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
martyn bick
Just a little update from last comment, went back to have lenses out brilliant much better, it was little discomfort for great results,I must say that the care I recieved was very good, a little uncertain at first but Birmingham branch was great , not once have I waited for a long time when I got there, anyone thinking of getting it done just do it you will not regret it, thanks to all the Birmingham team, you were worth it. 20 20 vision now after only 2weeks it can only get better, GOOD LUCK TO ALL.
Kerry Griffiths
I am lost for words. 20:20 vision the day after Lasik surgery having worn glasses for over 30 years - and still my eyes are improving. The Birmingham team were efficient, helpful and courteous. The proceedure was painless and so is the recovery. Of course I will recommend.
Mrs Alex Rees
I had LASEK surgery at the end of November in Bristol on boths eyes. My prescription was -1.25 and -2.25 with an astigmatism. My eyes were out of focus with one another and I was short sighted but through sheer laziness, I never took my glasses off and therefore ended up needing them for everything but sleeping! I went for the consultation in Cardiff which was just like a very thorough eye test taking about 1 hour. My eyes were very light sensitive after as they dilated the pupils but not uncomforable. When they said I could have the op I booked straight away and had to pay a £200 deposit. Nothing else needs to be paid until just before the surgery. I was very nervous as the date was approaching and made my husband's life hell for a few days. Although my first appointment was cancelled due to an air conditioning unit breaking it was the best news for me as, after the disappointment of being cancelled, I went on this website to look at peoples views of the surgery and it made my nerves fade away. I was so excited. My new appointment was only 5 days away and I couldn't wait. Dr Giledi was really nice, although I couldn't understand a lot of what he said I got the gist of the conversation. Make sure you ask questions before the op, if you have any, as the pre-op consulation did seem a bit rushed. Don't be frightened to ask. No-one can tell you to not be nervous as it is only natural but my experience was really excellent. You get in a chair like a dentists and they lower you backwards. Anesthetic drops are put in. These do sting a bit but you just close your eyes and it lasts seconds. When they mention that they are going to clamp your eyes open it is just like holding your eyes open with your fingers, no worse than that. I was worried about not being able to blink but as they only do one eye at a time, you are free to blink with the unclamped eye and this psycologically makes you think that you have blinked with the other eye. If felt fine. You have already had the anesthetic drops in so you can't feel a thing. You are swung around to under the laser machine and you have to look up at a red dot above you whilst the surgeon firstly clamps your eye, gently pushes the top layer of your eye (you can't feel a thing) then they count down whilst the lasering is being done, mine only took 20 seconds, they then push back the top layer and insert a clear contact lens then cover up that eye and do the same with your other eye. The whole procedure from first lying down to getting up was 15 minutes. I could see a difference straight away although blurry. A nurse comes in and goes through all the medication with you. Make sure you have someone with you as I didn't take all the information in at first as I was so excited after having the procedure. You are given a leaflet which tells you what to do.The medicine that I was given was antibiotic drops for 1 week followed by anti-inflammatory drops for 4 weeks and also some lubricating drops to be used as and when needed. After a short while I was expecting the itchy, gritty feeling to start that everyone mentions, 24 hours later I was still waiting. As most women know, there is always house work to be done so, I thought, I may as well do it as I was feeling o.k. BAD MISTAKE. Take my advice and rest, rest, rest as 27 hours later the gritty feeling started. It may not have if I hadn't done the dusting. The feeling wasn't painful but really uncomfortable and I didn't sleep much that night. However, by the next day, I did rest and made an icepack up which I placed over my eyes whilst listening to the telly. This really helped and by that evening I was o.k. So in short, the uncomfortable feeling only lasted for 17 hours. I had the surgery over 2 weeks ago and I havn't had to use the lubricating drops hardly at all. My experience of the surgery is excellent and as you will probably read in other statements, I wish I had had it done earlier. The cost of my op was £1290.00 for both eyes which is a lot cheaper than other companies and seeing as the service was excellent I don't see why other companies should charge so much. If you are in doubt about the procedure there is nothing to worry about. Every operation has a chance of failure but if the ask the surgeon there is about a 0.07 chance of it not working. So this is just as good as 100% success. Go on, do it, it will change your life.
Peter Spinelli
I have just finished reading other peoples post op comments and I am suprised at the lack of feed back for people who like me have had Lasek treatment. My first consultation was a year ago at Milton Keynes, they recommended Wavefont Lasek at Shaftsbury Avenue because of my occupation followed by post op treatment at Milton Keynes. I had my right eye done in January and decided to have my left eye done in October. I opted for mono vision at first but it didn't suit my lifestyle. I drive around 30,000 miles a year and take part in a lot of outdoor activities. The main problem I encountered was judging distances close up. If I worked in an office environment I would have stuck with mono. After all if it's not for you have the other one done later.The best advice I can give is follow all the procedures by the book and you should have no problems. After each operation I went home to bed and slept for a few hours, the following day I stayed at home and kept out of the direct light. After each operation I suffered no pain and very little discomfort. The healing process takes longer but the results are truly amazing.I'm 50 years old and now need glasses for reading but then so do most other people of my age.My thanks to Mr Gelidi for your advice and carrying out the operation and also to the after care team at Milton Keynes who are totally commited to customer care. Exceptional value for money.
Peter Gaster
If you are advised that Lasek is the best for you be prepared for recovery to be longer than you think. however the result is well worth the wait.
henriette lyttle
I had LASIK done on 10th December in the Birmingham Clinic, with Dr George. My prescription was -4.25 in both eyes, which was too high to have mono treatment, and the scariest thing about the whole procedure for me was the fact that I did have both eyes done at the same time. The results so far, after 2 weeks, are amazing. I had better-than-20:20 vision after less than 24 hours, and this is still the case. The procedure was a bit nerve-wrecking, but absolutely painless. And it only takes a few minutes (nothing compared to the 3 hours we all had to wait in the waiting room), and immediately after I could read the time on the clock. Without my glasses, I wouldn't have even seen the wall, let alone read the time! I found that the main discomfort only lasted for about 3 hours, which I spent sleeping anyway. After that, I wore my sunglasses for about 1.5 days, but really didn't have any discomfort to speak of. I didn't need any painkillers. The discomfort was completely gone after less than a week, and I even stopped taking the artifial tears after 10 days. I only use them now first thing in the morning. I am obviously really pleased and have recommended this treatment to many colleagues (it's amazing how many people are keen to do this but hesitate to take the 'risk'). I am aware of the possibility that my sight might still deteriorate again in a few months or a year or so, but I know I could then have a top-up operation, and in any case, it's unlikely to go back to what it was like. I thought the web-information on my consultant, Mr George, didn't do him justice. He is obviously really experienced and the team know exactly what they're doing. So, thank you to the Birmingham team.
Tracy Watt
An update on my last report. I had bilateral lasik done at Optical Express in Glasgow. At one week and one month appointment I had better than 20:20 vision. At my three month appointment two weeks ago I am now slightly short sighted. Not so much that I require glasses and the optician said that it would delay my need for reading glasses by a few years from when I might have needed them when my vision was better. I am still very happy with the results and hope my eyesight does not get any worse or I will go back and have it redone.
Jonathan Waugh
I had Lasik treatment in October at the Newcastle branch. The staff were both knowledgable, friendly and efficient. Its a nice environment and the whole operation comes across as very professional. They were also flexible with respect to changing of dates. The surgery was quick and painless and I could see immediately after the operation. I had sore eyes for three hours after the operation and from then on in I've had almost know discomfort. The eyes are on occasions slightly dry but eye drops remove any discomfort. Post surgery, the support has also been excellent. After the operation I was asked to attend the clinic the next day, a week later, three weeks later and six weeks later to monitor for any problems. My vision was back to twenty twenty after three weeks and has remained at this level. I have another appointment after five months. I would thoroughly recommend Optical Express to anyone who is thinking of undertaking eye surgery based upon my experience. I can't think of a single area that they could have improved.
Graham Crump
Had Lasik on 3rd January 2006 at Birmingham. What a wait over 4 hours! when you are paying for treatment you expect a little better service, however the staff were all friendly and efficient. It seemed to me that the surgeon was waiting to see everyone and then programme the computer for the procedure, if we were told this at the initial stage we could have been better prepared. My surgery went very well (an interesting experience) a little bit of discomfort the first evening (as though you have been chopping strong onions) next day check up went fine; no waiting. 3rd day (now) vision is more blurry today than yesterday, but a vast improvement on continually having to change specs for reading or normal wear. Just had to buy some cheap reading glasses which I had been forewarned about. Look forward to the continued improvement over the next few weeks.
nicola henderson
Had surgery in Birmingham. Lasek. Fantastic clinic very helpful. Amazing results, hurt for the first few days then great.