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
caroline
Had consultation in Stirling and treated in glasgow on 2/3/6 ABSOLUTLEY GREAT!! should have done it sooner! Don't know why I was scared it was totally painless and I could see immediatley after op! recommend this surgery anytime. Optical Express staff Stirling and Glasgow 1st class!
Wendy
Had surgery in Glasgow, wasn't abit nervous. Everyone in Glasgow was friendly and helpfull. I had the wavefront surgery, which is the best option for me with my eyes. It is great not to have to wear glasses or lenses anymore. I would recommend this treatment to anyone thinking about it. The staff in the Inverness store are very helpful also, keep up the good work folks!
Jane Nightingale
What a wonderful present to myself! It is fantastic to be able to wake up each day and see immidiately, especially my baby son when he comes into my bedroom. i would certainly recommend anyone to go ahead with laser eye surgery. It is truly amazing!!
Elaine Parker
The service has been terrific. I've been kept well informed at every step along the way. Although I may need an enhancement in the future I'm not worried about it at all. I can highly recommend this procedure to anyone who leads an active life and hates wearing the old 'bins'
Andrew Campbell
Three years ago whilst a student in Glasgow I went for a laser consultation with Optimax. The surgeon there told me my post op vision would probably be worse than my current 'best corrected' vision. He did however say it would almost certainly meet driving standard and if not I could then be retreated. I was also warned of the likely long term probs of night glare, haloes and dry eyes, which were inherent due to the limitations of the laser technology. I must admit I appreciated his honesty but was put off altogether due to the 'expected' side effects. At the time I was quite dejected but decided to persevere with contact lenses and spx as at least with them my vision was very good and I had no other problems. This was all until I stumbled across 'Wavefront' technology on an American website. It offers most likely meeting pre op visual standard, if not possibly improving it! All of this without the probs of night glare and haloes. All I needed was to find a UK clinic which offered wavefront correction - Optical Express.It didnt take long to also find out that the Newcastle branch, where I now live,had the new visx laser, which I had read was the best around, bar none. I was extremely excited arriving at my consultation. All the staff were friendly and professional. The Optometrist confirmed all I had read about visx and wavefront and after a thorough examination and testing, decided I would be a suitable candidate. I was also impressed to find that all this would actually cost me considerably less than many other clinics on the high street and elsewhere. The day of surgery went very smoothly, again staff were friendly and reassuring, and waiting time was minimal. Surgery itself was very fast, about 2 mins per eye, and painfree. 45 mins after arriving for surgery I was in a taxi home, vision already surprisingly clear. I will say that after the aneasthetic drops wore off my eyes were quite tender, perhaps a bit sore, and certainly sensitive to light. I sat with dark glasses on in a dark room watching football on tv. My girlfirend said I looked ridiculous and that was about the only downside to the whole thing! 2-3 hours later my eyes were comfortable and my vision crystal clear, better than it had ever been! Now, three weeks on I no longer need the comfort drops for the mild dryness which is associated with all surgery, even though I had been expecting to use them occasionally for months. My vision, tested by the same optometrist who I saw previously, was bottom line with both eyes. I could not be happier with Optical express for the way they have changed my life. Thank you.
Alan Cawthorne
Very freindly and helpfull staff and great aftercare.
Vanessa Strafull
Clinic: Milton Keynes Date:3/5/06 Procedure: Lasik -Surgery ok no pain -Post op- some discomfort but slept and it wore off. -/had an infection in my left eye and was seen on alternate days until it cleared -All care was excellent! Eyes brilliant, why did i not do it before??? Go for it you wont regret it!!
Paula Hennighan
Very good, My eyes are now better than they were with glasses. The only disappointing part was the long wait to see the optician the following day for the first check up which took over an hour but the staff were excellent in trying to move things along. Wholly recommend it to anyone, no discomfort at all
shaney
HAD SURGERY WITH THE MILTON KEYNES BRANCH ON THE 23RD MARCH AND WHAT CAN I SAY?! IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY PERFECTLY BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!! THREE MONTHS ON I HAVE NO PRESCRIPTION LEFT IN EITHER ONE OF MY EYES I CAN SEE TWO LINES BETTER THAN DRIVING STANDARDS AND MY VISION IS CRISP AND CLEAR JUST LIKE THEY SAID IT WOULD BE!!!! IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT HAVING IT DONE THEN DO IT NOW!!!!!! IT REALLY IS THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE!!!! WOULD GET ON TO THE HIGHEST BUILDING AND SHOUT ABOUT IT IF I COULD THATS HOW GREAT IT IS!!!! THE STAFF ARE EXCELLANT ESPECIALLY THE LASER COUNSELLORS. THEY ARE FULL OF GREAT ADVISE AND ARE ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM! DR JAIN THE SURGEON IS LIKE GOD TO ME IF IT WASNT FOR HIM AND THE WAVEFRONT TECHNOLOGY I WOULDNT HAVE PERFECT VISION NOW! WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE STAFF AT MILTON KEYNES ESPICIALLY DASI RAJU AND REKHA GORE THE LASER OPTOMETRISTS AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST DOT AND SHAHEEN THE LASER COUNSELLORS FOR ALL THE HELP AND SUPPORT OVER THE LAST 4 MONTHS. I HAVE RECOMMENDED OPTICAL EXPRESS TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO!
salenashaw
The whole experience has been fantastic - the procedure was interesting - not at all scary! It was all over really quickly. I could see straight away & the following day, at my check-up I had better than 2020 vision. After wearing glasses for 27 years, I feel like a new person - don't hesitate to go for it - you'll wonder why you ever waited. Its brilliant!!!
