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
Stefy
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 much longer we’d have to wait. 3 and a half hours later and according to them that was good because they can be worse!
JO BALDWIN
THOUGHT I WOULD BETTER ADD MY COMMENTS AS SHARON HAS SAID I PROBABLY WILL! I HAD EPI LASIK DONE AT BRISTOL ON 24TH JULY BY DR MUNDASAD WHO I MUST SAY IS ONE OF THE NICEST MEN I HAVE EVER MET. HE MADE ME FEEL TOTALLY RELAXED AS I WAS EXTREMELY NERVOUS, ARRIVING AT THE CLINIC ARMED WITH RELAXANT DRUGS PRESCRIBED BY MY DOCTOR. dR MUNDASAD ASSURED ME I WOULD NOT NEED THEM. hE WAS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THE WHOLE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETELY PAIN LESS AND VERY QUICK. DR MUNDASAD TALKED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE PROCEDURE AND I FELT COMPLETELY RELAXED. YOU LEAVE THE CLINIC A FEW MINS LATER WITH SLEEPING TABLETS AND EYE DROPS AND A HUGE PAIR OF PLASTIC LENSES TAPED TO YOU FACE!!THESE CAN CAN BE REMOVED AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS. i WILL BE HONEST , THE PAIN I EXPERIENCED THE NEXT 24 WAS TERRIBEL. mY EYES AND NOSE WERE STREAMING AND I COUL NOT OPEN MY EYES AT ALL MY HUSBAND HAD TO FORCE THEM OPEN TO PUT DROPSIN. iWAS ALSO QUITE SICK THAT NIGHT AND FAINTED, iTHINK HALF SCARED THAT I WOULD NEVER OPEN MY EYES AGAIN AND HALF RELIEF THAT IT WAS OVER. i SLEPT WWELL THOUGH AND THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON I FELT MUCH BETTER, ALTHOUGH EYES STILL VERY LIGHT SENSITIVE AND WATERY. bANDAGE LENSES CAME OUT 4 DAYS LATER, MY EYES WERE TESTED AND DRIVING STANDARD (ABLE TO READ 3RD LINE UP FROM BOTTOM). hAD ANOTHER CHECK ABOUT 10 DAYS LATER NO PRESCRIPTION ON RIGHT EYE AND SLIGHT SHORT AT-.075 IN LEFT EYE. i WAS GIVEN STEROID DROPS TO TRY AND IMPROVE LEFT EYE AND I HAVE JUST HAD ANOTHER CHECK UP AND I HAVE PERFECT VISION!!! ABLE TO READ THE BOTTOM LINE WITH MY RIGHT AND SECOND LINE UP WITH MY RIGHT. MY EYES FEEL SO MUCH BETTER WITHOUT USING CONTACT LENSES, THEY ALWAYS FELT SO TIRED. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS TREATMENT HIGHLY ENOUGH. THANK YOU DR MUNDASAD, THANK YOU SHARON FOR SHARING THE 2 FOR 1 OFFER WITH ME. OH BEFORE I FORGET, THE RECEPTIONIST AT BRISTOL NEEDS TO CHEER UP AND MAKE THE PATIENTS FEEL MORE WELCOME- SMILING HELPS.
Princessfi
Hi I have a consultation for Epi-Lasek booked at Optimax (Glasgow) at the end of September, with Dr Anwar Ul-Haq. Does anyone have experience of him and does anyone out there know of the cons of Epi-Lasek? I haven't been able to find out much about Epi version of Lasek on the WWW so far so its quite worrying! I am too terrified of flap complications to go for Lasik after reading lasikdisaster.com!!!!!
David
I made a few post earlier about my treatment, but this is just a post to say that I have changed email address, feel free to email me about anything!
Donna
Hiya!I had my eyes epi-lasered last Thursday by Dr Islam at the Finchley Clinic. Procedure was very quick, staff were very friendly and did not feel rushed at all. Dr Islam was very professionsal and helped myself and my friend feel very comfortable. really relaxed atmosphere in treatment room. Following 24 hours uncomfortable, but tolerable. they give you painkillers and eyedrops and sleeping pills. Day after, eyes still a bit runny, and couldnt keep them open longet than 10mins at a time. The next morning I had bandage lenses out and had eyes open all day, and was able to potter about London with sunglasses on without too much hassle.It is now 4 days after and my eyes have no pain. Left eye feels alot better, right eye not noticed any difference yet but apparently takes a few weeks to stabilise. I feel generally happy so far. I have my aftercare appointment next week so will report back then. Dr Islam highly recommended though.
Julie
I had Lasik Surgery on both eyes on Thursday 29th July 2004, at Optical Express Shaftsbury Ave London. I was not at all nervous, but was worried that I should be! The procedure was unpleasant and I was thinking about telling them not to do the 2nd eye but by the time I’d made up my mind my eye was taped up and I was back under the machine! I went off to the recovery room feeling a little strange. I couldn't see much as everything was very blurry. There were other patients in there and they all said they felt great. I must be a drama queen! I had a problem keeping my eyes open, it was much more comfortable keeping them shut. My eyes were streaming and very sore. Not a pain as such more like being constantly blinded by the sun, that feeling when you can't open your eyes but you keep fighting to try. I was given some extra drops and this helped temporarily. I went home and had a sleep as I was instructed. The streaming came and went at intervals for the rest of that night. I went to bed early and when I got up I could see as well as if I had my glasses on (except of course I didn't). I had no discharge or eye straining. I went for my aftercare appointment and I'm pleased to say that my vision is better than 20/20 (I never believed it would even work!). I am overjoyed with the results and I can't wait to go on holiday with just my designer sunglasses!! I would highly recommend this to anyone that is suitable. All that was 4 days ago and I have no dry eyes or any other problems so far (touch wood!). The only time I think about my glasses is when I keep trying to put them on in the mornings. Good luck to everyone that bites the bullet and goes for it. If I were asked if I would do it again, my answer would definitely be YES, it’s worth every penny.
Sharon
Me & my friend Jo went to Optimax Bristol on Sat 24th July to have Epi-Lasek. I am sure Jo will be writing her review on here in due course but heres mine. procedure painless (except for the 1hr 50min delay). Right eye was slightly watery the same evening but no real discomfort...guess I was just lucky. had the bandages lens out yesterday and after 4 days of wearing them I was certainly glad to have them out. It felt like a bit of glass in my eye but again nothing too unbearable. all in all the whole procedure was fine. I have already reached driving standard!! I certainly recommend it to anyone. WORD of WARNING the receptionist was one of the most miserable people I have had the pleasure to meet she would certainly put a nervous person off before they even got to see the Doctor!, DR Mundasad on the other hand was one of the nicest, made me feel very relaxed. great bloke fantastic sense of humour.
Sarah
I'm booked in for Lasik at Croydon in August and am concerned as I've heard there can be lots of waiting around on the actual treatment day. I thought it would just take 15 mins and I could go home. Can anyone let me know the truth?
Simon Brown
Im currently looking at having my eyes lasered. One of the most confusing aspects of this whole process is cost of treatment. Ive got a friends who have had the Lasik treatment at places optimax for around £1250 for the pair yet on the web site it says £1850 and ultralase (who im currently booked in with) is nearly £2000. Anyone have any thoughts on this Thanks
FIONA
CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A GOOD SURGEON FOR LASEK TREATMENT IN THE BRISTOL OPTIMAX?
Christine
Hi anyone! I am due to have Lasik. I have a PLUS prescription but cannot see either long distance or short distance and I wear varifocal glasses! Has anyone else this prescription and has anyone had Lasik done??
