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
Fred Parker
My first appointment with Optimax in Hove was for a brief consultation. The morning, 22nd August, of the appointment they rang and cancelled just as I was about to leave the house as the optician hadn’t turned up.
The next appointment went as planned (26 September) and then I was booked in for the full assessment on 21st October. The appointment was for 8:45 in the morning and the optician eventually rolled in at 9:30, by which time other patients (victims) had started to arrive.
I have previously had laser surgery, around twenty years ago, and also had a cataract in the right eye. It is only the right eye which needs treating.
At the end of the appointment the optician said that he would have to contact the surgeon to find out if it was going to be possible to carry out the further treatment on the eye and he would be in touch in a few days. As I was leaving I asked one of the receptionists to confirm the cost of the treatment and she said that it was £395 per eye.
After three weeks I rang to find out why I had not had any contact regarding the date of the operation. At this point the receptionist told me that if I wanted to pay the surgeon direct I could do so and not have the operation through Optimax. Amazing! This woman is sitting in Optimax, Hove, and stealing the clients away from the company as she and the surgeon have their own little scheme running.
I asked about the cost and she said that the Optimax price is £1600 per eye (so where did the £395 come from?) She also repeated that if I dealt direct with the surgeon it would be cheaper.
I am still waiting for her to ring back – 29th. November 2016!
harry mulholland
Had laser eye surgery last September and I now require glasses all the time for reading--I am very disappointed even though they said they could return my sight to what it was before surgery for free.
jim savage
I had Lasik at London Optimax clinic about 3 years ago. i got a 2 for 1 deal which is why it only cost me £750 (1500 between the 2 of us). I am looking at the forum at the moment as my son is coming up to 18 and is desperate to get rid of his glasses. I noticed on here that quite a few people on here are scared that because Optimax seem to have lots of offers all the time that you get lower quality treatment. All i can say is that I, (and the other 2-4-1), were extremely impressed with everything about our surgery , after care etc etc, and my eyes have been great ever since, and about 1 hours discomfort the day of the op. when i got home. The greatest testamant that i could give them is that I would take my son to have his eyes done there (even if it were a bit more expensive as i trust them). Only problem is, they wont treat anyone until they are 21. That doesnt sound like a company that are out to make a quick buck by any means possible. So dont be put off by the very commercial way they seem to run the sales part of the company - the surgical care is first class. Jim
Lindsay
In response to the migraine query, I suffer from focal aura migraines and have had lasik surgery (about 1 month ago now) with no ill effects. I have taken sumitriptan before although I have never found it to be too effective. At no point was I asked about migraines, although I was asked about medication. As I take the sumitriptan quite imfequesntly I didn't mention it. I think that might have been fool hardy. I think this is one of the situations where if you're thinking about getting surgery, you should go for the consult and ask the doctor.
Sue Richardson
I'm due to have my consultation and surgery, if my eyes are suitable, on Thurs 31 May at the Leicester Clinic. Has anyone had treatment there?
justine
Hi Has anyone had laser treatments and was a sufferer of migraine.? i have heard that you cannot have treatments if you take sumatriptan?
MWB
Had my Consultation at the Glasgow clinic yesterday 16th May with Dr Anwar who is absolutely superb. My prescription is -9.25 and -8.50 with astigmatism but it turns out that my Cornea is too thin (513 and 515)this making the procedure too risky so I will not be able to have 20/20 vision but my prescription will be improved by 6D on the 5th of June with Epi Lasek which sounds great to me. It also turns out that Dr Anwar treated my grandmother in 1996 for 2 years on the NHS due to various vision problems and both my Grandmother and Mother have nothing but praise for the man and they say I am in very very good hands with a Dr who has treated over 8000 eyes. Very friendly staff who take time to explain everything who advised me to visit my GP to get some Tramezepam/n for the pain/sleeping after the procedure which i never thought of. If your visiting the Glasgow clinic soon then dont worry, Dr Anwar puts you at ease, injects humour into the situation and invites your friend/partner into the consultation with you and also explains that your consultation lasts for 6 months and there is no pressure to go ahead with the surgery( I actually wanted to go ahead with the surgery that day but was advised to re-book and have a think about it so no pressure by the staff). Looking forward to the 5th June( but not looking forward to the after effects!) Oh and Also remember to book with the Ebay deal - go to ebay and search on Laser eye surgery and all the details/contact numbers are there as its £400 cheaper!
Keith
Has anyone been treated at the Croydon clinic recently? I am trying to find out which surgeon operates there? Thanks
Russell Cope
I booked in to the Reading Clinic due to Southampton not being available on the dates I could take off work. Had the initial check up in the morning and was booked in for 15.45. Due to a computer problem I finally went in at 18.00hrs, but having waited for several years before plucking up the courage to get it done this wasn't really an issue. Was prepared for the clamps, suction cups and burning smell after reading comments posted on this forum. Was a bit strange having swabs going over my eye but not being able to feel it. Dr Ayoubi was superb, he could have made an additional £600 - £800 out of me but his suggestions where spot on. Went for Lasik with no thrills and it is amazing to be able to see clearly. Had a bit of soreness & watering eyes for a few hours afterwards but awoke in the morning to be able to see clearly. Went back for the 24hour check up and was up to driving standard. I have noticed that the more I rested my eyes the better my vision got, so spent a chill out day listening to the radio and not doing anything, avoided TV and put the drops every 4 hours. I was -4.75 & -5.00.
ck
Had Lasik Wavefront at Optimax, Aberdeen 3 weeks ago. Even though clinic is not the most modern, the staff were excellent. Dr Osman was very professional and reassured me throughout the procedure. My sight is very good although my left eye is still a bit unsettled but Dr Osman assures me this will settle. I so wish I'd taken the plunge years ago!
Fiona Wilson
I had Epi-Lasik at the Glasgow clinic 5 days ago and am delighted so far with the results. I had been considering getting laser treatment for the last 4 years and finally decided to do it. I previously had a consultation with Optical Express but was not impressed at all and was quoted almost £3,000. I felt Optical Express was all about making money. I did not feel like that about Optimax at all. I was treated by Dr Anwar who I was really impressed with. As he is not an employee of Optimax he is not interested in the money side of things, he recommends the best procedure for your eyes. I was not suitable for Lasik as my corneas were too thin and Dr Anwar did not think I would benefit from Wavefront. I bargained on the price as I knew someone who had the op 2 years ago and it cost them £690. I was dellighted with £790 I ended up paying, especially after the price I was quoted from Optical Express! I had the surgery on the same day as my consultation as I knew what was in store and nothing was a surprise. The procedure was much easier than I anticipated. It was not sore at all, it was just like an extension of the eye exam. The smell from the laser burning flesh was really pungent though and haunted me for a couple of days! I could see when I came out which I hadn't expected. What I did expect though was the pain and it didn't let me down! Again though I was fully prepared for it. I had booked a week and a half off work. My kids went to stay with their granny for a few nights to let me recover which I really needed. The pain kicked in about 4 hours later when my painkillers from the op wore off. It was only really bad for about 2 hours and when I woke up next morning I was pain free. I couldn't open my eyes and it was a real struggle to get the drops in however 2 days after the op I was up and about and seeing quite well. It is 5 days since I had the procedure and my vision hasn't settled down totally yet although I am confident it will as everything I have experienced has been pretty text book. I would recommend Optimax and Dr Anwar without a shadow of a doubt and all the pain and suffering so far has been totally worth. Even if my vision was to stay the way it is at the moment it would have been worth it.
