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
Paul Dominic Jones
Truly a fantastic service. I had lasik wavefront, I was very short sighted. I had my consultation in Optical Express Cardiff and could not fault anyone, they were all friendly and very professional. I had my surgery in Bristol Optical Express and was totally relaxed and enjoyed the day. Lasik wavefront has changed my life. I have fantastic vision and I am my confident. Thank you Optical Express you have changed my life.
Deborah McGarrity
Fantastic EK. Couldn't believe how my sight was restored 20:20 vision within hours. Staff and Surgeon in BELFAST were brilliant and very nice. Anyone considering GO FOR IT. Should have done it years ago. Surgery completely painless-only fear was fear of the unknown but by the time the 2nd eye was being treated, I was completely relaxed. Was convinced they had put vision lenses in after as I could see so well after 18 years. Only discomfort was lenses and dry eyes which came with wearing my normal contact lenses anyway!! Superb, have spent the cost 3 times over in glasses, sunglasses and contacts. Thanks so much to all the Staff in Optical Express Belfast-Surgeon; Sales; Optician and After Care. Best decision I ever made!! Thank you for my life changing experience.
Helen Herron
Had wavefront surgery on 1st July at Shaftesbury Avenue and although I have just had a few days of hazy vision it is clearing now and I am delighted with the results. I can read without glasses for the first time in ten years which is great but I understand that this may not last so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Jason Price
Only slight pain after the IK operation, but within 5 hours I could start to see the benefits. I feel like I could count the blades of grass in the garden my eyesight is so good! Better vision that with my glasses. Highly recommended!
Susan Ross
I am delighted with the vision I now have and happy that I do not have to wear glasses. Surgery went well and was over so quick. Worst thing I found was having to wear the 'night goggles' - My eyes were protected and they were just fine, however my nose and ears were not so good! Main thing is eyes were fine. Everyone at Optical Express were pleasant and helpful.
KELVIN MCLEAN
Alot easier and painlessn than the dentist!!Only very slight discomfort after but the results were amazing. Was very relaxed throughout the whole procedure with the Belfast team being very reassuring and talking to me throughout. Money very well spent and would recommend it to anyone.
Sue Gerring
Date of Surgery wwas the 7th July 2006. After the initial nervousness on the day of surgery, not as bad as i imagined. I was able to read the number plates on my way home(although it was like looking at them under water)No discomfort at all post surgery. I was amazed the next day to read the bedside clock without having to put on my glasses first. Many friends are now considering surgery not that i have been their "guinea pig" to see what it was like. Everyone at Optical Express Oxford have been very supportive and encouraging! Thanks to them all!!
Michelle Young
Consultation and after care Edinburgh George St - Surgery in Glasgow. I am so glad i went ahead and got the surgery done. I couldn't quite believe it when after a little sleep after the surgery i woke up and could see. The staff the whole way through (before,during and after surgery) have all been really friendly and really put me at ease. I would recommend this to anyone, its definitely worth a couple of minutes of discomfort to be able to see unaided. Its only the day after and i (and my eyes) feel great!!
Tara Forrest
I had astigmatism in both eyes quite badly -3.25 & -3.50 and couldn't see a thing without my glasses. I had lasik surgery with wavefront at the newly opened Oxford clinic and all I can say is BRILLIANT! I cannot fault the service, the surgery or the results. The staff are absolutely wonderful, they are all very friendly and put me at ease from the moment I walked in for the consultation. There was no 'hard sell' that I have read about from other companies. The surgery was a bit nerve racking, but not nearly as bad as I expected. I went to bed straight afterwards as I couldn't open my eyes for about 4 hours, and about 8 hours after surgery I was watching telly with no pain and almost perfect vision! At my follow up check the next day, I could see better than 20/20. I can't believe the difference! I haven't stopped smiling since! I would recommend lasik to anyone. Don't let nerves put you off! Lastly I just want to say Thank You to Mr Manoj, the surgeon, who has changed my life. And also a special Thank You to Chris, the optometrist & Khanya, the councellor. You have all been great.
Jade
I had laser on the 19th July at Leeds and all I can say is the 4hour wait was well worth it. The surgery itself only took ten mins max and was totally pain free.The next day my vision was above driving standard.I would describe it as perfect. If anyone is unsure about laser I would recommend it.
