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
Jacqueline
January 2006 It is lovely to be able to drive without wearing lenses, I have a new lease of life. Thank you!
neil byrne
treated manchester barlow house. surgery date 17/07/2006. cannot say how great i feel just 24hrs later!! to wake up this morning with perfect vision! no glasses, no lenses, no regrets.
Keith Vaughan-Davies
This is my first entry after just 3 DAYS of Bi-Lateral LASIK surgery on Friday, 4th August 2006 at a cost of £695 per eye. At nearly 51 years of age, I had worn glasses for almost 48 years of my life for short-sightedness! Since my early 20's, my prescription has been fairly stable at around -2.50(L) and -2.75(R) with mild astigmatism in both eyes. More recently, I have had trouble focusing on my PC monitor and keyboard, having glasses 'on' to see the monitor and glasses 'off' to see the keyboard - an absolute nightmare! I just could'nt read what I had typed without my glasses! Similarly, with contact lenses, I could see all about me from more than 2 feet away but could not read close-up. I was warned before surgery that I would still require 'reading glasses' for close-up work. HOW WRONG THEY WERE!! I am now typing this feedback on the keyboard and, at the same time, I can read it on the PC monitor! FANTASTIC!! I had a check-up on Saturday afternoon which revealed a slight inflamation of the corneal flap on the left eye. After increasing the dose of antibiotic eyedrops from every 4 hours to every 2 hours, and after a further check-up today (Monday), the problem has been resolved. The 2-part LASIK surgery itself is TOTALLY painless although slightly uncomfortable. The worst part for me was having the corneal flap 'cut' to make the eye ready for the laser. Even after years of wearing contact lenses, there is still something not quite right about touching the eyeball! However, once the 'flap' was created, within seconds the laser's 'ack-ack-ack' went to work and a large grin spread across my face as I likened the sound to that of an arcade game! Absolutely NO PAIN WHATSOEVER! That was just the RIGHT eye and I could SEE exactly what was going on in the operating room! Within less than a minute, the LEFT eye was similarly done! On leaving the operating room, I had vision like never before - I could read the posters on the far wall - about 20/30 feet away - although the outer peripheral was a little hazy! My post op check-up today shows that my eyes are 'perfect' and that I now have 20/15 (better than 20/20) vision in both eyes!! Not only that, I do NOT need 'reading glasses' to see just what's under my nose - and at my age! Who do I thank? Everybody at OXFORD branch of OPTICAL EXPRESS, but especially my Optometrist, Mr Chris Gascoigne and, without doubt, my surgeon, Mr Stefan Koppler! Many thanks to you all! Thinking about having LASIK? You really can't do better than Optical Express!
Zoe Hanson
It has quite simply changed my life! The staff at ProVision were great and the surgeon made me feel very at ease and confident of the proceedure.
Zoe Fenter
Had LASIK two days ago at the Oxford clinic (consultation at Cheltenham). Now have better than 20/20 vision!! No pain during the actual surgery at all and lasted only seconds. Doesn't even feel like its your eyes they are operating on! About 20 minutes after drops wore off had huge urge to close my eyes, slept for 3 hours then woke up with perfect vision! So amazing!Slight headache that afternoon but apart from that felt totally fine!! Staff at Cheltenham/Oxford so nice at put me completley at ease. Don't forget to wear night goggles after as easy to rub your eyes in your sleep! Go for it, its amazing!! I keep walking around like a grining moron, staring at all the things I could never see before!!!
Jen Cook
I had Wavefront Lasik in Leeds on 19th July and it was the best decision I've made. The only downside is the long wait which can be 3-4 hours so try for an 8:30am appointment or a mid week slot. Also the price is likely to be a lot more than you expect but don't let that put you off. Dr Bakr certainly knows his stuff, his care and professionalism was excellent. Being nervous I asked for a hand holder which I would really recommend if you feel nervous. The worst bit? The eye clamps which are uncomfy, and not being able to wear make-up for a week afterwards! The actual procedure is over in a few minutes and goes by in a flash. If it's a sunny day take a pair of very strong dark sunglasses and have a nap when you get home. My eyes that same evening were fine if a little watery but I was able to watch TV. Two days later I was back at work and on the computer. I have been swimming and done sports on a recent holiday with no problems at all. If you have been thinking about laser treatment I hope my comments are of some help. Good luck!
Stephanie Hamilton
Consultation Store - St Enochs Centre, Glasgow Surgery Store - Glasgow Eye Clinic I decided to get Laser Eye Surgery after seeing on web Optical Express. Michael and Kelly put me at ease straight from the first appointment, explained everything and I have never looked back since. My eye sight is marvellous, my eyes are now too strong to wear glasses using computers and the after care is second to none, always making sure that there are no problems. I wished I had done it years ago as it has given me so much confidence.
Tony Cousins
"I went to Manchester 29/08/06 and ended up in Leeds" because of a laser machine breakdown the laser team including surgeon took me and several other people wanting laser eye correction down the motorway in a mini bus to Leeds and got us back to Manchester in time for dinner and it was worth the journey. I only had one eye corrected using the wavefront technique and the next day I was fine. Although I have to wait for my vision to settle down I could see better right away, no pain, no itching eyes, nothing but better vision, I even played a round of golf just 20 hours after the op - I'd like to say thanks to the whole team at Optical Express in Manchester, five star treatment that doesn't break the bank
Bev
I was in and out within the hour - lunch break service !!!!!
Dan Chandegra
Apart from the long delay, on day of surgery everything went like clock work. I had a consultation with Ultralase too. In comparison Optical Express were a lot more competitive on price. Considering the same machinery is used and the service was great I saw no reason not to go with Optical Express. My prescription was -3.50 in both eyes. Now it is better than 20/20!! In fact it was better than 20/20 the next day. I suffer no dryness, no glare at night and would recommend Optical Express to anybody! Excellent service and excellent job! It’s been 6 weeks now and everything is great!
