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!
donna Chalk
I took a lot of time and trouble recently to send my comments on my experience at Optimax and wonder why it has not been entered on website. I am a genuine customer who is extremely happy with the procedure and the outcome and wanted to share my delight with anyone considering, but apprehensive about going ahead with femtosecond lasik. I had a very positive experience and am absolutely thrilled to leave my glasses behind and couldn't fault the care I received by Dr. Patel at Optimax, London. Donna Chalk 11.09.06
Tracy
Thought I would write this after my 3 month (although more like 4 month!) check up. I had the epi-lasek treatment on 15th April 2006 and it was the best decision I have ever made. Following on from some comments on here, I made sure that I got my treatment at the Ebay price of £895 for both eyes which includes the consultation. I had booked to have the consultation with the option of having treatment straight after. The only thing I would say about this is, if you are unsure about getting the treatment, you may feel pressured into having it done as the treatment has already been booked. I wasnt sure whether I would be recommended by epi-lasek or lasik or either with wavefront so I had made sure that I had budgeted for the most expensive procedure just in case! My surgeon was Dr Anwar who I cant recommend highly enough, he really put my mind at rest and when I asked if he would recommend wavefront he advised that I would be wasting my money because of my eyes. I also asked about getting lasik instead and his opinion was - if you are young and healthy enough then whats a bit of pain if it saves you £400! I think enoughs been mentioned on the forums about the procedure although I must admit I was really worried when the nurse etc kept mentioning the pain I would experience and how the painkillers etc would take the edge off the pain but no more. By the time the procedure had finished I was panicking a bit about how much pain I was about to endure and made my fiance drive like a maniac to get home before the pain kicked in. I then went to bed and waited for the pain to kick in. and waited. A couple of hours laters it did kick in and yes, it was pretty bad but by 10pm (I had my eyes done at 4pm) the pain was subsiding. I slept like a log and when I woke up in the morning, the pain had completely gone and I could see! 4 months on my eyesight is better than 20.20 in my right eye and slightly worse than 20.20 in my left. My night vision is pretty crap but I was warned about this before the treatment and its because of the size of my pupils, not the treatment itself. My eyes are still quite light sensitive and I am not sure if thats a permanent thing but on the upside - at least I can wear trendy designer sunglasses now! It has changed my life so much that I am now paying for my fiance to have this treatment as my wedding present to him. I cant recommend Dr Anwar and all the staff at Optimax Glasgow highly enough. They have all been true professionals.
angela wormald
I have just had lasik on 7/9/06 at the Liverpool branch & I can feel the difference already because I am long sighted with an astimitism this can take a little longer to feel the full benefit. The service was great, I will inform you all in a couple of weeks on any further improvements. It was a good decision to get it done.
Julie Sheldon
Hi, I've already written once just after I had lasik treatment with femtosecond & wavefront on the 19th July 2006.If you look through the comments you will see it. I felt that I had to add another comment, because someone had written saying that she had been on an aeroplane and the dryness of her eyes ruined her holiday. We have just come back from Greece. It was a 3 3/4 hour flight. I had no problem. I took a full box of refresher drops with me - just in case. My eyes were definately not dry. The only time they do get a little dry is at night when I am tired. All I want to say is that everyone is different. I do not regret one nanosecond having had the procedure. Julie Sheldon
nora bowers
As I am longsighted,I am considering lasik (flap cut) surgery at the Liverpool branch of Optimax. All the comments I have read so far seem to be from shortsighted people and there has been no feedback from patients of the Liverpool clinic. Is there a longsighted person who can has had this proceedure at Liverpool or anywhere else who can comment.
nora bowers
As I am longsighted, I am considering Lasik (flap cut) surgery at the Liverpool branch of Optimax. All the comments I have read so far seem to be from shortsighted people and there has been no feedback from patients of the Liverpool clinic. Is there a longsighted person who can has had this proceedure at Liverpool or anywhere else who can comment?
Karen Pratt
Not a pleasant expierience, but worth it .
LUCY HARLAND
Hi - i am booked in at the Newcastle CLinic on Saturday with Dr Jalpotta - has anyone been treated by him and if so please can you give me any info! thanks!
lolly
Can anyone give me ant feedback about the clinic in Brighton? It would be really appreciated....have been thinking about getting corrective surgery for years but need some encouragement pls!! Very short-sighted and fed up wearing contact lenses.
viv
I had intralase lasik wavefront surgery with monovision correction at Optimax Manchester by Dr Boezaart on 4th August, just 2 weeks ago. My prescription was -2.5 with -4 astigmatism right eye and -2.25 with -3.5 astig left eye. I chose to have the monovision due to my age (48). The procedure was quick and totally painless, and I instantly had clear vision in my right eye, the one left slightly short sighted for reading. My left eye was rather misty. About 2 hours after the procedure, both eyes started watering profusely and stinging, as though I had been peeling 1000 onions! This lasted just 1 and a half hours, when it stopped as quickly as it started. I felt slight discomfort in my right eye from the bandage contact lens, but that eye never liked wearing lenses for long anyway. The next day, I was aware that my right, reading eye was phenominal. I could read the smallest print as though with a magnifying glass. However, my left eye was still a little weak for distance, and at my next day check up I was just driving standard, but there was still some irritation from the lenses having been in overnight. It is now 2 weeks since treatment, and I can honestly say that my vision is fluctuating on a day to day basis, although generally definitely becoming clearer. My first week back at work was a little up and down, spending too long on the pc gave me dry eyes and poor vision the next day, but I rang Optimax who suggested using teardrops every half hour that day, and next day vision was much clearer. I have definitely got vision as good as I had with glasses for distance, and much better for reading. To anyone considering monovision to avoid reading glasses, I would say it is well worth it, but be prepared for a few weeks of fluctuating vision while your brain sorts it all out! I cannot fault Optimax in any way, service and treatment were all swift, professional and friendly. Thank you.
