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!
Siobhan
I need some advice please, i dont know wether to have lasik or epi-lasek, what would anyone reccomend? I have very very sensitive eyes ayway, and dont think i could cope with the pain through epi? Anyone got any advice??
Tina Hankin
Helen - I am with you in your message. I had LASIK surgery at the Advanced Laser Eye Surgery in Edinburgh in January 2003. The surgery did work and I did have 20/20 vision but I now fear that I am going to have to get glasses/contacts again because my eye sight has deteriorated again. Very upsetting as I thought I had thrown the glasses away for good! The surgery closed in Edinburgh a couple of years ago so I can't even get back to them to discuss! Just wanted to let you know that I am with you on the disappointment - if it had been cheaper then it would have been worth it for three years without glasses, but at just under £2,000 I am not so sure now.
Stephen
I had epi-lasek at the Glasgow branch of Optimax on Tuesday, 11th April. My prescription was -2.25 L and -2.0 R beforehand. I went back for my check up on Saturday and I am now 20:20. I am really delighted with the results and the quality of my vision. I had some fairly severe pain for the first day once the anaesthetic wore off, but I was fine from the following day. I would recommend that you have someone there to help you for the first couple of days with eye drops and that you purchase in advance a blackout eye mask, similar to the ones used on planes, as your eyes are very sensitive to light initially. All in all, less than a week on I am delighted with the outcome and would recommend Optimax and Dr Esselar, who performed the procedure.
Catherine Bond
I had epi-lasek treatment at Bristol Optimax on Clare Street, a lady surgeon from South Africa who was very nice and friendly. Very reassuring. I would recommend her. Feedback for everyone out there to help you and your decision making/preparation: - Do your own research, and weigh up your own thoughts. It's very important to consider your personality type in terms of how you deal with change, and whether you're a worrier or if you're quite easy-going. The reason I say this is because there is a lot of pain and discomfort after the surgery anaesthetic wears off, and it's so easy to keep thinking, is this ok, should my eyes be feeling like this etc etc. Recommendations: - Have someone pick you up and take you home as soon as the surgery is finished. I had to wait for a friend for around 35 minutes and by then the anaesthetic was wearing off and the lights were so so bright! - Get yourself some audio books to listen to or good radio programmes scheduled in that you can listen to. I was in a dark room for three days as the lights were so painful. I slept on and off for two days and I found listening to the audio tapes kind of helpful and a good distraction. - I had my surgery on a thursday morning, then was back in work after 11 days. I found computer work hard going when I got back, and had to have my screen adjusted as you do become temporarily long sighted for a while. - I wouldn't recommend driving on any long journeys for a while. It really tires your eyes out. I drove a 3 and a half hour journey 5 weeks after surgery, and my eyes did hurt a bit by the end. - the lasek surgery isn't an over-night "miracle-style" experience. It take a while for the eyes to heal. My right eye is still not 20:20 vision, but I am happy to accept that my eye is still healing, and will take a while. - Your eyes will continue to feel tired late at night and first thing in the morning when you get up, that's completely normal. The surgery is fine, not a problem at all. It's not that you have to worry about. You just have to prepare well for the after-care, and don't plan too much in for the near future. I could hardly open my eyes each morning, and the first 3 days were just horrible. But each day after that got a little easier. I'm so happy not to wear contact lenses any longer!!! - I had my surgery while I had a cold, and I was told afterwards that I was taking longer to heal than your average person. I would recommend that you are in full health when you have the surgery so that you are fighting fit enough to heal well. - Remember, everyone's capability to heal is very different, ane each person can have a different experience of surgery and the ability to heal well. I had a good experience but that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will. It's really important for you to weigh up the risks for yourself. Cath
Chris Ellis
I had Lasik on 6th April and was clear visioned 4 hours after surgery. I had my check-up the next day and can read the bottom line of the chart with either eye or both together. This gives me 6/4 vision which is better than perfect (6/6 being the bench mark for perfect). Dr Esselaar was superb. Professional and friendly whilst putting me at ease during the operation. GET IT DONE!
Mon
I had epi-lasek done on the 31st of March in Peterborough and although the operation went fine (so painful once it was over though!!) I still can't see an improvement in my eyesight and it's now the 7th of April (an earlier poster wanting to know if this was normal) I've been told by Optimax (mind you, NOT the doctor, only the optimax helpine team) that it taking this long IS NOT normal. I should have had my eyesight back by now and it should have been "perfect" had the operation worked so they're bascially telling me that it didn't. I'm gutted about the fact that I've spent a grand on something that obviously did me no good what so ever. I will know for sure once I go back next thursday for a checkup, but I'm not holding my breath. I even put on my glasses that I used to wear and I see absolutely perfect with them! Had the operation worked this wouldn't be the case as if my eyes were healing properly, they would get better and better everyday. I guess I just have to wait until next thursday, but it's not looking good for me so obviously all the hassle and the money WAS NOT WORTH IT. Hopefully other people will have better experience than me in the end and I hope the earlier posters sight does get better!!
Sarah-Jane Harris
I had Wavefront lasik yesterday! 30.03.06 at Bristol, been for one day after checkup this morning and they told me that I have 20/20!, the procedure was pain free, they are consumate professionals and do everything to put you at ease whilst you are in the chair, you are in and out in 20 mins, I would recommend this to anyone, I was -5.75 in both eyes and was finding lenses and glasses a real burden, this is money well spent. Dr Macgraw was my surgeon and she is great, really nice, I have read lots of reviews and was dreading the op as some people have had uncomfortable experiences, I have had no pain during and after the op, I suppose I have been lucky! so pleased I have had it done and it was such a relief to throw away my lenses and glasses.I will update in a couple of weeks!
FRANK
HAD EPI-LASEK, WITH DR PATEL, AT FINCHLEY,I AM 56, WORN GLASSES FOR 40 YEARS,AM LONDON TAXI DRIVER,NOW HAVE PERFECT VISION,I MEAN PERFECT!! BEEN 12 WEEKS NOW,PERFECT AFTER ABOUT 1 WEEK & GETTING BETTER,HAD BAD PAIN WHICH I WAS WARNED ABOUT FOR TWO DAYS,BUT BOY WAS IT WORTH IT!! THE COLOURS IN THE WORLD LOOK TOTALY SUPERB! I AM ABSOLUTLY GOBSMACKED!!! NO MORE DENTS IN MY NOSE AFTER DRIVING FOR 14 HOURS!ALSO I CAN BUY ROUNDED DESIGNER SUNGLASSES,WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMEND,WELL DONE MR PATEL& OPTIMAX,THANK YOU THANK YOU........
Jill
I had epi lasek on 11 Feb 06 in the Optimax Clinic in Glasgow. My surgeon was Dr Anwar who was excellent. I was quite apprehensive before the surgery but he put me at ease straight away. Six weeks later I am 20/20 in both eyes after being -5.25 in both eyes with +1 astigmatism in right eye. After wearing specs for over 20 years it is a dream come true!!
Tracy Brennan
Have just had a consultation at Liverpool and it was very thorough. I am -9.00 in both eyes, so very short sighted. Because I have that prescription I was told that I can have Epi-Lasek. This is normally only up to -6.00. But for my prescription it would be recommended to avoid doing a flap as my corneas could become too thin. However I could be left with a haze, has anyone expreienced this? I am also able to have a new form of Lasik called Intra Lase, where the laser cuts the flap so keeping it as thin as possible. However this is much more expensive, £300 per eye on top of normal Lasik charges. It does benefit from quick recovery though, but I would be left with a possible -0.75 prescription. This doesn't really bother me after being -9 and I would only need glasses to drive. I think my biggest concerns are the longer recovery time with Epi-Lasek and the chance of haze. Can haze be treated and would it stop me driving? Anyone with any advice or experience please let me know.
