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
Vic Brailsford
WOW, fantastic, all the staff at optical express Manchester i salute you, thankyou so much, my vision was 20/20 within 48hrs, being a comedy entertainer i cant tell you what a supprise it was to see all of my audiance for the first time in years, and my first show was 4 days after my treatment, its like a new world, Optical Express ''i love you'' Bobby Dazzler'x
Melissa Ellis
I am so glad I have had my eyes done, I was in 2 minds about it, I thought I would wait a few more years for technology to advance etc etc and it was eventually only after my mother kept going on about what a life-changing experience it was that I decided to go ahead with it. It is difficult to describe what a massive difference it makes to your quality of life on a day-to-day basis. I have had to wear contact lenses/glasses for almost 20 years. In the last couple of years, my eyes have been constantly red and sore and I have spent hundres of pounds on glasses, sunglasses, prescription lenses, contact lenses, eye tests etc. Now, I no longer have sore red eyes and I look like 'me', not a clumsy fool blundering around with glasses. Although I was warned that I might experience dry eyes after the operation, my eyes are less dry than they were when I had to wear lenses. I would only recommend people to have it done at ProVision. Having talked to friends, colleagues and family members who have used other clinics, it is clear that ProVision have the most up-to-date equipment and the most experienced, professional and polite medical staff. They make the whole experience stress free and put a huge emphasis on making you feel relaxed, making sure you are happy with what is going on, and most importantly, give lots of advice on after-care - I have heard that some clinics give you little or no after-care and are only concerned with getting the next patient through to surgery. The procedure takes litterally 10 minutes and you don't even have to have an injection. Another huge bonus is that you don't feel like you are in a 'clinic' at all, but a rather smart hotel!
janine lauder
i received the highest standard of customer service with the results being amazing and no discomfort during the procedure or after,well worth the money and a very helpfull and pleasant team thankyou very much.
janinecoleman
I was very pleased with the results from the moment after my surgery. it is unbelieveable the difference it has made!
Dawn Copsey
I Have just had my 3 month check up in Milton Keynes, My sight just keeps getting better and Better! Everything as been so good from the inital Consultation to today. I only have positive things to say, It's been the most wonderful experience and I would recommend the surgery and this Centre to all (I had Lasik Wavefront)
Sharon Ord
I had my surgery on 8/8/06 at Milton Keynes. After my consultation, I was told that I was suitable and opted for the LASIK, Wavefront. I was very scared on the day of my procedure, but very reassured by the staff. The procedure itself was not painful but unpleasant. The good thing is it is over within seconds. Immediately afterwards my eyes were very sore and watery and impossible to open. After a short sleep this improved greatly. A month on, I now have better than 20:20 vision. Absolutely no regrets.
dora
I am nearly two months on now from my last comments. Have to say that it is lovely not wearing glasses or lenses. However, I have still variable vision. Some days its quite bad by evening with lots of blurring, although the eyedrops help. other days is perfect. I do worry about whether it will settle into the good or the bad version over time. They said I had longer to heal because I had to go back one week after surgery as I had 'creases' in both the flaps they had cut (Lasik). Do be aware that this is a possibility. The surgeon discovered this at my one week checkup, and decided to lift the flaps and smooth them down again, then put a contact lens over it for twentyfour hours to hold it in place. This was all major hassle and I would advise that if you are thinking of surgery you do treat it seriously and don't book an important work thing or a holiday in the first two weeks. I lost work as a result of having to be out of action for two weeks. Still, I am happy with all the treatment I had and the lovely (still improving i hope) vision. Think it is well worth doing. Do it but do it cautiously. Oh - also spoke to a girl at our one month checkup who had Lasek same day as i was there, and she said was in agony for four days, and now her eyes keep swelling up, going out anywhere in the evening is tricky for her especially if its smoky, and she wouldn't dream of night driving as haloing is so bad - she didn't opt for wavefront as I did. I have no haloing at all.
Dawn Copsey
I Have just had my 3 month check up in Milton Keynes, My sight just keeps getting better and Better! Everything as been so good from the inital Consultation to today. I only have positive things to say, It's been the most wonderful experience and I would recommend the surgery and this Centre to all (I had Lasik Wavefront)
Hannah Rye
Having laser surgy was the best decision I have ever made, it has changed my life. At oxford optical express the staff are so friendly and caring, they make you feel really comfortable and calm about every aspect of the surgy. My surgeon - Stefan Klopper was great, he spoke calmly and made me feel relax about what was happening. My Optometrist - Chris Gascoigne explained everything clearly and answered all my questions.
Dean
Treatment @ bluewater This is the easiest and greatest thing that could have happened to me apart from a minor inflamation and lots of bluewater visits. All went well and would recommened to everyone. And now i have better vision than EVER!!
