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
Jason Watson
I had both eyes corrected on Tuesday 25th April 2005 using Lasik Technology. Throughout the proceedure the staff at the Clinic in Glasgow put my mind at ease, were ready to answer any questions that I had and to explain what was happening and what to expect at every step of the proceedure. The Surgeon, Mrs S Boytha was also involved in putting my mind at ease and answered any questions that I has. After the first eye was operated on, which was as described it would be by the Counsellor, she made sure that I was comfortable and wanted to go ahead with the other eye. Following the proceedure I went home, went to bed and rested for 4 or 5 hours, as advised. My sight was not great that night, as I was told it would not be. However, the next morning my sight was great. I attended my 1st Follow-up Appointment and had a sight test and my eyesight was actually better than it had been with my glasses on. I cant believe the results that have been acheived. It has been better than I expected and would recommend this proceedure to anyone interested in it.
Cheryl Wright
Had LASEK on Thursday 28th April at Birmingham. Team were fantastic and it all went without a hitch. Eyes were very sore and at times extremely painful for a couple of days after, but I found out that if I'd used my painkilling drops it wouldn't have been so bad, but I didn't want to inhibit the healing (a side-effect). In the end had to use one, but after a couple of hours everything had cleared, pain free, just uncomfortable. Went back yesterday to have lenses removed and was given a good appraisal that everything was healing really well. Can see better than 20/20. Still a bit foggy today, but it is clearing, hopefully by Thursday. Would recommend anyone to this clinic, they are a really nice bunch. Many thanks to them all.
karl
I had lasik wavefront on 11/05/06 at Leeds my prescription was +4.0 at the initial consultation but at Leeds yesterday it was nearly +5 and i thought they wouldnt let me have the treatment but after speaking to Dr Aziz he said I my be left with a slight prescription of maybe +0.50.So treatment went ahead the worst part for me was when they did the second eye (my left) and they put the suction on but i think that was because i new what was coming,apart from that the treatment was painless and afterwards my journey home was made with my eyes closed but i had no pain or gritiness,when i got home i went to bed for a couple of hoursand slept as the most comfortable position was with my eyes closed.When i woke up i put some of my drops in and sat and watched a bit of tv nad there was still no pain.The next morning (today12/05/06)i woke up and could see my alarm clock there is still a slight blur every now and again but absolutley no pain at all.I would like to thank all the staff who dealt with me and would recommend Optical Express to anyone considering Laser eye treatment,if you are thinking about it and are not sure i would say go for it it really is money well spent.Hope this helps anyone who has any concerns.
roger
Vicky Reid was my optometrist for my consultation.
Sue Mallinder
Had Lasik at Manchester on 4th April. Can only sat wish had done it years ago. Procedure took only 20mins for both eyes was at clinic for approx 1hour 40mins in total. 3 hours later was at home watching TV. The grittines commented on by other patients was not so much more like when you have a bit of dust or contact lense solution in your eyes. They were also a bit watery/blurry for the rest of the day. Next morning had perfectly clear vision - no watery, itchiness or anything. The worst part of the procedure was having the eyelid clamps put in - as your lids are not numbed with drops. I found the stretching quite uncomfortable. Once they were in though, everything happens so quickly that you don't notice. Mr Khan and all the staff were excellent and made my husband and I very comfortable while at the clinic. They day after surgery, I had my first check up at Meadowhall and was amazed to have 20/20 vision. 2 months later, my sight keeps getting sharper and I don't need reading glasses either (I was told I might need them after surgery) and I was driving the next day. My only critisism was of the service at Meadowhall, the appointment times I were given were not what the Manchester clinic had (was told 2.30pm but should have been 10.30am). This was not a problem as Manchester called me the day before to confirm I was still coming, but as I live in Sheffield was going to travel and stay overnight in Manchester, good thing I didn't as would have missed my appointment. My advise would be to continue taking the drops as advised, even if you think you don't need them, ask your surgeon any questions that are worrying you (Mr Khan was more than happy to answer all my issues) and above all dont wait any longer - just go for it. On the issue of price, I asked why it said from £395 per eye (mine was £695) and surgeon said £395 was for smallest prescription and that he would not operate on someone with such a small precsription anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO OPTICAL EXPRESS CHANGE YOUR ADVERT TO A MORE REALISTIC PRICE.
Les Wartnaby
Counsellor (Nina) first invite into optical was amazing, the help from Sonia about contact lenses for the first part provided the help needed and Sam regarding consulation made me feel very happy about the whole procedure. The operation by Doctor George did work brilliantly. The final results were perfect. I wish to thank all of the staff, lots of love from Les xxx
Frances Young
Unbelievable! What a miracle Optical Express and Dr Boytha did for me! The staff at Connswater were all excellent during the consultation and throughout the surgery. I can’t thank them enough and I wish I’d done it ages ago! My advice to anyone dreading the pain is that there is absolutely nothing to worry about!
Michael Sharp
Excellent customer service throughout, procedure was pain free and was constantly reassured throughout would recommend very highly to anybody interested in thr laser treatment Thanks again
Adam
I had Wavefront LASIK eye surgery at Glasgow EC 3 weeks ago and have gone from -6.00 with astigmatism in my right eye and -6.25 with astigmatism in my left eye. At my 1 day check-up the optom told me that my eye had healed so well the you wouldn't even have known that i'd had surgery the day before. I have also had my 1 week check-up appointment where i was told i am seeing 6/4 from both eyes, which is better than 20/20!!!! The surgery team in Glasgow were extremely friendly and helpful and one of the nurses Marie even came in to hold my hand during the procedure (Not that i was too bothered, it was just an excuse to hold her hand!). My Sugeon was Susanna Boytha, who was extremely Professional and highly recommended. All in all my experience with Optical Express has been totally life changing, from the consultation at Inverness (who i've just found out have got a new laser in store), to the surgery in Glasgow i have had world class service and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Charlene E Ogg
Surgery at Aberdeen - 24th May 2006 Absolutely amazing!! The best thing I've ever done in my life!! Staff were fab, surgeon was lovely and although it wasn't the nicest thing in the world to get done, would absolutely recomment it to anyone! NO MORE SPECS!! YIPPEE!! THANKS LOADS!!
