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
Sarah
Hi I am due to visit the Southampton clinic on thursday for the consultation and surgery. I am really nervious and not quite sure whether I should go for the Lasik or Epi-Lasik surgery. I am supposed to be going to a concert on the friday night - am I being too optimistic about how quickly I will be able to see. Any hints/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Bev
I had epi-lasek on my right eye at the Leeds clinic on 7/3/05. Mr Samuel did the surgery. Am due to have surgery on my left eye on 11/3/05. I was unable to have Lasik due to thin corneas. My prescription was R-5.50-1.75+172, L-4.25-1.75 +172. On removal of bandage lens I was told that sight in my right eye was just under driving requirements but that this would probably improve over the next few days. My sight has certainly improved but lacks sharpness. I wondered if this is likely to improve or if an enhancement may be necessary? Or am I expecting miracles?
Mark
Had bilat epi-lasek 23rd March at southampton (Dr Islam) for Left -3.5, right -3.25 Hurt like absolute hell for 48 hours! Painful when eyes closed but couldn't open them Now day 8, right eye perfect, left eye ghost like images, blurry still. Have been told not to worry (how did you guess) but I'm a little concerned. Optimax cheap but pretty poor admin and general organisional skills. However I will await the result of my eyesight before giving a rating. Back on Monday 4th April for follow-up
Deborah Moss
I am considering going to Optimax in Croydon, the consultant is Mr Ventnor, is there anyone out there whom has any experiences with this surgeon. I am also long sighted +3.50 -0.50 80 and equivelent in the other eye?
hannah
I am having epi Lasek at the Bristol clinic on Tuesday. Can anyone give me any feedback?
Claire
Hi, I am seriously considering having Epiflap (LASEK) treatment at the Optimax clinic in Southampton where I understand the Doctors are Dr T Islam and Dr McGraw. I would like to gain as much information as I can before deciding to go ahead with the treatment as my eyes are very obviously very precious to me! I would be extremely grateful if people could offer me any advice or comments regarding Optimax, the Southampton clinic and the above named Doctors.
Ashley Hunter
Went for my consultation to the Glasgow Clinic Last Friday 3rd June. The staff were very efficient and I had numerous tests done on my eyes before being introduced to the consultant. Dr Anwar El Haq. This is a true gentleman he really put me at my ease and covered everything with regards to why he was doing various tests, what to expect and problems (if any) which may occur. I am going back to the Clinic tomorrow to have Bi-Lateral Lasek Surgery, My vision is -6.00 in one and -6.25 in the other. Right now I am feeling very nervous, but looking forward to hopefully having 20/20 vision. I will let you all know how I get on. Fingers Crossed.
Zoe
Can't see any comments regarding the Leicester clinic which opened in May - does anyone have any details ??
Linda
I am considering surgery after a consulation at the Glasgow clinic. I am pretty borderline for Lasik due to the thinness of my corneas, but the consultant felt epi-Lasek would have too great a chance of haze due to a high prescription (-6.25) in one eye. I'm worried that it may not be the best kind of treatment for me since there would be no room left for a re-treatment in that eye, plus it gets pretty close to the safety limit of remaining cornea in both eyes. Has anyone else had epi-Lasek or Lasek with such high myopia?
Dave
I'm considering having Lasik at the Optimax centre in Brighton. As it's new, has anyone got any feedback on it.
