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!
sal
I made an entry earlier this month but things have gone downhill. I went for another review last week and new prescription is -2.00 in right eye and -1.75 in the left eye. Had to go to my optician who confirmed the above prescription. Got my new glasses today, so much about me thinking that I had gotten rid of my glasses. The treatment is not for all of us.I am gutted.
Chris Nightingale
Nicki, if it's any consolation, after my epi lasek I couldn't drive for over a week so don't worry too much. I spent the time going for walks, resting or going shopping on public transport! I found that gradually my sight improved. I didn't drive til day 8 but it probably wasn't all that brilliant then. I think it was towards the end of week 2 before i felt confident that I could see where I was going. Stick with it, but do contact whichever clinic you went to for advice meanwhile
sal
well, things have gone downhill for me since the last time i made an entry here earlier this month.I went for a review a couple of days ago and was told that my eyesight has now deteriorated to -2.5 in right eye and -1.75 in the left.Imagine the dissapointment!They gave me some eye drops to use for 3 weeks, apparently these are mearnt to stop the deterioration.So i had to take a trip down to my optician who confirmed the above reading and so its back to glasses for me from next week.I wont lie, i am gutted to say the least, i had been telling everyone about the treatment but now some are not so sure after the experience i am now going through. In conclusion, this treatment is not for everyone but it does work for a lot of people.Hey, even after 2years of research, things have gone this way for me but i went into this prepared, but i havent given up yet, maybe in a year's time...and oh, did i mention that i have been getting serious migraines lately...they said its from being short-sighted, nevermind just thought i should share this with you.
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.
nicki
Had epi lasek last saturday 15th October, I feel I was given the best case scenario - 5 days on i am struggling to see the PC monitor, and my eyesight is still poor so cannot drive, watch tv or carry on my normal activities, the Consultant advised me most people have eyesight good enough to drive by day 3 when the lenses are taken out, my eysight was worse than immediately after the op. I cannot begin to explain the anguish this has caused me over the last few days, I will post again to let you know how the progress is, but be warned my experience has made me realise how precious your sight is.
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.
Lucy
Hi! I am having a consultation in the Manchester Optimax clinic soon. I have -6.75 in each eye, so this means I am only eligible for Epi-Lasek, is this correct? Is Epi Lasek the one that is supposed to be more painful, but have fewer side effects? (Sorry for being dim, but I am finding this all so confusing, with so much contradictory information!)
Jeanette Sharples
I have a consultation and Lasik treatment booked at Southampton at end of Oct with Dr Ayoubi. Just wondered if anyone had any comments???
beverley caney
I've just had lasik surgery on Oct 6th. The procedure was performed by Dr Esselaar and I had no pain whatsoever throughout the procedure, although it was commented that the astigmatism was so bad in each eye, they were the strangest shape he had ever seen. My prescription was -8 so my eyesight was very poor also. For the first 4 hours after surgery I suffered some discomfort and my vision went from being quite hazy to perfectly clear. On my check up the next day, my vision was at driving standard already. Each day it gets better and better. It's the best thing I have ever done and I would recommend optimax to anyone thinking of having laser eye surgery. All the staff were brilliant.
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.
