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.
Becky
I had my surgery done nearly a week ago now and I still cant get over how well my eyesight is. Sometimes I go to take my glasses off or think I need to take my contacts out but I dont. I am only 21, so I was quite scared about getting it done coz I was young. The surgery is very quick and I will say the only thing that bothered me was the clasp in my eye. However it is worth every penny. Optimax were brilliant they are very thorough and you did not feel like it was a sales pitch. If anyone is thinking of having it done I would definitely say go for it you will not regret it. I went to the optimax in Liverpool and they could not be helpful enough. Good luck.
Mike Grice
I would recommend optimax to anyone. I suffered about 12 hours of discomfort(not pain) following epi-lasik surgery. Within 2 weeks I had better vision than when I wore glasses. I can now read every line on the sight test chart. This has really changed my life for only very short and mild discomfort.
Les Nolan
I bought the operation as a present for my wife, who is absolutely overjoyed at being able to see when she wakes up without the need to fumble for glasses. She doesn't believe I can ever top this present. I would highly reccomend the treatment for anyone who is eligible!
Joy Collier
I had the Lasik eye treatment 7 weeks ago. I was totally impressed by the operation, it was painless and quick and although I suffered from mild discomfort for a day and a half this was all it was. By the second day I could see well enough to get by, but when I returned to work intensive computer work was a bit difficult for the first week but after that everything was fine. I have had no headaches or other side effects. I am the biggest coward going and everybody is so amazed that I actually went through with it, but I would say it is the best thing I have ever had done. Many thanks for all your help.
sal
Had Epi-Lasek done at Croydon clinic with Professor Venter on 08/09/05. My prescription was -6.50 and -6.75 with astigmatism in both eyes. I also have thin corneas so mytomicin-c was used. The procedure was painless just a little bit weird. It was all over in about 15minutes.Its been a month today, last check-up was told that left eye is -0.50 and right eye is -1.75, and that this might improve with time, so I’m praying!!! As I am a nurse I only paid half price £595! Night vision is still a bit poor, awaiting next appointment towards the end of this month. It’s definitely been worth every penny, no more glasses or contacts. If you are thinking about having this treatment, just book yourself an appointment and get some answers and reassurances. After 2years of research I took the plunge.
Barrie
Had treatment at the Southampton clinic on 7th September. Little more than a month on now and everything is fine. No dry eyes or halos, and I don't need glasses any more.
Chris Nightingale
Hi, I had epi-lasek (monovision)at southampton with Mr Ayoubi on 1st October. my left eye didn't need undercorrecting so my right eye was fully corrected. Mr Ayoubi is extremely experienced (his profile is on their website). I am a big wimp who hates even getting an eyelash in my eye but Mr Ayoubi puts your mind at rest. He explains what he is doing as he goes along so you know what to expect. the first 12 hours were the worst but not all that bad really. I've had worse trips to the dentist! My right eye is at 20/20 so it's just a case of getting used to the monovision which Russell said could take a bit longer. feel free to pm me.
Sandy kelley
I had my Epi-Lasik treatment back in April 2005, I live in Belgium, and I attended the Birmingham Clinic, which I have to say are very professional, the treatment was totally painless, but during the following 3 days, I did experience some discomfort, when my "bandages" were removed, the pain and discomfort went immediately. My eyesight is perfect, and if you are considering laser treatment by Optimax, I recomend them 100%, to prove this my daughter had her eyes lasered too, and my son is next. A mother would not recomend anything to her children, unless she was totally satisfied, which I am. Thankyou Optimax.
Malc Bason
Hi all. I recently had epi-lasek on both eyes at the Birmingham clinic on my 50th birthday, 15th October 05. Today (29th Oct), I have just returned from my 2nd after-care appointment and my vision is better than 20/20. After listening to advice given to me during my consultation, because of my age, and because of my need to see close up stuff ( do a lot of fishing), I opted for the mono-vision option, where one eye is undercorrected. What fantastic results! I have to say though, the first 24hrs were agony! I found it impossible to sleep even with a couple of strong painkillers and the pills given me to help me sleep! But I persevered with the antibiotic drops and the other drops and the other drops popped in last thing at night, and I am amazed that I can see so well. After all these years of relying of specs, and putting up with the discomfort of wearing them, I would recommend this procedure to one and all! Best birthday present ever - even if I did buy it for myself! he he he
Mr Suji
EPI-LASEK I saw Dr Ayoubi at the Ipswich branch on Wed 16th Nov. Very charming and calm surgeon. After the consultation, had EPI-LASEK treatment after 1/2 hour. No pain and the surgeon talked all through the op, very re-assuring. 1st Night, lots of pain and kept up all night. I even tried to sleep upright on the sofa in the living room but still kept on waking up. Painkillers and sleeping pills did not work at all. 2nd Day, eyes watering a little less but the painkillers eventually worked. Listened to a lot of radio, which was probably the reason as to why I went to sleep at 8pm and woke up 8am. A good sleep due to lack of sleep the night before. Left eye functioning a lot better then the right. 3rd Day, looked forward to having the bandage contact lenese out. Even though a regular lenses wearer, I felt really uncomfortable about sleeping in lenses for two consecutive nights. What a difference though when they did come out, comfort levels rose so much. 4th Day, eyes still improving but the right eyes was much more blurred compared to left eye. I put it down to worse prescrition ( L=-3.50 R=-3.75)and astigamatism. Anyway it was good (or bad!) that I was able to see a little bit of X Factor by Saturday night. Strange how when you use antibiotic drops or refreshers the eyesight becaomes perfect. Hence I can only imagine that I need more time to heal the Epilithium The good news is that I see continual improvemnet each day. Roll on Day 5. Let's hope for 20/20.......
