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
Fred Parker
My first appointment with Optimax in Hove was for a brief consultation. The morning, 22nd August, of the appointment they rang and cancelled just as I was about to leave the house as the optician hadn’t turned up.
The next appointment went as planned (26 September) and then I was booked in for the full assessment on 21st October. The appointment was for 8:45 in the morning and the optician eventually rolled in at 9:30, by which time other patients (victims) had started to arrive.
I have previously had laser surgery, around twenty years ago, and also had a cataract in the right eye. It is only the right eye which needs treating.
At the end of the appointment the optician said that he would have to contact the surgeon to find out if it was going to be possible to carry out the further treatment on the eye and he would be in touch in a few days. As I was leaving I asked one of the receptionists to confirm the cost of the treatment and she said that it was £395 per eye.
After three weeks I rang to find out why I had not had any contact regarding the date of the operation. At this point the receptionist told me that if I wanted to pay the surgeon direct I could do so and not have the operation through Optimax. Amazing! This woman is sitting in Optimax, Hove, and stealing the clients away from the company as she and the surgeon have their own little scheme running.
I asked about the cost and she said that the Optimax price is £1600 per eye (so where did the £395 come from?) She also repeated that if I dealt direct with the surgeon it would be cheaper.
I am still waiting for her to ring back – 29th. November 2016!
flyingscottie81
I would highly recommend Optimax in Glasgow. Has Lasik on 9th July 2007 and touch wood everything has been fine. I had an eye test 24hrs after surgery and went from -6.50 in both eyes to -0.25 already, that was a week ago, and i am looking forward to hopefully and even better result at next weeks aftercare appointment. Dr Anwar was very helpfully (and slightly crazy, in a good way!). Made you feel at ease and really understood the stress you feel. Thank you a hundred times over for the new eyes!
Mrs Grimshaw
Just an update, three weeks on and i still have no clear vision, my surgeon has been very positive but its really hard, driving, reading, working it affecting all those things, hes asked me to leave it a couple of months to see if it settles, so my summer holidays will be a blur, if no better he will reverse the process, but by laser, not a happy bunny at present.
Jo Larkins
Had Lasik with intralase & wavefront on 4th of July at Croydon Optimax. Perscription -4.25 &-4.75. Painless experience but I have developed inflammation under the flaps which I was not warned about because it is apparently rare with my mediocre perscription. Pretty blurry and driving difficult with some achyness & soreness apparently due to eye strain. Has anyone else experienced this, as im told it is temporary. Any info greatly received!
norma
I had lasik surgery in September 2006 in aberdeen. There was no pain during or after the surgery and my eyes healed very quickly and I now have 20/20 vision. It might be because Iam only in my 20's that it worked so well, but I would recommend this to everyone who is thinking about having this done.
Anna Smith
Epi-lasek + wavefront on 27 June 2007 at Bristol Optimax. Surgeon: Dr Slazus. Prescription: -2.25 in right eye; -2.00 in left. Thorough consultation, no hard-sell. The surgery itself was not painful just uncomfortable and the laser noise plus burning smell is off-putting. Quite painful when the anaesthetic wore off - first night was bad, but then lessened. Very cloudy vision the following few days. Have just been for second checkup and am long-sighted in both eyes. Apparently this is 'normal' at this stage. Don't feel I could drive safely at the moment as the difference in vision between both eyes distorts everything. Also, wasn't expecting near vision to be terrible. It's an effort to press the right keys on the keyboard as everything seems blurred! To be truthful I don't know if I would recommend the procedure to anyone else, but maybe this view will change if (and hopefully when!) my eyesight improves. The optometrist said that it can take between 1 and 3 months before the eyesight stabilises so I've still got a lot of blurry weeks to go!
Lesley
I had the implant in my right eye July 2003 and my left Spetember 2003. Both procedures were done by Prof/Dr Ventor (where is he now? also Debbie from the Finchley clinic) who was brilliant as was all the aftercare check-ups. I had one small problem, about three/four weeks after the procedure on my right eye it started weeping, thought i had an infection. I telephoned the Croydon clinic and explained what was wrong, i was advised that they would get in touch with Prof/Dr Ventor (who was in South Africa at the time doing a lecture) and call me back which they did within the hour. I went to the Croydon clinic the next day to pick up some different eye drops and had an appointment with Prof/Dr Ventor four days later. The cause of the weepy eye was one stitch that hadn't dissolved, within 2 minutes he had removed the stitch and no more weepy eye. I have just had my second two year check up and am still glases free, this was money well spent in my case. Also my brother had Lasik the same year and he is still glasses free too.
rachel sweet
I had my surgery yesterday june 28th,i have almost made a full recovery as i had lasik,went for check up today and im 20/20 in both eyes. my surgeon was dr slazus.he was the business.
Becky
I had my treatment (Intralase Lasik with Wavefront) on Friday 22nd June at the Birmingham Surgery. My Doctor (Dr Masilamani) was very helpful, talking me through the procedures and which would be best suited to me. Once we had agreed upon the procedure which was best suited I was shown a short video of the procedure, I was also given the opportunity to ask questions. I arranged to have the treatment on the same afternoon. The only slightly negative thing I would say about Optimax is be prepared to be in the clinic a long time. My appointment for surgery was delayed by nearly two hours, in my case this worked in my favour as it helped to calm my nerves a little but I can understand how such a wait could make some people more nervous. The surgery took about 10 minutes in total but it felt like the longest ten minute of my life! I wouldn’t say any of the procedure is painful but the pressure from suction cups can be a little uncomfortable. As anaesthetic is applied to the eye you feel very little. Throughout the procedure the Dr Masilamani was very reassuring, constantly telling me how long was left on each part of the procedure and how everything was going well. Once I came out of surgery everything was hazy and fuzzy. I had to wait for 20 minutes for the optician to check the condition of my eyes then I was free to go. A good tip is to take along some sun glasses for when you leave the clinic as you may be sensitive to light (I was a little). I was warned that around 4 hours after the procedure the aesthetic would wear off and I may feel some discomfort. You are supplied with some more aesthetic but asked only to use it if completely necessary as it may slow the healing process. Sure enough after about four hours I experiences discomfort. The best way to describe how it felt is like when you are cutting really strong onions. My eyes started to water profusely and my nose was constantly running. About the same time I was started to be really sensitive to light, so closed all the blinds in the house. I decided the best thing to do was to go to sleep. Two hours later when I woke up I felt better, but still light sensitive. From the next day onward things gradually improved and the fuzzy haze gradually went.It now I week since I had my treatment and I can already see better that I could with glasses. I think it’s the best thing I’ve done in a long time, any one thinking about having it done go for it! Just imaging; -Waking up in the morning and being able to see the clock -Opening the oven and not having steamy glasses -Not having to search for your glasses of contacts when you wake up Need I say more!!!!! If any one has any particular questions about the treatment I had please feel free to email me.
mrs Grimshaw
HI I AM LOOKING FOR SOME REASSURANCE. I HAD CK AT MANCHESTER 9 DAYS AGO AND AT THE MOMENT MY SIGHT IS WORSE.MY LONG SIGHT WAS PERFECT BUT NOW EVERYTHING IS BLURRED, IT HAS AFFECTED EVERY PART OF MY LIFE TO SUDDENLY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE CLEARLY. I AM SO UPSET AND FRIGHTENED I HAVE DONE THE WRONG THING, MY CONSULTATION LAST WEEK WAS NO HELP, SO I HAVE MADE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR A WEEKS TIME. FIRSTLY HAS ANYONE HAD THIS. ALSO IS IT REVERSABLE, I WANT MY SIGHT BACK!!!!
Jonny Pryce
I had the Epi-lasek surgery due to taking part in contact sport. Dr Malissanami (Birmingham) did mine and I found him very honest about everything from the very start, if a little laid back! In my opinion the reason this clinic has a lower average rating than the other market leaders in because they are the only one to offer Epi- lasek cheaper than Lasek. Obviously Lasek is more painful so people give lower scores in view of that. I won't lie about the recovery - its not so much the intensity of the pain as the fact that it won't go away, and none of the medication seems to help that much. You WILL need someone to look after you for the first 24 hours to cook your food and put your drops in! However, after three days when you have the contactbandages removed, i felt pretty good and could see ok. My vision pleasingly improved over the next few weeks and I am now about two months post op and with 20/20 or better in both eyes at last check. A big thank you to the opthals who have really put me at ease and been very honest about the recovery procedure over the last few weeks.
