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.
Jennie Smith
I had Lasik treatment at Optimax London nearly 3 years ago and it was one of the best things I have done. I had a prescription of -4.25 in each eye plus slight astigmatism. I can now see perfectly and it is so nice to be able to go swimming etc with the children without having to worry about glasses! The treatment was not totally pain free but any pain was well worth it and only short term. I would recommend anyone to go to Optimax as the service was great and the benefits are even greater!
Jo Berwick
I am so glad I undertook bilateral epi-flap prior to reading the posting by MRK. If I had any doubts at all, then this would have put me off once and for all. I am pleased to report that I had epi-flap at Birmingham performed by Dr Gopee on 21st Feb, prescription -2.75 left and -2.50 right, no astigmatism. Immediately following treatment, I left the laser room elated and three days on, consider the £850, the best money ever spent. I sincerely wish I had plucked up courage years ago.
Rachel
I had Lasek treatment at the Leeds clinic with Dr Samuel. Before treatment my prescription was -2.25 (L) and -2.50 (R). I wore glasses and contacts but couldn't keep contacts in for more than about 6 hours before they felt uncomfortable. The procedure was painless and straightforward, afterwards I was in severe pain for about 3 hours, after that I felt uncomfortable for the rest of the day and then the next day I felt a lot better. I have experienced none of the complications that I read about (I was worried about dry eyes due to problems with contacts but have not had to use any drops). My eyesight was improved straight away but got better and better over the next two weeks. At my first aftercare appointment (2 weeks)I was slightly long sighted (but was told this would improve over the following few weeks which it has) but overall vision was almost 20/20. It was definately the best thing I have debated about having done and it has already made a great difference to my life. Thank you Dr Samuel and Leeds Optimax staff.
SAK
I had bilateral epi-flap surgery 5 weeks ago at optimax manchester, the surgeon was Dr Steven Doyle. My prescription was -8.5 in both eyes currently my eyesight is 6/5 (better than 20/20 vison). I have a check up in two months time, hopefully things will stay this way. As for the surgeon Steven Doyle I highly recommend him, explained everything thoroughly and was very happy to answer any questions. Ultimately the decision to proceed with surgery is a personal one but for me it was money well spent, I would definatley recommend it.
Richard
Operation was by Dr Kalagnomas in February on left eye only. It went fine. No pain, no discomfort and done on time.
Tracy Jones
My husband had epi lasek done in December 2003 in the Southampton clinic. The service was excellent and he said it's the best money he has ever spend on his eyes. I am having mine done at sometime in the near future.
Alison
It's been exactly a year since I had lasik at the Finchley Road Clinic with Dr Patel. Best decision and money very well spent.It has completely changed my life. My prescription before surgery was -0.4 in both eyes. I had the suegery done separately for each eye.Healing process went very well, no complications. Night vision OK.
claire
what can i say, i am amazed, in fact totally amazed, got lasik on 19th march 2004 at Glasgow optimax by Dr Anwar, b4 lasik i had approx prescription of -6 left eye -5 right and bad stigmatism both eyes. After the surgery i could not open my eyes, nothing to do with pain but the fact that the tears blinded me when i tried to open my eyes, this scared me a little cos the guy next to me after surgery had lasik b4 me and was sitting with his eyes open. I honestly found it hard to open my eyes for first couple of days, there was very little pain involved just uncomfortable was the problem. Went to my checkup the next day and was totally delighted to be told i had 2020 vision. I was told b4 op that i would more than likely have problems with my night vision because i had really big pupils but i dont have any problems at all. Please feel free to email me anyone with any questions u have or if u wish i can writ e u an email detailing everything i can think of from eye consultation at beginning to present.
David
I had bilateral LASIK at the Aberdeen branch of Advanced Laser Eye Clinic last month by Dr Kalognomas. I can not recommend the clinic highly enough - I would award 6 stars if I could! I had a really high perscription (-8.5) before treatment, but can now easily see the bottom line of the chart - 20/20!!!!!! I can now drive, play golf and swim without the need for glasses and lenses. I was really concerned about the complications of treatment, however the clinic staff and the doctor were more than happy to discuss all my un-necessary worries.
Sue Shadbolt
Had bi-leteral epi-lasek at Bristol (Dr. Mundasad) on 25th March. My prescription was -3.25 with 1.00 astigmatism in each eye. It is now 10 days later and I am delighted with the result. Sight (not re-tested yet) is as good if not better than previously with contacts. Eyes tire and become abit sore and 'scratchy' by end of day but this is slowly improving. Consultation was not at all pushy. Warned that because of my age (48) I would need reading glasses afterwards. In fact at the moment my near vision is fine so might get away without! Advised to have bandage lenses because in the Doctors experience it cut down the risk of 'haze'. Procedure went fine - abit scarey but not painfull! The aftercare procedure is explained immediately following the lasering. I have to admit I didn't take it all in and had to phone next day to clarify something. If you have someone with you get them to listen to the instructions. The 2 hour car journey home was very uncomfortable. Eyes incredibly light sensitive and I felt faint at one stage. Airline eye mask was very useful as you crave total darkness! Got home and went to bed for 2 days! Day 3 was more normal but quality of sight was very variable. Day 4 had the bandage lenses out which actually made the sight deteriorate for a few hours. Next day sight started to steadily improve and was happy to drive by day 8. All in all very happy with result but be warned it can knock a week out of your life and it is uncomfortable!
