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
Mrs Jane Hurst
Fabulous experience
Kayleigh Hawkes
I went to Optical Express to get my surgery done as they had been highly recommended by a friend. I was quite nervous about the surgery as i did not know what to expect but all members of staff, including the surgeon were very nice, they put me at ease and explained the whole procedure in detail to me. I did have some discomfort after the surgery but i expected that, and after a couple of hours that was gone and my vision was just a bit blurred. I woke up the next morning and i could see so much better than before. I cant believe the improvement in my sight, Optical Express has changed my life and I would highly recommend Optical Express for Laser Surgery, i have now went back to purchase Designer sunglasses, because for the first time i will not need to worry about my sight on holiday. I would like to thank all staff in Optical Express Silverburn for their excellent care before and after sugery.
Chris Ibbotson
11 weeks since surgery at Meadowhall. Had read lots of reviews before treatment so was feeling very relaxed about it.Hardly anyone mentions the treatment as being anything more than uncomfortable (at the very worst). It was a doddle. Very soon after treatment the stinging and streaming eyes began so home to bed for a few hours and a quiet night. The next morning my vision was less than 20/20 but still wonderful by my standards. I've had a few problems with dry eyes but have had extra appointments and extra ointments to make my eyes comfortable, only a slight inconvenience. My eyes have continued to improve and are now 20/20. Absolutely no complaints. I would recommend the treatment I have had from OE at Meadowhall to anyone. Contact me if you'd like to hear more.
garry webster
Having had the lasik eye surgery done in april. My life has changed for the better.For me it was like going from the old black and white TV to the new HD quality. To say i'm over the moon is a understatement.My eye sight is perfect and this in turn has brought more confidence to myself.To not require glasses is amazing and to be able to see things clearly and notice everything and everybody in detail.its like seeing things for the first time. Money well spent. The pre care and after-care has been fantastic. A big THANK YOU to all involved. At Meadowhall optical express there was Kelly/Linnett/Shehzad And the surgeon was Dr Khalid Khan at the clinic in Leeds
Chris Ibbotson
It's 10 weeks now since I had my eyes lasered. Initial consultation at Meadowhall, Sheffield was fine, sorted out the date for treatment which couldn't have been better. I guess by the time I had surgery (also at Meadowhall) I had read so many reviews that I felt totally relaxed about the whole thing, it's a rare review that mentions anything other than slight discomfort during treatment so I knew that wouldn't be a problem. As it turned out treatment for me was a doddle, though must agree that afterwards all you want to do is close your eyes as everything is so bright and you feel as though you've peeled kilos of onions as your eyes sting so much. After a few hours in bed that wears off and you realise that you can see without glasses. Wonderful! Day one consultation my eyes weren't 20/20 but I thought they were pretty good nonetheless. I've had extra appointments and extra drops for dry eyes but that's clearing now and my eyes have continued to improve so that I now have 20/20 vision. I really don't feel that the slight inconvenience of a few extra check-ups has been a problem. The service I have received at Meadowhall has been excellent and I would recommend them to anyone. The bonus for me was that they did my surgery on Saturday so it meant it was easy to arrange for someone to drive me. It also means that you don't need any time off work. Perfect.
Yoko Ishikawa
I have 20/20 vision now. I'm so glad that i had a laser eye surgery in Optical express. If anyone reading this and considering about having a laser eye surgery, go for it! It'll change you life!!!
Ali
just to say that's me almost a year after my op, i had it last September and all i can say is i have had no problems at all and my vision is still 20/20. the after-care i have received has been excellent. I am so please i had this done
Matthew Burnell
Very impressed with the few seconds it actually took to complete the operation, unbelievable. Did experience intense stinging after the operation but this literally lasted a couple of hours and after that I had perfect 20 20 vision and no discomfort at all and over a month later I can honestly say that the recovery took 3 hours and ever since I have had 20 20 vision. I kept up with my eye drops and I have had nothing to complain about at all. It has made a massive difference and I have to say more than i expected. I just wish I had had this done years ago. My vision now is better then what it was with my glasses on. I have been recommending the operation and will continue to do so.
Doreen Swan
Anyone who is thinking of having laser eye surgery, get it done!! I only wish I did it years ago, instead of waiting, fearing something would go wrong, it didnt! Thank you Fiona at the Metro Centre you did put my fears to rest, and Emma you were brilliant too. I went to three different consultations, one at Optimax, would not recommend them to anyone, kept me waiting 45 mins no apology, till I looked at my watch, then said I had early signs of cataract, dont go there. The other two said I didnt have cataract. Ultralase were good, service was good too, but their lasers just could not cope with my large pupils, so technology lets them down a little. So Optical Express came to my rescue, my brother had already had his done by them, so I was pretty confident with them anyway. Mr Esselaar the Surgeon is excellent he totally puts you at ease. My reaction when it was done, I could not stop laughing, I could see it was fantastic, Mr Esselaar, said I dont want you to read yet, but I could not stop reading things on the wall etc. the first 4 hours I slept as it does sting a little but after that it just gets better and better the eyesight I mean, the stinging stopped after 4 hours. My check ups have been positive and things have never looked better. I would advise anybody to get it done sooner rather than later. Never having to put contacts in again is great. My son is going to have his done next, I was the guinea pig! Friends are considering it too.
Kevin
I had my surgery carried out at the Birmingham City Centre branch on 6/6/08 which was 4 weeks after my initial assessment. The décor and facilities are very clean and modern and all the shop floor staff / receptionists are very pleasant and friendly. On the day of my initial assessment I received a text reminder of my appointment time and was seen within 15mins of my appointment time on arrival. The 1st session was with a 'counsellor' , then a whole raft of tests with the opthamologist. My only downside to the whole experience was 1) finding out that the advertised £395 / eye depended on having a (very) low prescription. 2) both the counsellor and the opthamologist seemed a little too pushy in recommending the most expensive treatments (wavefront with laser created flap - which was £2500). I had already set myself a budget and looking at research on the internet did not feel that this treatment offered any major advantages over standard lasik given my prescription of -2.25 & -2.5. I decide to 'roll the dice' and opted for the std lasik treatment on interest free credit. On the day of my surgery I arrived to find 4 other people waiting to have surgery (2 of whom were 2 hrs past their appt time), but in fairness the appointment did say to allow 3-4 hrs for the visit. Whilst waiting I saw 3 people come out fo surgery and all of them seemed to be happy with the way things had gone. I was seen about 30 mins after my appt time and my surgeon was Mr Alex George. He was a pleasant man, and answered a few last minute questions before I signed the consent form. prior to and during the surgey he talked to me about my hobby (motorcycles) which helped me to relax. The surgery itself took just over 10 minutes and was totally pain free. It would be a push to say there was even mild discomfort. (I didn't smell any 'burning' either as reported on other reviews) The actual laser was 17sec Lt eye and 20 sec Rt eye. Following surgery I waited in a darkened room for about 15mins where I received my post op medication / instructions. Then Mr George had a look to see if the flaps were still in position and was discharged. My wife took me home and I took some paracetamol and went to bed (4:30pm). I did have some mild discomfort (grittiness)in my Rt eye and both eyes watered quite a lot for the next 3 hours which I was told to expect. The Lt eye was totally pain free. At 7:30pm I got up and listened to some music whilst keeping my eyes closed most of the time. 10:30pm bedtime (accompanied by howls of laughter from my wife at my 'Biggles' goggles). Next morning I woke pain free and the slight smokiness had cleared. I could tell right away that my vision was better than it had been with glasses / contact lenses. I attended my next day appt at 9:40am (seen promptly / on time) and after reading the chart was amazed that I had better than 20/20 vision in both eyes less than 18 hrs after surgery. 1 week on and there have been no complications of any type, only slightly dry eyes on a morning which are remedied immediately by the lubricant drops. I do have a very small amount of glare when it is really bright outdoors and there are small halos at night, but I was told to expect this and it can take up to 6 months to settle to it's final condition, and to be honest I think I am making a point of looking for them. Overall, at this point I am extremely satisfied and like many others wish I had taken the plunge earlier. I will post an update following my 1 month visit. If anyone has any specific questions, please email me at kevin-sibley@supanet.com and I will do my best to answer them honestly (without my new rose tinted outlook).
