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
Robert Mackley
I had surgery in the Birmingham branch in February 2005. The actual surgery was over in minutes and was completely painless. I was back at work within 3 days and when I came back for my first check up a week later my eye test revealed I now had 20/20 vision. Five months later my vision is still perfect and I'm enjoying the freedom of contact lense free life.
Michael Carson
It would be amiss of me not to give the feedback on my treatment. Fantastic, life changing. Couldn't be happier. Thank you Tracy and Sussanah.
Carol Norman
I had my surgery at Shaftesbury Avenue on 8th July. It is the best decision I've ever made and I am more than happy with the results.
Les Nicholls
I had lasik treatment at the BRISTOL branch, one year after my wife had hers done. From the beginning the entire staff were wonderful, they were freindly yet professional and gave me all the information I needed but with no sales pressure. The treatment itself was better than I thought. I could see immediately and had very little discomfort. Again all the staff at Bristol branch were really great. I now have better than 20/20 vision and the after care service was really good. I want to thank everyone at Optical Express in Bristol. Too many to mention by name but they have really changed my life, it is like a miracle. And if anyone thinks I am exagerating, TRY IT! I have recommended Optical Express to everyone and will continue to do so.
paul shortiss
My experience at Optical Express was the best.1st class from start to finish, with no problems what so ever. I have told my friends about this and they have also had the treatment with 100% success. If you want your life changed have this surgery it is the best thing you can do.
Tony Isherwood
After a whole year of nervous nail biting I finaly picked up the courage to book in to the Bristol branch. Staff made me feel completely at ease and I have my Lasik on the 22/07/05. 100% pain free and comfortable over in under 11 minutes. My vision was pretty good straight away but improved more over night. 24hrs later I'm 20/20. I am only disapointed with myself for being so nervous about something that was so quick and painless. Really should have had it done 10 yrs ago I've missed out on so much.
Sue Etherington
It was Excellent! From the first consultation onwards, the staff at Bristol have been wonderful. They have treated my fears (just how were they going to clamp my eyes open) with respect and consideration. The procedure was brilliant. No pain and amasing vision. The aftercare is also brilliant. They have been easy to contact and happy to discuss any concerns I had. I am now into my second week and I already have better than 20-20 vision. I can see things that even with glasses I had never seen before. The world is brighter and clearer. Thank you so much, I'm looking forward to many years of clear vision. Sue Etherington
Chantelle Carroll
WEll what can i say. I had Lasek at the Manchester Clinic at 3PM yesterday and i am delighted with the results. Mr Aziz and his team were fantastic. I was very nervous but they did there best to put me at ease. The actual proceedure itself was not pleasant but wasn't painful. I has 37 seconds of laser on my right eye and 34 on my left. My prescription was ever so slightly short sighted but i had a lot of astigmatism. I won't lie. After the anaesthetic wore off my eyes were very sore and i couldn't really keep them open because of this I couldn't tell if there was any significant improvement in my sight though. The Journey home was a real nightmare as my eyes were watering and very painful. I was expecting some discomfort but i certainly would call what i felt as pain more than discomfort. Once i got home and managed to get a couple of hours sleep i felt much better. Although my eyes were still sore i could open them and they has stopped watering. I was still a tad light sensitive at that point aswell. However when i woke up this morning the pain was gone and my vision was almost as good as it was with glasses. I went for my check up and was told that i had driving standard vision which is a result. I am hoping that it will improve over the next couple of days although i must say that i feel that my vision has gotten better even since this morning. I spent a long time thinking about having the surgery and am confident even at this early stage that i have made the right decision! Being able to look at myself in the mirror and see myself clearly is an amazing feeling!
Lucia Gesso
A great life time experience from start. Everything was explained from the consultation through to the surgery. The treatment was not painful after the laser treament i could already see the difference. I had very watery eyes for the first few days with no pain. Once the contact lenses were removed the blurely vision started to disappear. After my second check up appointment I was given the o.k to start driving again. My vision is now 20/20. It is the best money spent. I would recommend it to anyone.
DAVE
A GREAT EXPERIENCE FROM START TO FINISH. MR AZIZ WAS EXCEPTIONAL AND WOULD RECOMMEND ANYONE WHO WANTED SURGERY TO USE OPTICAL EXPRESS. A LIFE CHANGING CHOICE I WOULD MAKE AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT NOW I KNOW HOW GOOD THE TEAM WERE IN MANCHESTER. PROFESSIONAL AND COURTIOUS FROM START TO FINISH
