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
Diane
Had my first weekly check - up today. Have to go back and have the "flap" smoothed back down on one of my eyes... Has anyone else had this done????
Mary
I have visited the Croydon clinic and booked my consultation for 2 weeks time. I've also booked the date to get both eyes done, probably using LASEK. Has anyone had any experience of the Croydon clinic? It seems to be conspicuous by its absence from this board.
Alyson Lee
After much deliberation I have chosen to go ahead with LASEK at the Manchester clinic and I'm booked in for my consultation on 23rd May and surgery on 11th June. My husband had PRK over 3 years ago and although he suffered for 3 or 4 days afterwards, he has 20/20 vision now and has never regretted it. I was orginally booked in for LASIK, but after reading comments on this site and further research, I've decided it carries a much greater risk and this flap business worries me. I would much rather suffer for a few days than take a risk. My concern is the light sensitivity afterwards. I am off on holiday to Italy on the 4th July - just 3 weeks after surgery and I'm worried that my holiday will be spoilt because of my sensitivity to light. Should I postpone my surgery until after my holiday? Any advice would be very much appreciated.
steve wood
Update 72hrs post op Woke up this morning, eyes very crusty, so I just laid in bed and administered the drops. However the site in my right eye is very out of focus today, and even as I write this I am not able to look at the screen for more than a few seconds at a time as my eyes go all glary. I tried to ring Finchley branch but it just kept ringing and ringing, so in the end I sent a fax, that was three hours ago and no return call. I have heard that stronger drops can help, does anyone know if this is right
steve wood
UPDATE DR PATEL RANG ME TODAY FOLLOWING MY FAX TO HIM YESTERDAY EXPRESSING MY CONCERN OVER BLURRED VISION, HE REASSURED ME THAT ALL WAS NORMAL, AND THAT THE PRED FORTE DROPS DO EFFECT VISION SOMETIMES. I FELT A LOT HAPPIER FOLLOWING HIS CALL, ALTHOUGH I JUST POKED MYSELF IN THE EYE, AND YES IT IS VERY TENDER.
steve wood
Update: Finchley Road Clinic I went for my one week check up yesterday, the optomerist was quite thorough in her check up, but the sight test was pointless as things are still too blurry, although I can read the letters down to driviving test standard, its just that they are not crisp and sharp. She also said that this was a sure sign that my eyes have not healed yet. In fact last night my right eye once again went very out of focus, I do feel a little depressed over it, not because of having it done, because I am so pleased I did, but because of the lack of reasurance from the staff that all would be fine, I mean surely they have enough historical data to commit themselves a bit more than they do. I almost feel like asking them to zap my eyes a bit more now if they are not satisfied that they will turn out right. This brings me on to one more point, when they carried out my eye test, they said I was less short sighted than an independent optomerist did a week earlier, also they said that I had astigmatism in the right eye when the other said left. I mentioned to her at the time that I had just been tested and did she want to see the results, but she declined, so now I am wondering if this has anything to do with it. So if you are reading this Optimax maybe you would care to comment. maybe I am just getting paranoid!!! Anyway my next aftercare is July 8th, and hopefully all will be fine then
Diane
Just got a confirmation letter from head office for my next aftercare appointment. Quite amusing really - it stated that if i was over 20 minutes late for my appointment, then i would incur a £10 charge! At this rate Optimax must owe ME at least £300!!!!
steve wood
Update - 2 weeks 3 days post op Last night I played squash for the 1st time since the op, I WON!!, my vision whilst not perfect was fine, and I dont know why but my vision seemed much sharper afterwards. Today - my left eye aches and I am not sure but I seem to have a slight lump to one side of eye - has anyone else experianced this and do I have cause for concern - my vision is back to as before I played squash.although I think the left eye is slightly worse
Craig Ross
"Last night I played squash for the 1st time since the op, I WON!!, my vision whilst not perfect was fine, and I dont know why but my vision seemed much sharper afterwards" You probably have lots of little irregularities on your cornea, and the buckets of oily sweat running into your eyes filled in the irregularities. Your eyes might be a bit dry, which is definitely a problem. Dr Sylvia Norton reckons that a moist cornea helps recovery.
tony winter
today 6/6/03 is the day i go too Leeds to see DR Samuel for my consultation,and hopefully treatment,if all goes to plan,i will keep you all posted
