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
Damon Chichester
six weeks on after surgery in birmingham and been told better than 20/20 vision more than happy with the results. would recommend to anyone. my only advice follow the drops religiously and you will be fine
STEPHEN CAIRNS
The best decision in recent years was to undergo laser treatment. I am very pleased with my new "freedom". Would thoroughly recommend the procedure and was very impressed with all staff at Optical Express Belfast.
Joey Hashish
I had the lasek treatment done in Belfast was well worth it. Was a bit uncomfortable for the 1st few days but it was expected and after bout 2 weeks or so have had 20/20 vision since. Also staff in Belfast are very nice and friendly!!
Julie Carpenter
Had Lasek Surgery in Jan 06 at optical express in Birmingham.My experience of Lasek.Absolutely petrified about surgery and outcome(just went for it). Surgery did not hurt although a very weird sensation,Within 10 minutes surgery was over.I COULD SEE!! Slight discomfort in Left eye,on and off and a few tears other than that great,had lenses out 3 days later left eye abit gritty,had gone within 15 mins. Since then my eyes feel absolutely fantastic have better than 20/20 vision. All I can say is if you are thinking about having it done GO FOR IT.Mr George and his staff are wonderful people and i couldn't have been in better hands. (No Pain No Gain).
Joanne Banner
I HAD LASEK TREATMENT AT BIRMINGHM. SURGERY WAS PAINLESS.ONLY FELT SOME PAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY,BUT MAINLY DISCOMFORT AND EYES FELT LIKE I'D BEEN PEELING ONIONS.OCCASSIONAL STABBING PAIN IN ONE EYE.HAD THE CONTACTS REMOVED.SIGHT IMPROVED DAILY.WAS A GREAT FEELING GIVING AWAY MY SPECS! SIGHT WAS 20:20 ALREADY IN ONLY THREE DAYS!SO PLEASED AND ALL IS EXCELLENT.GOING TO THE CINEMA IS GREAT!
KIM BEALE
LASIK SURGERY AT BIRMINGHAM STORE.24 HOURS POST-SO FAR -SO GOOD-ECSTATIC EVEN!NO PAIN -VISION SO FAR EXCELLENT-CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!BRILLIANT AM ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED.
LYNDA BRIDGWOOD
LASEK TREATMENT 04/03/06.BIRMINGHAM. WELL WHAT CAN I SAY!I CAME FOR MY FIRST CHECK UP AND MY LENSES OUT.THE PROCEDURE WENT SMOOTHLY.I DIDN'T HAVE LONG TO WAIT BEFORE GOING UPSTAIRS TO HAVE LASEK.THE TEAM PUT ME AT EASE AND MR GEORGE WAS LOVELY.THE ACTUAL PROCEDURE DIDN'T HURT AT ALL,JUST ABIT OF A STRANGE SENSATION WHICH PASSED IN SECONDS.WENT TO GET MY DROPS AFTER SURGERY AND THE NURSE TOLD ME I WOULD FEEL GRITTY AND MY EYES WOULD STREAM ONE THE ANAESTHETIC WORE OFF.THEY WERE A LITTLE LIGHT SENSITIVE BUT NO STREAMING AND NO GRITTINESS!WENT BACK HOME AND WENT STRAIGHT TO BED.OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS HAD RELAXED THE EYES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND THIS HAS HELPED NO END!FIRST CHECK UP-LENSES OUT.CHECK DONE TO SEE HOW MY EYES WERE PROGRESSING.BETTER THAN 20/20 VISION ALREADY!DEAD PLEASED WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANYONE HAS IT DONE-ITS ALREADY CHANGED MY LIFE AFTER 3 DAYS!THANKS MR GEORGE AND HIS STAFF. LYNDA xx
KATHRYN ROWLEY
Surgery took place in Birmingham on 21 jan 06. Lasik -7.5 each eye. Had the procedure yesterday back today for the first check up.After the treatment was done i sat up,i cried!For the first time in over 20 years I could read without the need of glasses or contacts! I had no pain afterwards,had to resist rubbing my eyes & to stop "pushing my glasses up." By this morning (22/01)my vision cleared up quickly still no pain/grittiness,but abit blurry.Still can't get over the fact that i might not need glasses. I would like to compliment the staff & would highly recommend the treatment to anyone!! THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR MY NEW VISION.
Marte Tende Dagre
LASEK SURGERY @ Birmingham Store. My eyes were both -3.00 and now,three days after surgery,I have 20/20 vision!The surgery was quick and completely painless ,it was a weird experience but its worse going to the dentist i think!I had an initial shock reaction after surgery with nausea & hot flushes,but afterwards i have had minimal discomfort.Some grittiness ,sharp pain on two occasions and some light sensitivity-but its absolutely nothing to complain about and definitely worth it. I had very good vision directly after surgery and felt comfortable reading and watching telly the day following surgery.I would recommend the procedure to anyone,it was so quick,easy,minimul discomfort and amazing results!The staff are very friendly and helpful,and I have absolutely no regrets and im so glad i decided to have it done!
Alison Hendrix
Bilateral Lasek Surgery 2006 @ Birmingham. The best money i've ever spent!I've worn glasses for years and to get rid of them has given me a new zest for life!I feel like a teenager again(i'm 37).Everyone here is lovely and very helpful and professional.Sam is a lovely optician and Dr George is just a miracle worker!Thankyou everybody at the laser clinic for giving me a new outlook on life!
