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
Oliver Viveier
In reply to Miguel- I had bilateral LASEK last Friday. I'll post more details here when my vision has completely settled and I can give a fair rating. For now I would say having both eyes done is worth doing providing you don't have to see ANYTHING for the first day (they put a clear patch over one eye but in practice it's too painful to keep your eye open for longer than a millisecond). Also note that it is very painful for the first few hours- try to have the treatment done as late in the day as possible so you don't have long to wait before you can just pop the sleeping pills. Also, one thing that nobody pointed out is that you must take loads of tissues with you for the ride home. Your eyes will be streaming and if you're anything like me, your nose too. Unless your chauffeur wants snot all over their car, be prepared..... Other than that it's fine- 6 days later I am very glad to have had both eyes done for the sake of convenience. I had the treatment done with Dr. Islam, but I had a long discussion with some people who were there for aftercare with Dr. Patel, and the general opinion was "brilliant". I'd say the same for Dr. Islam, who was really friendly and reassuring. If anyone has any questions please email me and I'll endeavour to answer. I'll post a full review of my treatment in a week or so. Oliver
Debbie
Considering LASEK on both eyes as feel it is the safer option but a little concerned as my prescription, particularly my left eye is perhaps higher than recommended. (L -5.25/R-3.50). Would like to hear about people with similar presciptions who have had LASEK.
Steve
Is anyone considering Optimax surgery and would like to half the costs of the procedure, using optimax's 2 for 1 offer? You need to be available to attend the Leeds clinic with me, but your treatment can be held at any optimax clinic. please get in touch, either on this board or by e-mail to steve@sk-design.co.uk
Susanna Kelly
Hi There ! I've just booked to have my eyes done by Dr Shah at the Manchester clinic. I'm slightly (ok, very !!) nervous about the fact that the decision/suggestion to go for Epiflap was given by the girl who took my enquiry over the phone on an approximate prescription given by me !! Has anyone had the epliflap procedure with Dr Shah? If so, I would really value your thoughts. Thanks !
Erit
Hello, I live in Israel and AM NOT A PATIENT of OPTIMAX However, I couldn't find another board like this one and am very interested in hearing about other people's LASEK experiences. Very much enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I had LASEK done on both eyes. left eye about 3 weeks ago and right eye almost 2 weeks ago. Now I am very very worried. my left eye has cleared up rather nicely, after about 3-4 days post op. The right eye has not yet cleared and I have very blurry vision. what concerns me is that my surgeon insists that it could still clear up. I would really apprecaite hearing from anyone who has had similar experience. since my left eye cleared so quickly, it seems unlikely to me that after 12 days that my right eye is blurry, there is any chance of it clearing. I should mention as well that I am 39 years old and post op have not been able to read AT ALL. this clearly worries me as I have a job to hold down here and can't expect them to accept that I don't want to use reading glasses right away in order to let my eyes "settle". They want me to be able to work! reading is improving slightly each day though. so pleeeeeeease. if there is anyone out there who has had LASEK and it has taken some time to clear up - I would appreciate your comments. thanks a lot.
Mat M
I have been to a consultation- it did feel quite rushed and busy, but i got all info needed. i've read most of the comments on optimax on this board (takes ages) and at the moment i think the risk is too big of loosing quality of sight especially at night. there are no in depth surveys/results that i can find about lasek at optimax. it simply says 98% or whatever (eventually) get 20/20 vision. there seems to be a lot of people with halos/ghosting/haze- whatever you want to call it- blurry vision, which happens at night. even if you don't read the comments- the star ratings are not good. i will personally not be rushed into this by thinking that this special offer will run out at the end of the month. part of me wants to just do it but part of me is saying don't do anything stupid, and i've a feeling this could be a mistake. i have large pupils and moderate (-4.5) prescription which means more likely to need retreatment and (i think) more chance of blurry vision. there are loads of scare stories about so lots of patience and reserach is my tactic.
Debbie
I had Lasek about 6 weeks ago now. 20/20 in right eye, but still short sighted in left eye - though getting better. I was told I had largish pupils and may have trouble with halos and night vision. To tell the truth my eyesight when I'm driving seems no different than when I wore contact lenses. I'm just waiting to see if the steroid drops I've been given will help my left eye catch up to my right.
Russ
For those asking opinions on Lasek. I had this treatment in Feb (left eye) and April (right eye) this year. Both eyes are now 20/10 which is amazing considering I had a starting prescription of about -5 in each eye with over -3 of astigmatism !! My left eye settled down quite quickly (<4 weeks) although I did experience the usual side effects for a few months. The right eye took much longer. In fact it was only at my checkup a few weeks back that it had finally caught my left eye up. So in all, while the result is excellent it has taken a good 6 months of healing to reach this stage. If anyone wants me to expand on the side effects and how they really affected me let me know. cheers Russ.
Lyn Hounslow
Hi I am looking into having eye surgery possibly my husband and myself, has anyone been to the clinic in Bristol, could I please have anyones comments, on there experiences. Thanks
Steve
I'm booked in for a consultation on Thursday 23/10 at Southampton with Dr Ayoubi and (if all okay) LASEK (possibly bi-lateral) same day. My prescription is: Right: -2.25, 0.25, 125deg Left: -1.75, 0.25, 105deg I've read all there is to read on the internet, and considered it long and hard, finally coming to the decision that the time is right. I first enquired with Optimax in Bristol ten years ago, but was put off by the fact that it was a relatively new procedure. I'm right on the verge of not needing to wear glasses during the day, but sometimes find normal tasks difficult without them. Problem is I can't stand contact lenses and hate wearing glasses. I want to see peoperly again, something I haven't done since I was 14 (17 years ago). Will post again post-op to let you all know how it went. Wish me luck !
