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!
claire
I am considering having corneal implants as helpline does not think that laser treatment will correct my R -5.25 L -4.75 with astig. Has anyone else had this done or been given this advice? would be going to finchley branch for treatment and would love some feedback. Only really considering process for driving as number plates still blurry even though optician says i can see!
Jan
I am booked in with Optimax Bristol for Lasik and Wavefront on the 12 April 06. I have astigmatism in both eyes, and having been to my opticians today for a field test on my eyes (as Glaucoma is in my family), I am having doubts whether or not to go ahead with the treatment. If anyone who has treatment who had quite severe astigmatism in both eyes has any comments they would be much appreciated. Thanks
Helen
Have just had my 1st aftercare appointment 19 days post epi lasek. Am -1.00 in both eyes & the surgeon is talking about repeating the procedure. This still seems like early days to me has anyone else had any similar experiences? I thought my eyes were just slowly healing but very disappointed by todays assessment.
SIMON HARTILL
Had LASIK (flap cut) on 9th March at Southampton by Dr Ayoubi. Not a pleasant procedure but over in about 20 minutes with 4 hours of discomfort afterwards, like being poked in the eye, or grit under a contact lens. At the next day consultation, was better than 20:20 in the right eye but the left was still a little blurry, but as I am right eye dominant, not a problem, easily at the driving standard less than 24 hours after the op. Was -6.25 in the left and -5.5 in the right previously with some astigmatism. At the one week checkup all OK, right still better than 20:20, left had improved a bit but apparently still has some astigmatism, this may improve over the next 2 months, but both eyes together are excellent, a huge improvement and a definite WOW factor, having worn glasses since 8 years old. Luckily I had thicker than average corneas and average pupil size. Using the moisturising eye drops every 3 hours or so. Got a bad dose of the flu 4 days after the op. Was concerned that the violent sneezing may dislodge the flap but all OK, apparently violent sneezing within 2 days of the op could cause a problem!!! according to the optometrist. Dr Ayoubi, the surgeon, is very competent and reasssuring, talks you through the procedure. Had mine in the afternoon on time, apparently the morning ops oftern run rather late so an afternoon appointment is probabaly preferable as the laser is all set up and calibrated by then. Will post again after the 2 month check up, will hopefully not need a minor adjustment in the left eye, fairly happy with my sight at the moment computer work is fine. Dr Ayoubi did my full consultation and unlike OPtical Express told me that as my aberrations in both eyes were under 0.3 there was no statistical reason that Wavefront would have better results than regular LASIK, saving me £300. + Wavefront ablates more tissue and takes longer. Paid £1400 to Optimax, consultation was free, a special offer. Will pay for itself in 4 years as I forked out for daily disposable contacts before. Optical Express at West quay wanted £2600 and recommended I had wavefront, but their consulation was with an optimetrist, NOT the actual surgeon who performs the op. Would definitely recommend you have the initial measurement consultation with the surgeon who operates on you so you can judge if you trust him or not and discuss all the information with him to make an informed choice about the possible risks/benefits. Most important aspect is your corneal thickness and pupil size and you must have healthy eyes and no cold sores. 36 years of age.
Andy B
I've been for my consultation at Finchley Optimax and they have suggested I go for a new procedure called femtosecond Lasik in addition to Wavefront. I've done a lot of research on the net about laser surgery and feel comfortable with it all, however the guy doing my consultation said that i had large pupils (7.8mm). The one thing I'm worried about is getting the 'optical zone' cut wide enough to correct my sight in low-light conditions, i.e when your pupils dilate. I wear gas permeable contact lenses at the moment and get halo's at night because of the width of the lenses being smaller than my dilated pupils. One of the main reasons for having laser surgery is to get rid of these halos, bit i need to make sure that laser surgery can correct this effect for someone with such wide pupils. Has anyone had any experience of wavefront/lasik or this new femtosecond lasik with larger than average sized pupils? Also, can you recommend a surgeon at Finchley? I'd probably feel a lot more re-assured with someone that's been tried and tested by the great british public! cheers Andy
Helen
Had epi-lasek with wavefront at the Bristol clinic on 2/3/06 (8 days ago). Presently not very happy with result as just about able to see TV and definately not up to driving standard and have to return to work next week. Most people here seem to have had good results after a week, am I likely to improve overtime, also my sight appears to deteriorate during the day (best when i wake up). Is this usual. Any comments greatly appreciated as ery dishearted at the moment. Thanks. Will update later
Mike
Hi All I had Lasik on 2/3 with Professor Venter and so far VERY good! I'm delighted with the results. If anybody would like more information then feel free to email me at the email address attached to this posting. Cheers Mike
paula
had lasik done on 2nd march 2006, in manchester, by dr hynes, all i can say is fantastic!!!!!!!!!! i hated wearing glasses, and had ulcers on my right eye from wearing soft lenses for too long, my eyes were R -5.5, and L -6.00. i am over the moon!!!! it wasnt painful or uncomfortable at all
Barry Bourne
I would like to thank Dr Islam, Jan Ireland clinic manager and the Peterborough team for the professional care and attention with which they looked after me during my recent epi lasik treatment. Immediately after treatment my vision was improved and since then my vision has gone from strength to strength. The advice to have monovision has delivered fully on the benefit of not having to wear glasses - not even for reading! Thanks for restoring my vision and you can be sure I will refer all my family and friends.
Mike
Hi - I'm having lasik on Thursday and am currentlt 50% excited, 50% nervous. Does anybody have any tips/recommendations? I'm booked in with Professor Venter in Finchley Thanks
