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!
Emma
Saw it on ebay, and cos i am sick of having endless problems with my contacts, i thought, what the hell! Spoke to the staff after buying it on ebay and discussed my options. It was at that point i could have easily turned around and said no, but they were so helpful. As they explained my options, it emerged that as i am employed by the NHS i can get it half price! Well, that made my mind up for me!!! Went for my initial consultation, and i couldn't have been more impressed. The clinic was clean, the staff were friendly, they didn't laugh when i asked if i could lose my eyes, they were just wonderful. My surgery is booked for 26th September and i cant wait. I will resubmit when its been done to tell you all the results. Wish me luck!!!!
Colin
Well I've took the plunge and I am booked in optimax manchester Sat 17/09. Opting for Lasek due to fears about actually having my cornea cut. Bought my package off Ebay which takes a bit of getting use to but hey it is the year 2005 and also if it saves me £400 on my last quote what the heck! My perscrition is R/E = -4.00 sph, +2.25 cyl, 100°, L/E = -4.25 sph, +2.00 cyl, 90°, would like to hear from anyone who has had a similar perscription corrected by Lasek. I will post back as soon as my new eyes allow me to.
Paul Doyle
Very high standard of treatment at the liverpool branch of Optimax. And very competetive as i bought the treatment throu ebay My eyes were -1.75 in both eyes & i opted to have just one eye done, the difference is amazing, no more glasses..... great!!! The guy who i saw has got it spot on my right eye is now 0 prescription. It took my brain about two months to get used to having one eye at -1.75 & one at 0, but i would recommend to anyone that you try monovision first. its worked really well for me!! Paul
Ashleigh Bell
I had my eye's treated a couple of weeks ago and i have to admit it's the best decision i've ever made. I don't think it has quite sank in yet how great it is to not have to bother with glasses/contact lenses. I highly recommend the Optimax Clinic in Leeds, the staff were so friendly and really helped me relax and feel comfortable before the surgery. I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks to all at the Optimax Clinic in Leeds. Also the fact that i bought the surgery from ebay saving me even more money on an already cheap price was fantastic!!
Andy Humphreys
Has LASIK at Southampton on 06/09/05 carried out by Dr.McGraw. Absolutely no pain whatsoever, she explained everything that was about to happen and was reasuring at all times. I did not realise it would be so clinical and that they would all be gowned up but made me feel at ease straight away, treatment only took 10 minutes. Opted to have both eyes done at the same time and immediately saw the results once I was sat back in the waiting room. Had worn glasses and used contacts for 40 years combined with a prescription of -6.50 in both eyes so was expectant (and told) that I might need Reading glasses afterwards. Obviously only day 2 at the moment but my vision is fantastic and I am even driving again. Have bought reading glasses at the moment to assist me but I am told my vision will improve over the coming weeks and months so you never know! I would recommend this to anyone, the biggest hurdle is getting over the fear of having it done but the results speak for themselves. Bought the treatment off of EBAY for £1190, both eyes. I'll comment back in a month or so and let you know how I'm doing.
Venetia Jones
Fantastic treatment, fantastic staff, fantastic service (seriously sexy consultant!) Can not recommend this company and service enough! My life has been changed. Go for it - if you are worried, have one eye done at a time - but you are dealing with professionals here who care about YOU and not profits - just do it!
dax aiken
Hi, I understand that Optimax are taking over the Advanced Eye Clinic - they have already begun advertising for staff in Belfast. I was given the impression that this compnay would honour any treatments / offers provided by Advanced Eye Clinic. Cheers. Dax
Chris West
Had epi lasek - mono vision at Leicester clinic. Excellent service/staff. Only slight gritty eyes after op and for 1 day after no pain. 4 Weeks on have 20/20 vision. Best decision ever to have laser treatment cannot describe the feeling of not having to wear glasses or the hassle of contact lenses. Great!
Fiona Stevenson
I had my laser surgery in February 2005, 2 weeks after I was made redundant and searching for a new job – it was a highly stressful time, but it had been booked for over a month so there was no going back! I got a ‘January Sale’ voucher from Optimax – both eyes done for £700, I had toyed with it for ages, so took advantage of the voucher, as it was cheaper than the Ebay purchase. I went to the Glasgow clinic and had Dr Anwar and for my follow-ups, Myra Crawford. My eyes were: R-3.50 and L-4.00. The surgery itself was fine, a little uncomfortable, and for someone with as strong a stomach as myself, I found it a bit yucky. I would recommend you put some Vicks at your nose, as the smell of burning eyeball still makes me go a bit queasy. I was in and out of the surgery room in 10 minutes, the staff were lovely. I went home, couldn’t sleep and the sleeping pills were rubbish. My eyes streamed for about 24hours and to open them was agony, it nipped and felt like they were filled with sand – so don’t open your eyes to begin with! After a week I was fine if a little un-coordinated, as both eyes healed at different stages. I used Lacrilube and Viscotears to help my eyes along. I felt for about 2 months after the surgery I was extremely light sensitive, which was the most annoying. I couldn’t keep my eyes open as it hurt too much. Myra at my after care said I was one of the most light sensitive people she had met and she could hardly get my eye open to do the dye test, and look at the back of my eye. After the check up I was declared better than 20/20 vision. Yippee!! I had spent 12 years with glasses – all through my teens until I was 23. It felt so good not having to bother with them!!! After 3 months I felt my vision slipping, and it was the most disheartening feelings. I went back, and yes, the surgery had started to reverse itself. Typical. It’s always me that stuff happens to! I know a handful of people who have had it done, and I’m the only one it hasn’t worked for. I went back for another check up, and my prescription seems to have stabilised at: R-1.50 and L-1.75 Although this is hard to tell because I now have glasses again and cannot read the chart. I have another check up on the 21st Sept, so I will remove my glasses before the consultation and see if I can get my eyesight to adjust. If all goes well I have to get the surgery done again in October. I hope it works this time because it’s a lot of money to still have to rely on reading glasses! I’ll let you all know at the beginning of November if it has been a success. If anyone else has had a similar experience, it would be good to hear from you, as I’m so worried it won’t work! Fiona
Alison Brown
I had my treatment in March of this year after having worn glasses for nearly 20 years from the age of 18. My prescription was -2.75 in each eye which although not very bad was enough that I could not see anything further away than 6 inches without glasses or contacts. Not even being able to see in the mirror to dry my hair in the mornings was getting me down. I had thought about Laser Surgery for many years but was always a bit scared as you really only get the one chance with your eyes but this year as I am getting married in 4 weeks I bit the bullet. I actually found my surgery through e-bay and was then contacted by the Newcastle clinic to arrange my consultation. From start to finish the staff at the Newcastle Clinic where very informative and helpful making sure that I understood every aspect of the treatment and aftercare. The Surgeon who performed the treatment put me at ease immediately and kept me relaxed all the way through the procedure. I wished I had done this sooner. Excellent price for perfect vision. If I had to have this procedure done every year at the Newcastle Clinic I would.
