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!
christina booth
In response to the query posted by Judith on 14/4 I had the same surgery as you on 8th December 2006 in Leeds. My prescription was -7.5 with astigmatism in both eyes. Basically I was as blind as a bat!! All I can say to you is this - it's the best money I've ever spent! The surgery was a breeze, everything went brilliantly. Please don't be nervous about it. My eyesight was at driving standard the morning after (less than 24 hours later) and has continued to improve ever since. It's truly amazing. I hope this helps you. When I posted my original query on here no-one responded and I was quite disappointed by that so hopefully this will help to put your mind at rest. Good luck x
Paul
Has anyone had experience of the Leicester clinic? Grateful for any comments.
judith
I'm due to have lasik surgery with femtosecond and wavefront (recommended by consulting optician) in bristol on 20 april. Have -6 vision and -1 astigmatisim in both eyes, has anyone with this kind of shortsightedness had surgery and how did it go??
Danny
It's now been over a month and a half since I had Wavefront Lasik surgery carried out by Dr Madhusudhan at Optimax Liverpool. I was suitable for both types of surgery but I'd already decided on the Lasik option, less pain, quicker recovery, it was only the thought of cutting a flap which was freaking me out. The surgeon recommended Wavefront and explained that it would benefit my night vision. After reading numerous reviews of Dr Madhu telling people it wouldn't benefit them it was good to know that he wasn't just after extra cash :) The Surgery was quick and fairly painless. In total it probably only took 20mins. Dr Madhu doesn't have much of a bedside manner but I cant compliment him enough as a surgeon. The recovery wasn't as easy as people have said. In my case one of my eyes was slightly inflammed so it needed double drops every hour and a couple of revisits to ooptimax for check ups. I had 'gunky eyes' for 2 weeks because of all the drops I was putting in. My vison was 20-20 straight after surgery and it improved to better than 20-20 after a few days. I cant recommend getting your eyes lasered enough. It was great to go on a snowboarding holiday and not worry about lenses/glasses. It's great to wake up in the middle of the night and know what the time is without trying to feel around for glasses! I think the price I paid was a bit steep considering the ebay offer but its only really inflated by the fact i had wavefront. (an extra 600 quid). Laser surgery is a serious decision and shouldn't be taken lightly but in my case it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Danny,
Veronica
I had lasik treatment for long sight just over a month ago at Leeds (Dr. Samuel) - prescription +2.00 +1.25. Unfortunately I think I may have been over-corrected and am now short sighted. I can see close up and read very well but everything in the distance is still blurry. Unfortunately I wasn't driving standard until a friend gave me some of her glasses so I can now drive. I am worried that my distance vision will not come back - I was told I would still need reading glasses (which I was fine about) but I didn't want to have to wear them every day for driving, distance, etc. Has anyone else been treated for long sight and had a similar experience to mine?
Lucy Bennett
I'm booked to have my consultation and both eyes corrected this friday, (friday 13th!) at Bristol Optimax. I think it will be Lasik but obviously its down to the surgeon on the day. Does anyone have any advice for me? Has anyone had the same treatment at Bristol?
Sarah
I had Lasik last October. My contact lens prescription used to be -3.5. Cannot compliment optimax enough - the ONLY problem I had was immediately after the surgery, I was sent back to 'recover' in the waiting room. I'd certainly recommend Optimax to anyone considering laser eye surgery. If you do go for it, I managed to make a significant saving by buying through ebay to the amusement of many of my friends!
Peter Bhakta
Day 8 - I can see although very close to Driving Standard I'm waiting till next aftercare appointment before I drive. It is imperative that you use the antibiotic eye drops and to stop dry eyes the refresh drops regularly. The biggest problem is dry eyes at night keep them lubricated. Bought Viscotears from Pharmacy which should help. I am over the moon at the moment that I no longer need lenses, I am eargerly waiting to get 20:20 vision which the surgeon said was possible using both eyes but not achievable with using individual eyes as i have one week eye.
Gillian Woodward
4th April 2007 Had Epi-Lasek surgery on Saturday 31st March at the Reading Optimax clinic with Dr Ayoubi who was great. It is Day 4 and I have had the bandage lenses out today. I don't know if I am being impatient but I was hoping for much sharper vision by now. I am walking around in a blur - will it get any better? Is there anyone out there who has had the same treatment this week?
louise
Just an update 1 week on. I am now -0.50 in both eyes with zero astigmatism. Long distance still not really sharp but i can see well enough to drive during the day. The lights are a bit of a problem at night at the moment. Overall i am pleased, i just hope my vision continues to improve that tiny little bit so i can experience perfect vision.
