the best thing I have done for myself. Being relatively young, at 32 I had monovision correction on 30th June and it has worked brilliantly. I cannot recommend Optical Express enough, the service has been brilliant and all those connected with the laser service could not help more. Just do it and then bury your glassess in the garden for Time Team to dig up in the future, wondering what they were for! Thank You Optical Express, you have dramatically changed my life !
Sue Macknish
I noticed Becky's comment posted on 29th June. DON'T PANIC. I had my Lasek surgery on Sat 25th June and nearly chickened out at the last minute. My prescription was low at minus 1.50 and minus 2.50 but having suffered a corneal ulcer from the bad combination of contact lenses and air conditioning, decided to go for laser treatment. The surgeon was great - talked me through all my options and reassured me at every stage of treatment. I was in the treatment room for all of 10 minutes for the LASEK treatment and could see better immediately. Everything was slightly blurry but it was still better than it had been with no contact lenses. I had been worried that I'd be 'blind' for several days after treatment but I need not have been concerned. There was no discomfort throughout surgery and for about four hours afterwards my eyes were stinging like I had shampoo in them. Once the stinging wore off, they were gritty for a few days and that was about the extent of my 'pain'. I nearly went for LASIK because I was worried out recovery time but I would HONESTLY have LASEK again tomorrow with no hesitation if I was told I needed it. My eyes are still healing but I found I could drive within 2-3 days of treatment. The treatment I've received at Optical Express has been excellent. No hard sell, very informative and excellent treatment throughout. Highly recommended and thanks for allowing me to throw away my remaining contact lenses!
Alun Parry
I had Lasik eye surgery at the Glasgow Optical Express on Renfield St on June 3rd and I am over the moon with the results. Pain free and had perfect vision the following morning. This surgery has transformed my life and I would recommend it to anyone.
Stuart Winterburn
I am 28, and had -4.00 in both eyes. I had the LASIK procedure completed on both eyes - 07/07/05. I sat up from the operating chair and, although very hazy, I COULD SEE!!! I have to be honest and say that the procudure was not pleasant with some very uncomfortable sensations. In saying that though, it only lasts for about 1 or 2 minutes an eye and the staff in the room with you are very reassuring. They operate with almost military precision and provide count downs on all aspect of the procedure i.e. "29 seconds of laser treatment commencing in 3..2..1". This was extremely helpful to me as a patient. Consulations for me were in Aberdeen with the procudure done in Glasgow. The drive home was quite uncomfortable but not that bad, more of a nipping sensation. I think this was to do with the brightness (even with sunglasses) as I was far more comfortable when I got home and closed all the curtains. The day after I could read the 2nd bottom line on the chart (better than 20/20!!) but couldn't quite focus on the last line due to the slight watery sensation in my eyes. I hope to read the whole chart in the coming weeks as healing completes. My advise: Pluck up the courage. Feel free to email.
Andrew Wood
If you didn't do it yesterday, do it today...book a consultation. I had lasik surgery at the Manchester clinic less than a week ago and the results and recovery time have been even better than I expected. Even on the day of surgery my vision had improved so much that I was able to watch television without squinting, a simple but significant measure of it's effectiveness. Staff at the clinic are friendly and relaxed. I can't speak highly enough of the whole exeprience.
Keith Grigg
I am 46 years old and finally plucked up the courage to have the procedure carried out after 3 years of cosideration. I was -4.5 in one eye and -3.75 in the other. I had my procedure carried out at Shaftesbury Avenue London, and have to say I was well and truly looked after from initial cosultation throught to my discharge 3 months later. I now have better than 20/20 vision, this has been the case since the following day after the procedure. Well done Dr Giledi and the staff at Optical Express.
Andrew Miller
The experience of the surgery itself is not much fun - they clip your eye open and shine bright lights in it - definitely not for the claustophobic - but there is no pain and the results are pretty much instantaneous. In terms of outcome the surgery has been excellent - absolutely perfect vision - up from medium short sight and astigmatism. One slight side-effect is that lights at night "halo" slightly - which makes night driving difficult. Optical Express staff were fantastic throughout - and the aftercare has been superb. On balance, I would recommend it to anyone
Sarah Pattison
Had my surgery done at optical express in Newcastle. My prescription was -4.00 in one eye and -4.50 in the other. Hardely felt a thing in surgery and it was so fast I couldnt believe it. Results were instant although a little blurred due to watering of the eyes. next day my vision was better than 20/20 and i could see the bottom line on the testing chart its amazing. recommend it to anyone, absolute excellent, special thanks to surgeon Stefan Klopper and all other staff at optical express, Newcaste.
