1. Optimax Laser Eye Surgery Review
Optimax is a UK specialist in laser eye treatment, lens replacement surgery, and cataract surgery. Founded in 1991, this clinic has performed over 430,000 vision corrections. It currently has 28 clinics nationwide, including London, Bristol, Birmingham and Belfast.
Here is how nearly 1,000 real customers rate Optimax for its clinic, cost, treatments and surgeons:
| Optimax Rating Overall | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (3.9 out of 5) | (3.6 out of 5) | (3.5 out of 5) | (5 out of 5) | (4.1 out of 5) |
These ratings boil down to:
Pros: Fixed prices, free consultation, Wavefront technology, locations nationwide, NHS-trained surgeons
Cons: Poor customer service, lacking communication from surgeons, frequent delays
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote – as well as free eye tests worth £800!
2. Optimax Laser Eye Surgery Cost
“I would do this surgery again tomorrow knowing the results I have got. It was worth every penny – the best money I ever spent.” – Stephen Gerrard
(3.5 out of 5)
Laser eye surgery at Optimax costs £1,695 (per eye) for Wavefront LASEK or Wavefront IntraLase LASIK. Cataract surgery costs £2,995 (per eye), while implantable contact lenses will set you back £2,495 (per eye).
These are average prices for eye surgery in the UK – not as cheap as other high street clinics like Optical Express, but less expensive than eye hospitals like Moorfields Private.
Are there any hidden costs? No – Optimax offers free consultations, and transparent prices. Plus, there are finance options, meaning you can pay under £50 for 36 months for laser surgery, or under £70 a month for lens surgery.
Here are the prices of some of Optimax’ popular lens and laser surgery options:
| Eye Surgery Procedure | Price (per eye) | Finance Options (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Wavefront LASEK | £1,695 | £42.38 (36 months, 0% APR, £169.50 deposit) |
| Wavefront IntraLase LASIK | £1,695 | £42.38 (36 months, 0% APR, £169.50 deposit) |
| Cataract / RLE / CLE Treatment | £2,995 | £64.40 (36 months, 0% APR, £299.50 deposit) |
| ICL Treatment | £2,495 | £51.49 (36 months, 0% APR, £249.50 deposit) |
☛ 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 for free.
3. Optimax Treatments
“I am delighted that the procedure was pain-free, and I didn’t even need any painkillers afterwards. At the weekly check-up, I was amazed to learn I had 20/20 vision – much better than predicted.” – Joan Hassell
(4.1 out of 5)
As well as traditional laser eye surgery, Optimax also offers a range of lens surgery options. Here is the full list:
- LASIK
- LASEK
- Wavefront / IntraLase®Femtosecond
- Cataract or refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery
- ICL surgery or keratoconus treatment
Aftercare
Optimax provides a free and comprehensive aftercare program to regularly check and monitor your vision at each stage of the recovery process. All aftercare costs are included in the cost of your eye surgery.
Optimax locations
Optimax offers a range of clinics nationwide. It also hosts open days, where patients are able to have a free assessment, take a tour of the clinic, and speak to specialist consultants. Optimax’s main locations are: London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester.
4. The Verdict
I am really happy with the results. Apart from the machine not working and the long wait, the staff at this Optimax were really nice, friendly and helpful, as was Dr Patel. I would recommend this Optimax. – Tina Gibson
(3.9 out of 5)
Optimax has an average overall rating due to hit-and-miss patient care, based on nearly 9,000 independent reviews on Lasik Eyes since 2002.
Most patients we spoke to were happy with the service. However, the long waiting times and poor communication mean this clinic misses the top spots on the list of the best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK. Still, Optimax makes it into these top lists:
But is Optimax 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 closer to going glasses free:
- Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched to 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 and personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and get a tailored quote.
5. Optimax Surgeon Reviews
6. Optimax Patient Reviews
Julia Dawkins
lens replacement went well. Following that I needed remediation treatment on one eye – lazer treatment. I was asked back a total of 8 times to review my eyes but was not explained anything about what or why I should have dry eyes. treat ment for that was hardly explained and I returned many ties without any further treatment scheduled, nor with any explanation of how they would proceed. after a year almost to the day I was given lazer remediation treatment. On the day all the proper tests were carried out before the treatment. However I overheard that my data had crashed to computer which instructed the lazer what to do. Finally after 3 and a half hours someone came to me and said they had solved their”little ” problem and work would now commence. I was really scared by the time I sat in the chair for my eye to be lazered (!) and had to say to the doctor that I just had to trust his expertise that he would not proceed if anything was wrong.
Terrible after care service and lack of information. I wrote complaining to them on March1st (I think) and still have had only an acknowledgement, but no reply to my complaiint. Outrageous! Would not reccommend to anyone.
dave barnett
i had my eyes treated this month and wow!!!! what a difference i cannot believe how much i have been missing out on. if anyone is considering have laser eye surgery then optimax would be my definate recommendation, service is great, price is cheapest on the market and if you do manage to find one cheaper they do a price match!!!!!! not to mention an interest free credit plan. at least go and have the free consultation, they do take a deposit for the appointment but if you dont want it done then they refund it to you! 10 out of 10 for service and results 🙂
Shelley
This clinic was top class in everything from the personal advisor to the surgeon even the waiting room was great. I highly recommend optimax if you decide to go ahead with treatment. Dr Qazi in Belfast and all the girls thank you so much
Joan Hassell
Am 68 and had surgery on Dec 2nd ’08. Delighted that the procedure was painfree and didn’t even need any painkillers afterwards. At the weekly check-up amazed that I had 20/20 vision. Much better than predicted. It is now two weeks on and apart from slight glare all is well. Wearing sunglasses completely cancels the glare.
I am a keen tennis player so will be very keen to see how the monovision affects my co-ordination!
Michelle Doggett
I had my treatment on 31.1.02.
The consultant was Dr Boezaart who explained the treatment thoroughly. I was very nervous but he was so reasurring he really put my mind at rest.
I was shortsighted with a 3.75 right eye and 4.25 left - with a high astigmatism.
I went for my second checkup on 12.2.02 to be told that I am one line off from 20/20 vision but when I go back for my 3 week checkup I should then have 20/20 vision (as I am slightly longsighted at the moment but apparently that will correct itself) but considering my prescription this is better than I ever expected.
I still can't believe I do not have to wear contacts or glasses any longer, it is a wonderful experience and is definitely worth every penny.
Peter Wise
Prime consultation excellent No rush; no hard sell.
I had bilateral LASIK on 11th Feb. I was seen nearly 3 hours late, due to several additional emergency procedures. (I don't have a problem with this, and I'm pleased they didn't "speed up" to reduce the wait!) Called in for prep at 16:25, then back in the waiting room with the eyeshields on at 16:55! Eyes light sensitive but clear vision. After 1 hour flaps / vision checked and all OK. I could have got home by tube and bus by myself, although my friend was handy, just in case. I was stunned at how well I could see on the tube station.
My original prescription was -5.5Left, -3.5Right, with some astigmatism. Next day it was +0.5Left, and -0.25Right. A week later it was virtually perfect.
I am absolutely delighted with the treatment and aftercare, and considering it was done on a "special offer" of £999 for both eyes, it was unbelievable value for money. After 40 years of wearing glasses, this has changed my life considerably.
Paul Grainger
Bi-lateral PRK surgery on 19th December 2001, at Optimax Manchester clinic. Thorough eye examination and consulation prior to surgery - the surgery was painless with only slight discomfort lasting three days - the sensation was like leaving contact lenses in for 'too long'. My vision before the op was very poor, prescription of -2.5 in both eyes plus astigmatism. Returned to work 5 days after op with much improved long distance eyesight - but long sited and unable to read or use PC. At first aftercare appt I was told that this would improve in two weeks - it actually took five days before quite suddenly it got better and I was totally happy with result. Have now been for second aftercare appt - right eye now perfect (dominant eye) and left eye +0.5. Optimax say this long site in left eye should be gone for next appt in two months.
Would I reccomend Optimax? Absolutely without hesitation. I found this company to be professional and competant. Of course it does help that my operation was a complete sucsess.....
I cannot understand why other companies so strongly prefer LASIK to PRK. I was told by two other companies that PRK was no longer a recognised procedure - my own experiences suggest that PRK is very effective and certainly less 'surgically intrusive' than LASIK. If anybody reading this is considering surgery then I would suggest that PRK is given full consideration before a decision is reached.
Claire
When I decided to have my eyes treated I wasn't expecting miracles. I just wanted to be able to see the TV properly in the evening, and stop ignoring people in the street!
I went to Optimax in Newcastle to have PRK, and I can't fault the service - or results! I can now see amazingly well and would recommend anyone to go for it. YES I was nervous - in fact I think after reading all the comments on this web page and hearing other horror stories it was probably the bravest thing I've ever done sitting there under that laser. YES there is pain, in fact a lot of pain for a week afterwards, but it's worth it. One tip - make sure you get at least a week off work afterwards if you're getting bi-lateral surgey like me. Expect to spend a lot of time lying in the dark, unable to do anything for a while! Good luck!
Simon Bannister
I has LASIK procedure carried out on both eyes yesterday (18/03/02) at Optimax in Manchester. My prescription was R -5.5 L -4.5.
I attended for the first check up this morning and my vision is now 20/20 (R 0.0, L -0.5) There is still some very slight inflamation in the left eye and my vision is expected to improve further as this subsides.
As you can probably imagine I am absolutely over the moon.
Both the procedure and the initial consultation were carried out by Dr Jean Philippe Colliac. This gentleman is French. His English whilst OK is not brilliant and establishing the necessary reassuring dialogue was not really possible. My final result however is testimony to his expertise.
Six of us were treated on the same morning, all returning together for day 1 aftercare. Apart from one poor guy who had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic drops the other folks experiences were the same as mine.
You can read loads of stuff on this site and elsewhere about the details of the LASIK procedure but my summary would be it's no worse than your average trip to the dentist.
If you are reading this then I can assume you are researching the subject with a view to undergoing the procedure for yourself. My recommendation is that you do research the issues thoroughly but always remember that human nature tends to dictate that the bad news will travel faster than the good. I believe this to be especially true on the net.
Come to you own decision in your own time, if you decide to proceed I wish you the best possible outcome.
Anne
Had bi-lateral PRK on 25/3/02. Five days on and my eyesight is improving daily. Long distance is now excellent and reading close up is no problem but only for short bursts. My surgeon was Dr Ayoubi and he was absolutely supberb. He explained the procedure in detail before surgery and during surgery he talked me through each step as it happened. I am due back at Optimax in just over a weeks time for my first check-up and I am looking forward to finding out my new sight prescription. I am delighted with how things are progressing and very pleased that I chose Optimax and had Dr Ayoubi as my surgeon.
Jo
I did have a prescription of -3.25 & -4.50 with astigmatism in both eyes and I now have eyesight that doesn't need correcting for driving.
I went to Optimax in Finchley and saw Dr Patel and had bi-lateral LASIK on 3/4/02. The added bonus of LASIK is that your eye heals a lot faster and you don't have as much pain. Friends who have had PRK have taken sleeping tablets for the first couple of days!
The worst bit was where they were putting the suckers on to my eye, this hold's it in place while they cut the eye. But other than that it wasn't too bad. It took about 15-20 mins for both eyes and then I had to wait in the waiting room with these wonderful clear plastic lenses over my eyes before the doctor checked that they were okay. They were both stinging like mad for the first couple of hours and I spent the 45 minute journey back to my friends house with my eyes closed. By about 3pm (I had it done at 10.30) they felt fine and it was just a bit hazy (as if my glasses were really mucky!). I had to use three lots of eye drops (every 2 hours, 20 minutes apart), one of which is artificial tears to keep the eyes moist. I now have to start weaning the drops off over the next few months. One I take 6 times a day for 4 days, then 5 times a day for 4 days etc!
I went back for a check on 4/4/02 and the doctor said the hazyness is due to swollen cornea's and that will go down over the next couple of weeks. I spent all day yesterday desperate to rub my eyes - bad move when you have had a flap cut into your eyes! I also have large red splotches on my eye-balls due to the suckers but they will also go down ovr the next few weeks.
I'm really glad I have had it done though and I think DH will have it done now!
