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.
Paul Wood
I travelled from Jersey to Manchester for PRK treatment to both eyes. The staff were very friendly,courteous and professional. The operation itself was painfree and the surgeon was brilliant. We even chatted about our interests during surgery!! The first 48 hours after surgery were uncomfortable but not painful and a week after surgery my vision is perfect. Highly recommended, but be prepared for the first 48 hours to be uncomfortable. I would not hesitate to go to Optimax Manchester again . 10/10
John Knight
Excellent doctors and 1st Class service.Painful experience and you need about 4 days to recover fully but the benefits far outweigh the negatives and to be able to see properly is truly a miracle.Highly recommend.
Mike McGarry
I had EPI LASEK treatment at the Finchley Road clinic in May 2003, performed by Dr Islam. I was pretty short sighted (-5.00 in one eye and -5.25 in the other) with very high levels of astigmatism as well. I found the recovery to be a lot less painful than I had expected given some of the comments I'd read on this website from people who'd had the treatment. Within a week I was driving and the light sensitivity was pretty much gone. At my six month check up it became apparent that, although the treatment had been successful in correcting the short sight, my astigmatism had returned. I was informed that this was due to haze having formed during the healing process and was advised to give it time to see if the astigmatism disappeared as the haze cleared. By late 2004 it was apparent that the astigmatism wasn't going to disappear of it's own accord, so in December 2004 I underwent re-treatment on my right eye at the Croyden clinic. The procedure was performed by Professor Venter, the Optimax Clinical Director. After the surgery, my eye was treated with a drug called Mytomicin in an attempt to prevent haze from forming again during the healing process. The results were great, and at my after care check last week I was discharged with 20/20 vision. I can't recommend these people highly enough. All through the various stages of consultation, treatment, after care and re-treatment they've been thoroughly professional, very honest and extremely friendly and helpful. It cost me just under a grand for the treatment (the re-treatment was free) and it's the best grand I've ever spent. After 20 years of wearing glasses, my only regret is that I didn't have the treatment sooner.
Tony Middlehurst
Had lasek surgery on both eyes at Finchley Rd Optimax some 3-4 years ago, can't remember exactly when. Going in I was minus 11, with astigmatism, so pretty bad. Op took less than ten minutes, no pain, just a vague stinging like you get when there's a bit of soap in your eye. Didn't bother using the paracetamol tabs they gave me. Have needed nothing since, eyesight is fab, some light scatter from headlamps but nothing intolerable, low light vision is not super but it wasn't before. The pros outweigh the cons by about 9999 to 1. Lasek is without question the most worthwhile thing I have ever done for myself.
Paul Wood
I travelled from Jersey to Manchester for PRK treatment to both eyes and was delighted with the results. The first 48 hours after surgery were 'uncomfortable' but not painful (i.e eyes are extremely watery and feel a little gritty and very heavy). After 48 hours everything settled down and a week after surgery I can see better than ever (even better than when I wore specs or contact lenses). The operation itself was pain free and I chatted to the surgeon about our interests during the operation !! I understand anyone having reservations about 'cosmetic surgery' to correct their eyesight but for me it was fantastic and would recommend this to anyone.
Tracey Rasmussen
30th June I went for a consultation with Dr. Hynes at the Manchester clinic. Prescription was R-3.75 cyl-0.5, L-3.00 cyl-0.25. Dr Hynes' advised that my corneas were a little too thin for lasik so I opted for epi-lasek. Dr Hynes answered all my questions and no pressure was applied to have the op. 4th July op day! Appointment was for 9.45 am but surgery was done about 3 hours late. Everyone at the clinic was apologetic and to be fair the receptionist did advise me they were running late and to go out for breakfast. Op went fine - a really strange and interesting experience. There was no pain, just slight discomfort. After it was done Dr Hynes checked my eyes, then it was sunglasses and home to bed. I kept expecting the pain to kick in - but the worse it got was four hours of 'onion' eyes. I must admit I was really sleepy for the next three days -but decided to go with the flow and enjoy the rest. 7th July eye contacts removed - no waiting in and out at the clinic. Sight almost 20/20 - good enough to drive. 14th July another check at Optimax - full eye test, eye sight better than 20/20. Wow! Problems? My right eye has been occasionally blurred for an hour or two in the morning and my near vision is sometimes a little off and I struggle to read in low levels of light - but hey it's not two weeks yet since the op - so hopefully this will all settle. I can say I am glad that I finally got the courage up to have the op. I wake up in a morning and I can see! Next appointment 7 weeks.
Kay Burke
My prescription was -5.00 left eye - -4.75 right eye and I had worn specs for over 30 years. Was very nervous as you don't mess with your eyesight but decided to visit Birmingham office and had my consultation with Dr Andre and crew. Every step of the way I was given guidance and more importantly I felt - honest answers. Had Lasik treatment on 6th July and for the first time in my life I could see everything properly.All the way through the procedure every step was advised and I was totally reassured - within 30 minutes my treatment was completed. I had some discomfort for a couple of hours after and you will need sunglasses as your eyes are very snesitive to the light. Having said that it was a small price to pay. Thank you so much Dr Andre and team for giving me the confidence to take this very important step. I would recommend this treatment to anyone - more importantly I would recommend this clinic - they were faultless. thanks again - Kay
Sarah Jane Clarke
I had a prescription of -6.25 in both eyes when i decided it was time that i opted for laser surgery. I had worn contact lenses for around 5 years. After research i chose the Optimax Clinic in Ipswich for a consultation. The staff were friendly and i couldnt fault them in their efforts to provide a professional service. They really made me feel at ease. I had Lasik Surgery 2 days after the consultation. It was the best thing i have ever done. Optimax aftercare really leaves a lot of other clinics in the shade. Any problem no matter how small they are there to help. The surgery was affordable and there are people around to reassure you and answer any questions every step of the way. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend them to anyone. I now have better than 20/20 vision and have regular check ups at the clinic. The staff all deserve a huge pat on the back as far as i am concerned. If you are thinking about laser eye surgery then these are the people to go to!! 10/10!!
Lorraine Ricketts
Had bilateral Lasik treatment on 7th July 2005. Had better than 20/20 vision byt the next morning. Treatment fantastic. Dr McGraw at Bristol worked her magic. Sensitive stingy eyes for a few hours after, but pretty much returned to normal after a good nights sleep. Was minus 4.75 in each eye. It took me many years to pluck up the courage to go ahead, but I am thoroughly happy with the results. Highly recommended
robert oldfield
very good all round service from beginning to end sight a lot better after one day thanks again robert
