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
Donna Henderson
I had my Lasik surgery yesterday in Glasgow, and would like to thank all the staff, both in Glasgow and Aberdeen. I found the procedure quite frightening especially the 'creation' of the flap, however it was not painfull. I was very grateful to the nurse who held my hand during the procedure and reminded me to breath!! Immediately after the treatment I could see a difference. However I would recommend that if like me you have to travel some distance for the surgery it is best to be staying in a hotel close by. Unfortunately, I was returning home by train, and had several hours to 'fill in'. I just wanted to close my eyes and sleep, but obviously could not do so. My eyes did water for several hours and they were very light sensitive. Four hours later they were fine. They didn't feel gritty or sore in any way. The good news is I have had an excellent result (20/20). No more glasses for me, and ultimately that was what I wanted. It is a big, frightening decision, and one you shouldn't take lightly. However, Optical Express managed to answer all my questions and made me feel very comfortable with my decision.
Andrew McMichael
I had laser surgery (Epi-Lasek) on the 23rd Aug 2005 by Mr Waseem Aziz. I was -3 (short-sighted) in both eyes, no astigmatism, worn soft contact lenses for 19 years (hardly ever worn glasses) I am 40 years old, I am in good health, so I was fairly sure that I was a good candidate for this procedure. 2 reasons why I had lasek rather than lasik 1) I wanted to continue my Judo without any risk and 2) lasek has the longest history and is the safest (I was still apprehensive-after all they are my eyes, and if I couldn't see very clearly I would be out of my career) So the results were A1. Now (6 weeks later) I have better than 20-20 and do not have any halo's or anything at night. The only thing is dryness of eyes but it is rapidly disapearing to the point that it has nearly gone (it was mainly as soon as you wake up). I couldn't have dreamed of better results, I only wished I could have afforded it years ago. Couple more points- on the big day I personally found it very very easy, but thats me, you may be different, I was up for it, so I just relaxed and it was over with, in less than a minute. And the minute is easy. The only thing is the noise of the machine startled me which made me move on the first eye slightly, but it didn't matter because it was fine, all very professionally done. It wasn't painful for me during or anytime after the procedure though I believe it's different for everybody, because my wifes cousin had it done the same week and he was in pain after, but I reckon it would be well worth it. So to conclude I would highly recommend it, for me who was average short-sighted it was suitable. Worth every penny, it will probably pay for itself over time. My advice is to have a read of the commments on here, try looking at different websites, read the information, then weigh it up - thats what I did. Very glad I did!!
Conrad and Sarah Wellaway
We both had Lasik treatment in Southampton on 15/9/05, and it quite simply was the best thing that both of us has ever done. All the staff were really friendly, and kind, but above all Mr crewe-Brown the surgeon was excellent. We'd recommend it to anyone.
Linda Campbell
If you are reading this then you must be considering laser eye surgery all I can say is DO IT NOW !! I had my procedure carried out at Optical Express Glasgow and they were fantastic. The service and care that I received was 2nd to none. It really has changed my life as I now have 20/20 vision thanks to the painless Lasik procedure. Thanks again to all at Optical Express Glasgow
Colleen McLaughlin
It has been over three months now since I had bi-lasik at Optical Express in Belfast, I had No side effects, no stinging, no teary eyes, no dryness. I had a slight halo for about two months but not even noticable i only noticed it if i looked for it, it has changed my life and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend Optical Express, Quick, Easy, Painless (trust me you dont feel anything), Professional and affordable!! Go for it!
SUE FUNG
Had Lasik treatment on 30th Sept by Dr Aziz. Treatment was not painful,just slightly uncomfortable but is over so quickly and all the staff were brilliant in making me feel at ease. Eyes were sensitive for 4 hours after but by evening, vision was brilliant. No problems at all and sight is better than with glasses! worth every penny
Jean Taylor
I am writing this just 5 days after my lasik surgery in Birmingham on 11th October 2005. At a prescription of -9 it was dubious whether a full correction would be achieved. However after 25 years of thick, heavy glasses I decided to go ahead with the surgery as even the possibility of wearing lighter, prettier glasses was an attractive option. At the age of 31 and feeling so happy with myself on the inside I decided it was time to be happy with my appearance. The first thing I would do every morning was put on my glasses. Even going the sauna and swimming I had to wear them. Going on holiday, making sure that I took contact lenses and also a spectacle repair kit (just in case a screw fell out!) I mean every minute of every day I needed them. I felt flumpy, unattractive and lacking in confidence. With my contact lenses however I felt none of these. Only problem is you can only wear them for just a few hours every day. The surgery itself was painless. A very strange feeling and a (very) brief moment of doubt crept in. But 20 minutes of surgery to 25 years of wearing these awful things didn’t compare. Immediately after surgery I could see (not crystal) but I could see! I was advised that a full correction had been achieved. I asked Mr George if it was alright to cry and cry I did. What an emotional experience! Myself and my mum, one of the nurses and I even saw a flicker of a tear in Mr Georges eyes. I am completely in awe of the technology that has managed to achieve this miracle. I didn’t feel pain after, just a compulsion to close my watering eyes. It truly is astounding, the things I have begun to notice and the day to day things that have become easier! Being able to see while I’m having a bath for one! When I wake up in the morning and can see the trees outside my bedroom window. I feel attractive, even though I am still not wearing make-up post operative. Happy. I feel that my face is open and people can see me! If the eyes are the windows to our souls then mine have been shrouded with net curtains. People are beginning to see the real me. I appreciate that surgery isn’t an option for everyone but nothing can compare to that emotion and liberating feeling I have experienced in the past 5 days. Every day my vision is becoming clearer. Although I keep getting a ‘too good to be true’ feeling. A very big thank you to the staff and surgeons who have made my life long dream come true.
colin ferguson
Pain free procedure. everything explained as we went along.staff excellent. Post op care is first class. Everthing you may expect was explained i.e. gritty eyes for a few hours. Clinic and lounge area was very comfortable. All went well
liz nickerson
I had surgery on the 27th September 05. I was quite scared about the whole procedue, however, my fears were soon relieved as the staff at the Glasgow clinic were wonderful from the consultation stage through to the post op' appointments. My vision is better than 20/20 vision and I can see for 'miles'. The procedure was a little uncomfortable and I was unable to open my yes for a few hours. I had my surgery at 1.30pm and by 5pm I could read the small coloured print on teletext, I haven't been able to do that for over 14 years. I can't stop raving about the laser surgery and wholly recommend the Glasgow surgery and its staff. Thank you Optical Express Renfield Street Glasgow.
Jane Owen
My first impression was a clean, modern clinic at Birmingham. I had my consultation on the 27th October. There was a very thorough eye test, excellent advice, very friendly staff, and answers to all my questions. There wasn't any pressure to go ahead with the op, which I am having on the 24th November - wish me luck!! N.B. Park in the Bullring Multi Storey Car Park - I found it was the nearest to the clinic