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
gabrielle
I had my consultation last thursday with Dr Hynes at the Manchester clinic and I am due to have Lasik tomorrow, I found Dr Hynes very informative and he fully explained the complications that can occur, fingers crossed though eh !! I will let you know how it goes !!
tim
Has anyone had the implantable contact lense (ICL) treatment from optimax? They're the only people who offer the service in this country, i'm worried about the long term effects of laser surgery and as this treatment is potentially reversable i'm more inclined to prefer it.
Julie
Has anyone had Lasek surgery - i've been told that I can't get lasik surgery, just wanted to know any views on Lasek as i'm still unsure...
Mark
Thinking of having LASEK at Southampton Optimax. ANYONE have any stories/experiences?. Also I work in a hospital dealing often with patients with MRSA infections - anyone know of any problems going back to work with these patients after surgery?? Thanks
Mrs King
I am due to have my eyes lasered and obviously got to have a few days off work for recovery etc. I have been told by my employers that as it is 'elective' surgery, then I will not be able to take it off as sickness absence, but must take it off in my own time - ie make the hours up/book holiday. Does anybody know the legalities of this? Thanks!
Amanda Stewart
I am the manager of the Aberdeen branch of the Advanced Laser Eye Clinic, I will be monitoring this site more frequently, so if you have any direct questions about laser eye surgery I will be more than happy to answer them. Julie - LASEK has excellent results, although the healing period is slightly longer than that of LASIK, it is a highly effective procedure. Many of our patients who are unsuitable for LASIK opt to have LASEK (where appropriate) and are delighted with the results, although I am aware that most of the postings on this site are from LASIK patients. You can contact me direct on the above email address if you would like to discuss this further, or would like to see some comments from LASEK patients as we have these available within our clinics.
Julie
Hi does anyone have any experience, comments etc about the Bristol Optimax clinic? I am going to attend an open day there next week. Also if anyone can recommend a surgeon that would be fab! Thanks
David W
I had bi-lateral epi lasek surgery on the 24th Feb 05 at the Bristol Branch performed by Dr Islam. The previous comments with regards to recovery and pain are all true. I am extremely pleased with the results and am being realistic with the recovery time. I had my bandage lens taken out on the following Monday and my eyesight has been improving on a daily basis. However, I am now becoming slightly concerned with a minor problem that I have, and after going through ALL previous postings I cannot find anyone with a similar problem. I have, in each eye, what I can only describe as a small fatty lump (it does have a medical name but this eludes me), which apparently is not uncommon or unusual. Dr Islam felt this would not be a problem and surgery went ahead. As I said earlier I am very pleased with the results but slightly concerned with these lumps. 11 days post op the epithelium appears to be stretch over the lumps (similar to cling film over a meatball) rather than fitting tightly around the lump. This leaves the surface of my eye slightly distorted. Unfortunately, the earliest my clinic (Bristol branch) can arrange a follow up appointment is the 21st Mar 05. I was hoping that someone out there has had the same problem and can reassure me that this is normal and will eventually settle tightly around the fatty lumps. I am also aware that the surgeons often view this site for feedback. Perhaps they would put my mind a rest or advise me to see a surgeon ASAP. Regards Dave
Gary Eaton
I am due to have bi-lateral Epi Lasek on the 17th at Southampton. I must say that this forum has put my mind at rest to a certain degree as I have days when I think I'm doing the wrong thing by having this done. However, reading the majority of peoples comments so far, it looks like all I have to worry about is the service received by optimax, rather than the treatment/aftercare itself. Their quality of communication seems to vary from my experience so far. Sometimes I get a response to e-mails straight away. Other times nothing at all. I am currently in the "extremely nervous" stage & the lack of communication does nothing to ease any fears, or answer any questions I may have. Anyway, I am due to wear my contact lenses for the last time (hopefully) tomorrow! What a weird feeling. I currently have a prescription of -3.5 & astigmatism. I will post a follow up to say how the treatment went & how I am recovering as soon as I am able to see my PC. This forum is a godsend! It certainly helped me make my mind up.
Tim Sampson
I was told that Optimax Ipswich don't use bandage lenses. Can anyone comment on this? I must admit that I haven't been inspired with confidence by my phone calls to the enquiry line so far. They don't seem to give consistent answers and no-one calls back when this has been promised.
