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
Marc Walsh
Best thing i ever did so pleased with the results, nothibg like waking up in the morning and being able to see. Expected a lot more recovery time and pain but 4 hours after surgery everything was perfect. Also well looked after and all questions and querys answered straight away. CONSULTATION Mancheater EC SURGERY Maxi Manchester
Neil Wragg
My perscription was -3.50 in both eyes. I chose the Wavefront treatment with Intralase. I had consultations at several clinics before choosing who to have the treatment with. Only Optical Express, Reading picked up some pigmentation at the back of my eye during the free consultation and wanted a second check from a specialist, the other clinics didnt pick this up or mentionit if they did. Although more hassle for me to visit my local hospital and get a second examination Optical Express weren't worried this would put me off choosing their clinic. In fact it reassured me that Optical Express were, in fact, the most professional. After an all clear from the hospital to have the eye surgery I was extremely pleased with Optical Express in Reading. My treatment took just 25 minutes and five hours later I was at home watching the TV having thrown away my glasses and contact lenses for ever! The next morning I preferred to wear sunglasses when outside but apart from that I would describe my vision after the surgery as simply 'vibrant'. Brilliantly clear and flawless. At my 24 hour check I could read the letters on the chart that were two levels greater than 20/20 vision, this was verified again at the one week check-up. So, as an understatemnt I would say I am extremely pleased.
Michelle Douglas
I'd had glasses and contact lenses for over 10 years and finally got fed up of it. I'd looked into Laser surgery before but when i found out i could have the consultation AND operation done in Inverness i went for it. I phoned up on Friday morning and arranged a consultation for later that afternoon. i went back the next morning and booked the surgery and had it done a week later. All staff at every stage of the process were friendly and helpful and explained exactly what would happen. It was an extremely quick process - i was in and out in about half an hour. It's not a painful process, just a bit uncomfortable but so so worth it. I spent the first few days wandering around just looking! I must've had eyesite as good as this at some point in my life but i cant remember when. Now I've almost forgotten i ever needed glasses. The healing process was quick too - i was in the pub celebrating the same day i had it done! (Not sure that's recommended though!). It's great now. No fumbling about for glasses or taking lenses in and out. No more packing for holidays and taking glasses, sunglasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, spare contact lenses, lens cleaning fluid, etc, etc. I can see the time on the clock if i wake up in the night. i dont have to worry about falling asleep with my glasses on if i watch tv in bed. I would definately recommend both the surgery and Optical Express to anyone considering it. i would also say, don't sit around thinking about it - you'll end up frightening yourself out of doing it. Just go for it. It'll change your life. I cant emphasise this enough. Go on - do it now!
Julie Bond
I was really nervous about having this treatment but am really pleased with the results! The day after the procedure i had 20/20 vision and at my one week checkup it was better than 20/20. The actual surgery was a bit weird and slightly uncomfortable but not painful. I did have a slight mishap where the corneal flap they had cut reopened itself as i left the surgery to walk back to the car but luckily the surgeon was still there and able to smooth it back down for me with no problems. My eyes were pretty painful the night of the op, it felt like someone had put shampoo in my eyes and my sight was pretty foggy. Nothing i couldnt handle though and all worth it when i woke up the next day, opened the curtains and could read the number plates of the cars outside! The drops and night goggles were a bit of a pain but at least its only for a week. Its worth it in the end. My only tiny complaint with Optical Express was that i waited a long time for my surgery - i was there for an hour and a half before i even saw the surgeon and it was a bit of a rushed conveyor belt process of surgeon, nurse, surgery after the long wait. As i was the last appointment of the day i felt a little bit shoved out as the staff were cleaning up as i came out of surgery and i didnt get much time to recover before i was told i could go. People i had seen have surgery while i was waiting had about 20-30 mins recovery time, i had approx 5 mins. However i guess it has to be this way in order to be as efficient as they can be. I would however recommend this surgery and Optical Express to anyone who wants to be free from glasses and contact lenses - its amazing not to need them anymore!
Rene Macdonald
Everyting from consult, procedure and aftercare all carried out in Inverness. I would recommend the procedure to anyone who wears glasses! It really is nothing to worry about- I was on the verge of chickening out but I went ahead and can honestly say just do it. It was completely painless and so quick. Dr Boytha is amazing!!
Jackie Pearson
Its a bit stressful on the day of the surgery but the results are worth it.Being able to see clearly really is a miracle. Recovery was very quick- iwas able to watch television (without glasses) on the same day. Staff at optical express were efficient and reassuring. CONSULTATION Manchester EC SURGERY Maxi
Julian Burford
I went to the Oxford Optical Express and had a very very good experience. The care before, during and after the surgery was fantastic by all involved. The actual outcome is no need for glasses any more and my vision is exceptional with no discomfort or after effects. Very happy with the result.
Gerrard Sweeney
I have already re-commended Optical Express to quite a few people. Although i was apprehensive prior to consultations etc, Iwas soon put at ease. Afterwards the treatment i received was superb. Iwas particurlarly impressed with the attention to detail. The follow up inspection could`nt have been better. Finally the fact that no pressure was put upon me to go ahead with the treatment impressed me the most. CONSULTATION Manchester EC cross street SURGURY Maxi Manchester
Leanne Graham
Absolutely fantastic, extremely happy with the results!.. Contact lenses were a real hassle for me and its great not to wear them. The best thing ive ever done, well worth it!. CONSULTATION Manchester EC Cross street SURGERY Manchester
H Robertson
I was aprehesive about the treatment but all staff in Kirkcaldy and Glasgow were great, they really put you at ease during the procedure. My right eye was fine, had a problem with my left eye, but was assured that this could be dealth with. went back for my left eye surgery two months later ( had been changed to wavefront Lasek) My vision is now great. You are told before hand that any comlpications can be handled and this is so true. Thanks to all staff at Optical Express you were great.
