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
Ian bennett
After my first consultation with Demiti where he explained all my options and the best outcome for me, we talked about my expectation and what to expect in the weeks to come, I left full of confidence and returned the following week, getting to London three days running was a bit of a bind but my Granddaughter loved the shopping experience.
Three weeks on and all is well, my vision gets better each day and has exceeded my expectation. The team in London were very professional and looked after me well.
Thank you All
Tony Long
The procedure was easy and painless, no problem at all. The hours after the surgery once the anesthetic wore off were without exaggeration absolute agony - make sure you have some very strong painkillers handy! Eventually I slept and after waking next morning have had no pain or soreness at all and my vision is just fantastic. I wish I had not waited so long to get it done! Good: the result, quick painless treatment, Steven - the consultant at Chelmsford is excellent and I recommend him highly, the aftercare. Bad: the Chelmsford branch of Optical Express itself is just shocking. They do not answer the phone, do not get calls returned, they completely messed up my procedure booking (gave me the paperwork and booking conformation but never booked it with Bluewater) and had to rebook for the following week - they actually refunded some money because of the mess-up. Don’t let my assessment of the Chelmsford branch put you off, as I said, the consultant is really good as was everything else with Optical express.
Jackie Acton
I was really surprised at how quick I could see. The Dr and nurses were really helpful and the staff for after care was great. Far better and more relaxed than Ultralase and there staff. I have recommended Optical Express to quite a few friends and customers of ours. The staff, Dr. and after care was marvellous.
Mark Brown
It was great! I could see almost immediatly after my procedure, and the vision kept improving as the hours went by. At my 24 hour post-op appointment I could see better than I ever could with my glasses and contact lenses. It really has been a life-changing procedure, and I have been recommending Optical Express to all my friends. I had my consultation in St.Albans and the staff were fantastic, especially Kavita, who was very friendly and professional. I had a consultation when i was 18 and was deemed unsuitable but I'm so glad that the technology that Optical Express use have opened the boundries for people like me with high prescriptions. For all of those people that are nervous as I was, please trust me and go ahead with the procedure, it will be the best thing you've ever done!
Mark
I had been wearing spectacles for a number of years and finally decided to get rid of them after alot of persuasion from my mum. Really nervous on the day of surgery but the staff at the Dundee store in the High St were brilliant from the minute I stepped in the store. Sheila the manager welcomed me at the door and Yvonne my counsellor remembered me immediately. I was taken up stairs to the balcony where Lee looked after me and reassured me that everything would be okay. There were a few further tests that had to be done but all went okay. The surgeon David Teenan was brilliant and the surgery team really made me feel at ease when i got my treatment done. I was in there for less than five minutes. Clark the assistant manager popped in when i came out to make sure I was okay and that i had someone coming to pick me and that i knew when to take my drops. When i went home i just wanted to sleep. I had a really good sleep and when I woke up I couldn't believe i could see, at first i thought i had left my contacts in. Remember and put your drops in makes such a difference. Went for my post op on Sat and was told i could drive by the optician Stewart. All the staff wanted to know how I got on couldn't believe how genuinely interested they were and they all seemed to remember that i had my eyes done the day before. I want to thank Sheila, David the surgeon and the team on how brilliant they all were. Anyone who is thinking about getting it done, honestly JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen Woollam
.
J Lapworth
.
C Thomas
I was very satisfied with the counsellor, optometrist and surgeon. I wish I had had treatment sooner
Elliot Robbins
I had my consultation, treatment and aftercare done at the Inverness store. After wearing glasses for nearly 20 years, I have gone from -3 in both eyes to 6/5, which is better than 20/20. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.
Lyndsey Graver
I am totally thrilled with the service received by Optical Express. Could not recommend them highly enough.
neena sheemar
Optical Express ( 39-41 Petty Cury, Cambridge CB2 3NB Tel: 01223 45427) My name is Neena Sheemar; I am 38 years old and work as an accountant for the Local NHS. I would like to share with you my journey into Laser Eye Treatment. First of all let you introduce you to my ‘team’; Elaine Norman (my ever on-line support); my very objective and ‘open to silly questions’ optician, Mitesh Gandhi and my very serious and dedicated surgeon, Rodney Blumenfeld. I had first thought about eye surgery many years ago but like many others did not think it was for ordinary folk. It was for those with loads of money, better and more outgoing lifestyles and well, just not accessible for the likes of me! Last December, I took my first steps through the doors at Optical Express in Cambridge. I was welcomed by Elaine, after an informal chat; I was to come back for some tests. On my second visit, Elaine talked me through the consultation; I underwent a number of rigorous eyes examinations. My results were passed to Mitesh who was going to who was going to make recommendations personal to my prescription. I had been given coloured pictures of my eyes from every angle imaginable, with measurements and statistics at various points. I saw Mitesh within minutes, who advised I was suitable for Laser Eye Surgery. He talked me about my eyes and their health and through all my options and well, he was the expert so I let him lead. He talked about the surgery I would need, how it was to be preformed and what recovery like. I was passed back to Elaine. We had a coffee and well, I decided to go for it! I was given a date and all the necessary paperwork was completed and I forgot about it for now. I was booked in for February 7th, Christmas passed quickly and well, before I knew it, it was the 7th. I had called Elaine a couple of times with silly questions having got a bit anxious reading the detail in the information packs and surfing the Internet! But she talked through my concerns and my mind was at ease. My nerves kicked it again when I tipped up for the surgery, Elaine was there again and I immediately started to feel comforted. Mihesh also popped out between appointments, shook my hand and well, braved me up! Then a member of Rodney’s team arrived, I can’t remember to the name (sorry, the nerves were in full swing again!) but this lady was fantastic. She went through some preliminary tests with me and then took me upstairs to the treatment area. Upstairs there was others getting ready for surgery, more of the treatment staff, and I noticed how all of them seemed to have a very friendly disposition. My lady sat me down and said Rodney was going to have a chat before hand and then she would come back to take me through. After a couple of minutes, I was taken to examination room and introduced to Rodney. He sat me down and talked me through how he was going to do the surgery, advised of the risks, what symptoms to what out for and the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ after surgery. My lovely lady come back and then took me through for surgery. I remember she kept smiling and talking, she even held my hands through surgery, I was really grateful because I had come on my own – hubbie was with the kids! It took all of 10 minutes and I was done. My lady came back with a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit and left me to settle down. She came back later with my ‘goodie’ bag, talked me through my drops and after care, soon after I was good to go home. I was back at Optical Express the next day with the biggest ‘sunnies’ you could buy, Mihesh checked my eyes and when tested I had 20-20 vision. Even Mihesh was surprised. He talked me through what to expect the next couple of days and I was to return on Day 4 to have the contact lenses bandages removed. I spent the next couple of days at home taking it easy, I listened to the radio and television and just concentrated on making sure I used my eye drops as I should. I had one night of discomfort but I was armed with suitable eye drops to deal with it. A Norwich colleague of Miheshs’, was covering Miheshs’ appointments when I returned on Day 4. (Another lovely person with a friendly and caring disposition; I am starting to think this is a great organisation to work for, their staff are so happy in their work.) He checked my eyes, talked through my history and then removed the bandages. I suddenly felt my eyes much lighter! He advised on after care and I was to come back to see Mihesh on Day 7. Day 7 and by now, I could get away with not wearing my sunnies indoors. I saw Mihesh, he checked my eyes again and well he gave me the all-clear. I asked if I now drive, cook, run and he said yes! At this point, I just wanted to give him a hug but I didn’t so I shock his hand madly instead. I was so pleased I could wait to get home and go for run. Yes run, I love running and well, it had been 5/6 days since I had run and I was dying to put my trainers on. Mihesh still wanted me to come back in 3 weeks just for a check up and then I was out of there. I got home as fast as I could, got changed and for the first time, went out without my ‘sunnies’ on. It was a beautiful bright sunny day, I took my usual route, and that was when it hit me. While I was running I noticed I didn’t just see the trees but saw the branches, I didn’t just hear the birds I saw them. I recognised and waved to familiar faces first. This was what every one else could see but I couldn’t. This was the day that I saw the world, my world as it should have been seen. It’s a month on now; I have no regrets about my surgery except that maybe I should have done this sooner! Mihesh and his team are still looking after my eyes. I don’t do exciting things in my life but it has still made a huge difference to me. I have never felt this free and confident. This small change has opened new doors for me, doors which I sub-consciously closed because I felt the glasses got in my way. I want to do all the things I have missed out on now. Life is too short for not living it properly, so if you are thinking about Laser Eye Surgery, I would encourage you to contact Optical Express. This is not a marketing script from Optical Express; this was my experience so if you have any questions or want to talk I am happy to call you. I would like to warm-heartedly thank Elaine, Mihesh, my lovely Lady, Rodney and all the Cambridge Optical Express team, they have all been fantastic. I have not seen this dedication, support and care in any organisation. You all do your organisation and profession proud; and I can assure you I will not be going anywhere else for my eye care. Neena
