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Optimax

892 Reviews

I wouldn't recommend Optimax to anyone, the customer service of the Bristol branch is shocking. They don't keep to their appointment times and don't even apologise for the delay plus they lied every time when we asked them how muc ...Read more

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 OverallClinic RatingCost RatingSurgeon RatingTreatments 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 ProcedurePrice (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:

  1. LASIK
  2. LASEK
  3. Wavefront / IntraLase®Femtosecond
  4. Cataract or refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery
  5. 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.

optimax locations

4. The Verdict

laser eye surgery review 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:

  1. Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched to the leading eye clinic in your area
  2. 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)
  3. 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

RatingDate

19 Jan 2004
No Rating

I had lasik surgery @ Optimax London clinic on 4th Dec 2003 as of today 18th January 2004 my vision is still hazy and black writing looks greyish. And when watching TV there is no sharpness in vision at all.I can only read 4th line on eye test chart with my left eye and 2nd line on righy eye and even on eye test chart alphabets looks greyish and cloudy. I see slight improvement in vision in my left eye with refraction test with various lenses but i still get no sharpness in vision and in right eye even with various lenses i seee no improvement.They also made me read through pin hole with various lenses and i even strugle to see in my right eye through pin hole with various lenses.I have been to clinic four times since surgery and seen Surgeon every time as I am worried. Dr says my recovery is very slow.I saw him last on 5th January 04.I am not suffering from dry eyes symptom or any other symptoms. Has any body had similar symptoms in past and if so please let me know as I am getting extremely worried.

20 Jan 2004
No Rating

Heya, There's a posting in Optimax's forum saying: "During the conversation, I was led to believe that I will have to provide my own eyesight test for them to work off, whereas I was expecting that Optimax would do an eye test during the consultation, which would then be used to calibrate the Laser." Which is complete nonsense and would misguide people... they just want an old test to check things havn't changed since. Just thought you'd like to know etc, iain, post-LASEK and using a PC again ::)

23 Jan 2004
No Rating

I have made an appointment today for consultation and treatment at optimax-manchester. My prescription is -7.00 and -6.5. From what I have read I will probably be having Lasik, is there anyone who has had this for a high prescription and if so, what were the results and would you recommend it?

30 Jan 2004
No Rating

I would be rather cautious about using Optimax. I had a consultation with them in London (Dr Patel) last month. I was delighted to be told that I was an 'ideal candidate' for LASIK. However, taking advice from many of the posters on this and other sites, I sought second and third opinions. I have subsequently had (much more thorough) consultations with Boots and Ultralase who both told me in no uncertain terms that I was a poor candidate for LASIK, due to lack of corneal thickness. Both told me that they would refuse to carry out LASIK on me, and advised me that PRK or LASEK may be suitable, but that as they do not offer it I would have to look elsewhere. The Boots guy actually told me I'd be mad to even consider LASIK. Since then I have tried to contact Dr Patel by phone and email, asking him to look at my notes again and see if he still considers me suitable for LASIK, and also asking why he didn’t even discuss LASEK with me(Optimax does offer LASEK). Needless to say I have heard nothing. So, all in all, I'm not saying don’t consider Optimax, but I would advise EVERYONE to get at least a second opinion before going ahead with an irreversible, possibly life ruining operation. I feel very believed that I did. I would also stress that the testing at Optimax is not nearly as thorough as Boots - particularly with regard to measuring pupil size, which may explain some of the less than ideal results outlined by earlier posters.

09 Feb 2004
No Rating

I am booked in to have EPI-Lasek treatment at optimax for both eyes in 2 weeks time and currently have a prescription of -1.00 in both eyes and a astigmatism in one eye has any one else had laser surgery on such a low prescription as mine and what kind of results can I expect will I be able to read the football scores on the TV which I can not currently do without glasses. Also this operation does not require the flap being cut they use drops instead has anyone else had this. Please respond as I am starting to have serious doubts

17 Feb 2004
No Rating

L -1.25 R - -1.50 both with astigmatisum I am booked in at optimax on saturday 21st feb to have (all being well) epi lasek. My surgen is Dr Samuels. I havent read any testimonials on him. I would be very interested on any comments anyone would have. My main concern is wearing the bandage lenses afterwards. My eyes dont tolerate contacts very well. It is written that the lenses reduce the after pain considerably. Has anyone had epi lasik done without the lenses? My husband is taking a few days off work to look after me so not seeing for a bit longer is not the problem it is the pain. Please Please send me any info you have. I will post again post op!

18 Feb 2004
No Rating

I underwent laser surgery to correct mild short sightedness in December 2000. This was at Optimax in Finchley Road. I was initially delighted with the results and had trouble free vision for about two years. However, I gradually started to notice a deterioration in my sight. Eventually, I went for an eye test, only to find that my left eye had reverted back to being -1 and my right eye to -0.5. That is a low level of myopia but still I had to purchase some glasses as the problem seemed to be getting worse. I contacted the clinic, who simply said they could not do anything as I had signed a disclaimer form, in which they state that they cannot guarantee continued good vision. Of course I do not remember that form but very clearly remember the glossy brochure and positive publicity!! It seems now that I spent £1000 and suffered a fair amount of pain and discomfort for nothing more than two years free of glasses or contact lenses.

19 Feb 2004
No Rating

This maybe particularly relevant for Jayne Emsley. I had epi-lasek treatment at Optimax in Leeds a week last Friday (6th Feb). The doctor was Dr Samuels. My prescription was about -4.50 short sighted. The treatment went fine, although the pain kicked in on the journey home as the anaesthetic eye drops wore off. I would recommend taking some pain killers while you are in the clinic, after the operation has taken place. I also found that I was really snotty for the first hour or so with a runny nose which appears to be an initial side effect straight after the op. Once I got home I took the painkillers and sleeping tablets and fell asleep about 20 minutes later.The pain is like a strong discomfort like having chilli powder in your eye. I slept most of the day and by the next day I was much better. Vision was surprisingly good, but I was particularly light-sensitive, so wore shades a lot and rested. By the Sunday I was even better, and apart from wearing sunglasses occasionally, I went to the pub for dinner(sat in the non-smoking section!) and made up a flat-pack wardrobe!! I took the Monday off work as it was already booked, rested, took it easy, but was able to drive fine as my eyesight was good. I had the bandage lenses in throughout but I have wore contact lenses for about 12 years, including gas perms for the last 7 so they didn't cause much trouble, although by the Monday, the only discomfort felt like I'd had contact lenses in too much. I had them removed on Tuesday (despite being back at work!), and by Wednesday I was superb. A mate of mine had his op last Friday (13th!) on the 2-for-1 offer and as he wasn't used to wearing contact did feel quite a bit of discomfort, he was also sick on the day of the op but thinks this might be food poisoning. The effect of this was that the sleeping tablets and painkillers didn't work as he'd sicked them up, so he was in quite a bad way. He rang optimax and had the bandage lenses removed early -on the Monday, although Dr Samuels apparently wasn't too happy about doing this. However he did feel much better as soon as they were out. I would definitely recommend the treatment, mine was a relatively painfree experience apart from the first day, and particularly as my prescription was quite bad I can really notice the difference. Can't wait to go swimming. Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions.

27 Feb 2004
No Rating

FAO Allison Richardson: How old were you when you had surgery done? I Am 21 and was warned my eye sight could get worse, so am weighing up waiting a few years to have it done...

29 Feb 2004
No Rating

I had laser eye surgery perfomred on Thursday 26 of Feburary. The operation itself wasn't as bad My perscription was -3.50 and -4.00. I noticed after the surgery i could see an improvement in my eyes and was delighted. I am 19 and was so scared of something going wrong. I had very big pupils and have noticed the halos and glare at night. It something i can put up with as i have been told it will go away. I was told at the clinic the day after that I have dry eye but keep using luberication and it will go away. My biggest disappointment is that i'm have noticed that it is hard to read things up-close and the clinic told me that they over-corrected me. They said that the were hoping i would be 0 but it should settle in the next 6 weeks i so afraid I spent so much money and am now long-sighted. They said my vision will flautation over the next 6 weeks. Has anyone experienced this and have they any advice.


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