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.
Steve Fraser
I attended the Aberdeen clinic today for assessment of suitability for LASIK. Unfortunately it turned out that one cornea is too thin for treatment of my -7 prescription. But everyone I met was most professional and I certainly wasn't advised to take any action I may later regret.
Ian Cocking
I was treated with PRK Epiflap (LASEK) 12th Nov Tues at Finchley rd. Sight before -3.25 L & -3.00 R. Some friends of mine had LASIK in the spring they got good results so I started investigating LASIK. The initial impression given out is that LASIK is the civilised way to get laser vision correction & that PRK has been put to bed. However the more research I did the less happy I was about going in for LASIK. I had booked my consultation & surgery with another clinic. I did not stop researching, when I found out about LASEK it was a welcome relief. This was not PRK and by all accounts it appeared to be the safest way to get ones sight corrected. I had made enquiries with Optimax because the prices seemed good but I didn't think they offered LASEK so I had almost discounted them. It was only when I had read their brochure that I discovered that PRK Epiflap is indeed them same procedure as LASEK. So now I could have LASEK at rock bottom prices, I cancelled my LASIK appointments. I think it is important to bear in mind that many clinics only offer LASIK so therefore denying their customers the option of a choice of treatments. Please do all the research you can before committing to surgery including ALL the links from this web site. I have come to the opinion that laser eye surgery is so automated I cannot see any benefit in paying over the odds unless the clinic is offering Wavefront technology. Going down the Wavefront route is probably only of an advantage if you have a high prescription anyway. With my low prescription I was more than happy with the bargain price of £795 for BOTH eyes with Optimax. In years to come I'm sure Wavefront will become the industry standard. The Bi-lateral LASEK surgery was quick & painless, My Dr, Dr Islam was friendly & confident. After surgery Vision was Fuzzy rather than out of focus. A bit like opening your eyes underwater. Walked to the car & shut my eyes. For the remainder of this day & the following 2 days any attempt to open my eyes was met with mild stinging & watering eyes, to be comfortable I just kept my eyes shut. There was no pain as such & didn't need the pain killers. If you are having Bi-lateral treatment you will effectively be disabled for 2 days and be totally dependent on others. On the third day woke up felt normal & opened my eyes. WOW! I could see the time on the alarm clock. Kept my eyes open all day & could see the improvement in vision by the hour. By the next day, day 4, I felt I could see well enough to drive (at least in the day light). Vision is still improving I've just had my 1st aftercare appointment I'm +1.00 L & +0.75 R. I'm experiencing mild ghosting in Low light conditions. I've been told that the ghosting will rectify itself over the coming months but I just don't notice it outdoors at all. In in all, on course for a good outcome. Already I feel it is money well spent & would do it again if I had too. I'm also relived that I don't have the Flap to worry about, The LASIK one that is, that never completely heals as the Fibres in the Storma layer of the cornea never re-integrate. LASIK, do not confuse faster recovery with faster healing, that Flap will NEVER completely heal! Good luck with your own surgeries. Happy to answer any questions.
Robert McClelland
I had my treatment at the Advanced Laser Eye Clinic in Edinburgh, where they have the new Wavefront technology. All the staff are very professional and took the time to answer all my questions, the doctor explained every part of the treatment to me. I cannot believe how having this done has changed my life. I am due for my three month appointment soon but everything is going well.
Kim McLaughlin
Had my eyes treated on by Dr Chatterjee at the Edinburgh clinic. The staff were very helpful and talked me through the whole procedure from my consultation to treatment day. Everything went smoothly and I am so happy with the decision I made, now looking forward to no more contact lenses.
Helen Blyth
Consultation Thursday 28th November, LASEK Laser surgery Friday 29th November . Friday night felt uncomfortable and my eyes watered a lot. Lay on bed with eyes closed, didn't need any painkillers just kept my eyes closed. Saturday 30th eye sight seems as good if not better than when I wore my contact lenses. Its very difficult to believe that I don't have to go and take my lenses out! The Birmingham office were very organised and there was very little hanging around,.
Les Lamb
Update from previous posting... had my first check-up on the 2nd Dec. The appointment went ahead early and I had a thorough expert check-up. I now have near perfect distance vision in my treated eye but close vision is worse but is improving. So I now have what they call "monocular vision" - one eye good for distance the other good for close up. Their advise is to wait until my treated eye settles down before making a decision about treating the other. It could be a better bet to not treat my other eye so I should not need reading glasses in the future. The strange feeling of having different focus is slowly going - my brain seems to know which eye to use at different distances! Marvellous to now drive without glasses. Apart from the initial discomfort I am very pleased Optimax advised PRK Epiflap and to treat only one eye - this now gives me options.
Kate
Further to my posting below, I went for my 1 week check up and my eyes are L -0.25 and R 0.00. What a result!!!! I arrived early (that's London traffic for you- unpredictable) and they saw me early and answered my list of post-op questions about things like rubbing eyes, eye drops etc, and off I went- until my next check-up in a months' time :)
Karen
I had PRK in both eyes 3 weeks ago, still a bit blurry in the right eye-is this normal-will it go? apart from this everything was brilliant and painless, would recommend it to anyone-prescription was -3.50 in both eyes! would appreciate any feed-back on the time scale of healing
Andrew Murray
Had my LASIK treatment in Glasgow on Saturday 14th December . I think I have been one of the lucky ones, I have had no pain, dryness, itching, scratching etc. My eyes were only -0.5 which is hardly anything but wearing glasses and contacts constantly annoyed me. Staff were very reassuring and everything was done professionally. No problems with timekeeping whatsoever on any of my visits. Highly recommended.
Paul
Had PRK Epiflap in Croydon branch on 13th November. Was -2.75 and -2.5. Operation painless, although very disconcerting when the Epiflap is pushed aside! Day 1 felt like I had very bad flu, and very light sensitive. Took pain killers, so pain reduced to irritation more than anything. Also took sleep pills on first night but felt completely zonked next day so didn't take any more. Day 2 just light sensitive, vision pretty good although couldn't really look at anything for more than a few moments. Day 3 much better, able to go outside (with sun glasses), and watch TV. Stopped pain killers. Had bandage contacts out, eyesight excellent. After 1st week had check up, reading near to 20/20. No pain, no blurred vision, no halos or anything. Consultant seemed baffled and explained don't normally see such quick recovery! Had check up again on 31st Dec., can now read bottom row of chart with both eyes (one row better than 20/20). Eyesight as good as was with contacts. I realise this is a very good experience. I would recommend it but remember everyone is different, and recover in different ways.
