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.
Lee
I had my vision corrected at the Birmingham branch in May 2004. The first night was total agony. My eyes closed up, water kept flooding out and they were really stinging. I could not get the bedroom dark enough. Gradually over the next week, the pain went away and it was good after a week. Vision is now very good, i forgot what it was like before. I do get some pain first thing in a morning where they ache and I get sharp pains until they readjust but on the whole they seem OK and I am prepared to live with this. I think I'm going to book another consultation to check over everything though. I would recommend it, life-changing.
Simon
Everybody at the Optimax Reading clinic was wonderful. I was a little unsure/uneasy before the procedure after reading all the literature but although a new branch (opened Sept 05) everybody was very friendly. Dr Islam who did the procedure explained what was going to happen, dealt with my questions and even had time to share a laugh (very welcome to break the ice). After my initial concerns the treatment session (Lasek) went very quickly and wasn't anything like I was expecting. The pain & discomfort started in the car on the way home after about 20 minutes. I can only explain the pain for the contact wearers out there as like putting your lenses in with them being soaked in the wrong solution. The pain lasted for the rest of the afternoon evening, as a generally heavy sleeper I had a good nights sleep with the pills and woke with the pain gone but still with the need to stay in a very dark room for another day and a half. Controlling the pain/discomfort is better if you follow what they recommend. I also strongly recommend buying a few audio books to give you something to do and it also blocks out everyone asking you if you are OK. I first thought about doing this over ten years ago, I wish I had, after two weeks I have better than 20/20 in one eye and the other is coming along nicely. With the Ebay price and the Reading staff I strongly recommend you go along for a consultation. See you around!
Debra Redfern
Optimax in Newcastle provided me with top class treatment from very friendly efficient staff in wonderful relaxing surroundings. The procedure was quick, painless and without any unexpected problems. The follow up appointments were of the same high standard. Would recommend to anyone considering having Lasik eye treatment.
Cal
I had both eyes done with LASIK (surgical procedure where they cut a flap your eye then laser it) at the FINCHLEY RD - Head office in London. I had Dr Patel do the consultation and the surgery; he was very good and gave me all the options and also his recommendations. It was a little strange having a flap cut in your eye but no pain really and the laser was ok - also a little strange smelling your eye get sizzled. Recovery was very fast, I went home and slept all afternoon, but by the next day I could easily drive. And I was back to work on the Monday after having my op in the Friday – fantastic (some thing to remember if you don’t get sick days like me its better to spend the extra money and have faster recovery time so you don’t miss a weeks work) I had to use eye drops for 1.5 months as I had dryish eyes but maybe also due to the climate as well. Now all good – even the in the follow up with the optometrist she was impressed that I had such good eye sight. Better than 20/20 ( apparently you can get better than 20/20 as I found out 20/20 is able to read the 2nd line up on the chart and I can read the bottom line easily) So gone are the contact lenses of 16 years and freedom at last!!!!! Really you just have to jump in eye first and get it done ASAP. Highly Recommended. cal
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.
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
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!!
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........
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!
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!
