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
Lucky
Very good service. Many thanks to O E
BARBARA M
I HAVE BEEN EXTREMLEY SHORT SIGHTED (IE BLIND) FOR 52 YEARS. THIS YEAR DUE TO SURGEONS DOING PIONEERING WORK , I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE GIFT OF SIGHT . IT FEELS LIKE A MIRACLE TO SEE THE CLOCK,TELEVISON,THE FACES OF THE PEOPLE I LOVE. I CANT THANK ENOUGH ALL THE STAFF AT THE CHELMSFORD BRANCH. VICKI,RACHEL AND CHARLOTTE HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL AND SO HELPFUL AND CHEERFUL. HAVE IT DONE CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!!!
ANDREW M
VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE WHOLE PROCEDURE, SLIGHT DISCOMFORT AFTER TREATMENT NO PAIN AT ALL VISION NOW REALLY GOOD AND GREAT NOT TO BE RELIANT ON GLASSES I WOULD RECOMMEND OPTICAL EXPRESS IN CHELMSFORD TO ANYONE
Kerry
I had surgery 10 days ago. At my initial consultation I was advised that due to my astigmatism and the number of anomalies in my cornea that wavefront would be the best option for me - as this would correct my vision to better than with my glasses on - unfortunately this hasn't happened. My vision has improved, but not to the expected levels. I still have a slight prescription in both eyes & although my vision is now within the legal range to drive without glasses I feel disappointed. At my 1 week post op on Saturday my optometrist confirmed that the results weren't as good as anticipated & I may need enhancement surgery in 6 months time. I would advise you think extremely hard before making such an expensive decision.
Hazel Barnes
one cannot put a price on ones sight ~ However, the advertising at "from £395 per eye "makes it sound more affordable than it really is
David Quin
Fantastic service from initial consultation to procedure itself. Staff made me feel comfortable about procedure all the way. Procedure itself was quick and painless. I could see better after 2-3 hours and now, after a nights sleep- I can see brilliantly!!!. Thanks to all at Optical Express!!!
angela nardiello
I have a scar tissue on my right eye back in 2003 they were unable to do surgery. Now in 2008 with advanced technology they were able to do Lasek wave front with out interfering with the scar tissue. Consultant Trevor Pilley was excellent and gave me the good news surgery was very much possible, i saw the surgeon Stefan Klopper and he confirmed 100% they could now do surgery with the latest technology with out causing any problems with the scar tissue. The procedure was pain free and i am over the moon with the results, words cannot express.......i would recommend Optical express (Milton Keynes) to anyone. i have gone from -7.00 to 20/20!!!!!!!!!
Caroline
I had surgery today at Birmingham. AMAZING! i was terrified before i went in, i so nearly backed out just before but then the nurse called me in! I have to say, the creation of the flap isnt pleasent! but the rest was fine 🙂 im so pleased with the results! Dr George was lovely, he was so kind and treated me like an individual, and although i kept flinching he was very patient with me and talked me through everything 🙂
Couldnt fault the service at all, was waited on hand and foot the moment i got there. I Would recommend them to anyone 🙂
Andrea
Nearly one week on, so far, Brilliant! Went to Cardiff OE, staff were great. The Surgeon was: Dr Tom Materman - quiet but professional. My eyes were -6.00 and -5.50 before, and the day after surgery they were better than 20/20, I am very happy and hope they stay this good. They are a bit dry etc. but drops work fine. The surgery for me was fine, not painful at all. But, everyone is different. It is a big decision to make, and personally, I was glad that I read all the good and bad points people had written and I decided from there. I have check up Friday and I will update again soon.
James
From beginning to end the service and care from Optical Express in Silverburn was amazing. When I arrived at my initial consultation I was greeted by the store manager, Ross and he introduced me to the counsellor that would be looking after me. Before I left Ross checked everything was to my satisfaction which I found very reassuring, On surgery day I was again welcomed by the store manager with a huge smile everything was very smooth and the care and attention continued until I left less than 90 minutes later. My surgeon was Susanna Boytha, she was very caring and friendly and put me at ease. I was very short sighted before but now have better than 20/20 vision. I cannot recommend Optical Express and laser eye surgery enough. I really do wish I had done it earlier. If you are thinking of getting it done, just go for it, it's over in minutes.
