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
Hilary Wiggin
I had my Eyes done in the Glasgow Branch of optical express on 22nd of September I was terrified everyone was fantastic This has completely changed my life the confidence that I have now is unbelievable thank you so much all of the team for being so helpful and professional. I now feel a fab fifty thank you thank you.
Jason Woodruff
I had Lasik eye surgery with Wavefront... Wow, I only wish I had it done sooner The staff were all very helpful and informative. Thankyou very much Woody-Bournemouth
mark Dawson
i have just got back from my one week check up, i had wavefront lasik treatment and now have better than 20/20 vision, this has changed my life , i would reccomend optical express at bluewater to anyone, first class service from start to finish.
Pete Fishwick
I had Lasik eye surgery with Wavefront. I was nervous at the time of surgery but the staff were great and talked me through the procedure.It was all over in minutes and I now have 20/20 vision.I would definatly recommend it. Thankyou Pete-Bournemouth
Paul Shears
I have worn glasses for 20 years, so I decided to have surgery, abit nervous about the procedure, but it only lasted 10-15 mins, staff at reading very good,excellent consultation and follow up visit at Bournemouth. All worth it, I would definatly reccomend. Thanks Paul-Bournemouth
gayle millar
wearing glasses for 15 years, i was pleased to hear that optical express were promoting a free consultation to find out more about laser surgery. The care and attention i received after my lasik surgery was second to none. I would recommend lasik surgery to anyone, the freedom from glasses is fantastic. I now have 20/20 vision thanks to optical express.
Lindsay
I did a lot of research before finally choosing Optical Express and I'm delighted I did. I had visted Optimax in Glasgow but just wasn't confident about their technology or results. When I visited Optical Express I was impressed with their customer service and clear information they gave, elsewhere I left feeling confused with all the jargon they used. I has LASIK with intralase and wavefront with Mr Wayne Crewe-Brown, and I'm over the moon with the results. It was so easy, I arrived at the clinic at 9am and got picked up at 10.30, I slept for a few hours (which is the best thing to do)and had clear vision that afternoon! Mr Crewe-Brown was excellent, he was talking to me throughout the surgery, (which was only 5 mins)so that I knew exactly what was going on which put me right at ease. I went in for my post-op and I could read the bottom line on the eye chart, which is better than 20/20! something I couldn't do with my glasses. Driving at night is also much better, I feel far more cofident. It really is the best thing i've done, i'm recommending it to all my family and friends, i'm annoyed with myself for putting it off.
Sarah-Jane Broadway
Excellent! Great service, Lovely people! & I can see again - Very Happy (Bournemouth)
Ian Rigby
Optical Express were fantastic from start to finish. From my research they were in the middle range for price but for something important as this i deemed it necessary not to be a cheapskate! They have a lot of branches that can look after you which makes it very convenient and i had lasik suregy using wavefront technology. Surgery was like going to the dentist and having a tooth removed - glimpses of pain and nail marks in the reclining seat! After you will have a lot of discomfort in your eyes (simialr to having a lot of sand in them) for about 4 hours. I physicially couldnt open my eyes once the anaestetic had worn off. After that i watched the boxing on the TV - without my glasses! The next day i had no pain and went to see them for a check up and was told i had better than 20/20 vision within 24 hours - Amazing! i cant recommend this enough as well as the company: Optical Express.
Susan Greenbrooke
Hi,I had my laser surgery on the 9th and within 2 hours could see the TV clearly without glasses for the 1st time in 17 years!!!!.Vision was above driving standard at my post op check he next day and continues to improve.I had Lasik with Intralase.I was unable to have Wavefront as due to congenital opacities on the lens' of my eyes they could not get a clear picture.My surgeon, Mr Wayne Crewe Brown (Bluewater) explained that standard Laskik was just effective without a bad wavescan and i am really pleased with the results.My vision is still improving and due to the Intralase i am not suffering much dryness of the eyes.My experience At Bluewater was and continues to be a very positive one and although the surgery may seem expensive especially if you have a high prescription like myself (blind as a bat without glasses/lenses) in the long run you save on expensive glasses and monthly payments on contact lenses.
