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
J Greer
I was very pleased with the result the next day. i dont know why i was so nervous on the day as you dont feel a thing. you just smell a burning thats when they laser your eyes.i went to the one in croydon. staff very friendly.waiting times are so long as they do everyones eyes in batches we all come back for some time.it is so nice to see the things i missed before.you just got to keep putting your eye drops in.eyes are bit blood shot but they settle down.i wished i had it done years ago.they also do interest free credit if you cant afford it.make sure you eat before treatment and take sunglasses with you for outdoors.when you have treatment done your eyes cry like you have peeled onions but that is because of the treatment. good luck.
Ruth Walton
this is the treatment that i hesitated over for nearly 10 years, and when i did have it done i wished i'd done 10 years earlier. its fantastic. the only disappointment is that you quickly get used to it and then forget how wonderfull it is.
Lesley
I had my treatment performed at Optimax Aberdeen by Dr Osman. At all times I found the staff professional and welcoming. I was never pressured into have more expensive treatment (wavefront etc). All decisions were my own. Procedures and pitfalls were always explained. Laser treatment is a risk for everyone. I had great vision in my left eye from day one but my right went from being long sighted to short sighted with an induced astigmatism. At all aftercare appointments I always saw Dr Osman. When my prescription was stable I had an enhancement 2 weeks ago - 10 months after the original treatment. I have a mildly dry eye and halos in my right but not in the left, so not affected driving at night. I cannot say the procedure is pleasant and pain free, but its the best money I spent. I throughly recommend Dr Osman at the Aberdeen clinic.
Heather
Am contemplating surgery in Leeds but finding it difficult to get statistic. Has anyone out there used the Leeds clinic and with what type of results?
Mel
Looking at having epi-lasek next week at Manchester with Dr Qazi. Any reviews on Manchester or this doctor please as at present I'm on verge of canceling due to nerves and not being able to look after my daughter.
Matthew Daniel
Hi all, I have put off laser eye surgery, mainly because of the cost. However today I found out that Optimax now take Tesco clubcard vouchers. How bizzare!!! Now £200 of clubcard vouchers (£800 in deals), will cover the cost of epi-lasek. This is the type I am hoping to be allowed. I am -2.75 & -2.25. I all goes well I will book myself in for the 20th January. Hope this info helps someone. Matt
Emma Mundy
Had my laser treatment done at Bristol on 29th November, It started at reading. I had my consultation at reading agreed to go ahead with the treatment and after a BIG BUILD UP they then informed me the laser had broken, could not believe it. They were very good and booked me in at Bristol the next day with the same doctor and even offered to pay for my petrol and parking. I must say it was the most weird, bizarre thing I have ever done. I had the standard lasik with no extras and nobody push me in to anything which was good. The whole process took 15 mins from start to finish and its one of the best things i've had done. Once it was done it was like having shampoo in your eyes and the next day it felt like a wrong way round contact lens no more than that. The advise I would give anybody is do your research know what the doctor is talking about, as the consultation is long and there is alot of information to take in and you may op for something that may not suit you, try and have a bit of an idea of what you want. For example one chap I spoke to had the monovision and wish he hadnt, the doctor didnt push him in to it, at the time the man throught it was a good idea and hadnt read alot about it. It just wasn't for him. My eyes are now better than 20/20 vision and my prescription is nought, How about that FANTASTIC!!!!!!
Lyndsey
I had Epi-Lasek at Optimax Leicester by Dr Massilimassi (excuse the spelling). After an impatient few months I have never been happier!! I am afraid of needles so imagine my nerves having this type of procedure carried out. I found the op on ebay and was told I would have to have wavefront because I had enlarged pupils and this would help my night time vision the procedure cost in total £1030 – bargain!!
I decided to go for it and have both eyes done even though I was aware that I could suffer quite severe pain, and arranged to stay at my mum’s. The procedure itself was excellent, the Dr made me feel at ease and very relaxed, I went home and luckily had no pain and slept for three days, I didn’t use any of my pain killers or sleeping tablets (they also give you anesthetic eye drops in case the pain gets too severe, but can slow down the healing process). I went for my check up after three days and to have the bandage lenses removed and was told that the epthilium had almost healed and would be finished healing by the morning. Unfortunately, I went to bed that evening and my eyeball stuck to my eyelid and the pain when I opened my eyes was intense to say the least!!!
I had about two weeks off work because I couldn’t focus properly and couldn’t keep my eyes open. When I went back to work I had someone drive me for another five weeks as my eyesight was still not up to driving standard. After epi-lasek it can apparently take up to 12 months for the eyes to settle.
When I went back for my checkup I was told my eyesight was at 0.00 but I had enduced astigmatism of about 1.5 in each eye which was making my vision poor. I was told to use viscotears as my eyes were dry, dryness can affect the rate at which the eyes recover, and to come back again in one month.
After the further check up I had no astigmatism in one eye and only slight in the other.
I did mention to the optometrist that my eyes seemed to be getting drier and he recommended flaxseed oil which is excellent and my eyes are now perfect!!!
It has been a long wait but well worth it, I would go through being impatient, scared and having the dry eyes again just to have the vision I do, I was -4.00 in each eye and to know that I can jump in the sea or straight out of bed in the morning without having to remove or put in lenses again is the best thought ever!!
Before the op I had been wearing lenses for seven years and they had started to affect my tear ducts from such prolonged use.
I have my last check up today and hope to be discharged, it has taken three months but the customer service could not have been better. Optimax provide their own forum where you can discuss your experiences, you can email your questions over the Internet, I had direct line number for the optometrist, and they are not concerned if you have loads of check ups, they always reassured me and answered any questions I had on the numerous times I called.
Would I recommend? YES Would I do it again? DEFINITELY
Lyndsay
I had Lasik with wavefront and Intralase on 8th November performed by Dr Quazi at the Manchester Clinic and I can honestly say it is the best thing I've ever done. All the staff at the clinic were fabulous, helpful and very patient with me which really helped with my nerves prior to the surgery. I've been looking into having the surgery for around 5 years now and originally went for a consultation back in 2002, but was told I was unsuitable as I suffered from Herpes around my eyes (never on my eyeball) as a child. This was obviously disappointing but I accepted it and carried on with my lenses and glasses. Then at the end of October I received an offer from Optimax whereby they would give me one eye ‘free’ (hence the low price I paid). I decided to go for the consultation to see if any new developments had been made in the last 5 years which would enable me to have the surgery – It turns out that I was a perfect candidate (moderate prescription; -3.5R -4.25L, no astigmatism, thick corneas, average pupils etc..) and I would simply need to get a course of aciclovir tablets from my doctor to prevent any possible flare up of the herpes! I booked the surgery and spent the next week scaring myself stupid by reading horror stories on various websites but decided to go ahead regardless! On the day of the treatment I was absolutely petrified. I even got some valium from my doctor to calm my nerves! However all my fears and worries were unfounded. The surgery was fine, I’d done a lot of research so I knew what was happening and what to expect… as many other people have said, the worst bit was the suction ring used to hold my eye steady while the flap was cut, but this was by no means painful, just a little uncomfortable. The whole thing was over in less than 15 minutes and I could see immediately – it was like a miracle! On the journey home I was reading license plates of cars which would’ve been a blurry blob to me an hour earlier! I had very minimal discomfort during the evening, my eyes stung slightly for an hour or so but did not really weep. I returned the next day for my check-up and was told I have 20:20 vision! Truly amazing!! I would definitely recommend the surgery to anyone who asked me, although everyone should do their research and make sure they fully understand the risks involved. I truly sympathise with the few people who do not have such wonderful results but for most people it’s the start of a whole new life!!
amy sinclair
After having Lasik and wavefront more than 6 weeks ago I have never been so disappointed. I can only say that you should speak to some of the few % of people it doesnt work for. My vision was -5 in both eyes. It is now -2 in one eye and +2 in the other eye. I have had steroid drops for 6 weeks to try and help the light sensitivity,but I am still unable to drive at night due to headlights. Working is very difficult as I use an ultrasound M/C so I am having to have my scans checked by a junior member of staff. My vision is a blur. I have been re assured that things will get better, I really hope so. I wish I had never had it done.