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!
Shadu
Has anyone had there eyes done by Dr Mathen ??
John
I'm considering laser surgery but find the idea of 2 for the price of 1 offers unbelievable when its about eye surgery. I'm all for getting a discount on a car or tins of beans but when your talking eyesight its much more serious! I reckon you get what you pay for.
David
Hi, I want to have epi-lasek done, at the moment there is an offer where you pay for one and a friend goes free, so if anyone else out there wants epi-lasek we can do it for £495 each (for both eyes!). Email me if interested!
sue
i had epi lasek at birmingham clinic on 4th june the op itself was quick and just a little uncomfortable and a bit wierd i did feel a little rushed at the clinic and they dont seem to run to time ...either late or very early..... however im very pleased with the results my vision is better than it was with my contacts (-3.50, -3.25 with astigmatism). i was in agony for approx 6 hours after the procedure i found even the slightest light painfull however after 6 hours i was up and about making a cuppa ... the pain was still there but slightly more of a uncomfortable feeling than specific pain... now after four weeks i have slight dry eyes and have to wear sunglasses as my eyes are still light sensitive. i hated wearing glasses and was warned that i may have to wear reading glasses straight away however i can read fine .. i do find my eyes get tired if i spend too long on pc or reading... but i would like to say its best 800 quid i have ever spent i wished i had done it years ago .
donna
Hiya, I want to have epi-lasek done, at the moment there is an offer where you pay for one and a friend goes free, so if anyone else out tehre wants epi-lasek we can do it for £495 each (for both eyes!). Email me if interested!
Karen
I had epi-LASIK at Birmingham in March. The treatment was pain free. Afterwards I was slightly uncomfortable until the bandage lenses came out three days later. The people at the clinic were very hlepful and reasssuring. I was originally sent away in February to have soemthing checked by my own hospital so the examination they do is very thorough. I can now read the bottom line on a chart with no problems at all.
Jan
I had lens implants by Professor Ventor in London yesterday afternoon. No pain, and totally professional service from the consultation to treatment. I am so impressed by Optimax and the obvious skill of Prof V. My eyesight today is almost as good as it was with my normal contact lens - just a bit blurred, but I am told that this will gradually improve. Wow!!! I now have no qualms about the next eye which will be done in 10 or so days time - in fact, I can't wait as I know how easy this procedure is for the patient, and so far, how wonderful the results. Not bad for day one!!
Mike Butterworth
Visited the Birmingham branch last April for an open day after being recommened from a work friend. I chose LASIK after long discussions with the staff. Had my full consulatation last Thursday which was very thorough and surgery Friday pm which lasted about 20 minutes. Friday night I had 20/20 vision. Saturday morning drove back for my check up, went shopping at Bull Ring, went to golf range and went out for a meal and drink on the night. No haze no halos, no pain, no worries. Best £1200 I think I will ever spend.
Robert Graham
I had bilateral LASIK at the Belfast branch of Advanced Laser Eye Clinic on the 29th april.My prescription was:right eye sphere-1.25, cyl-1.00, axis 27.5 Left eye:sphere-1.25, cyl-0.50, axis 165. I was in the clinic for a total of 1 hour and everything went fine. It was scarry but you just have to grit your teeth and carry on. I sound like a wimp but my eyes are very important to me. My eyes were sore for a few hours afterwards but then started to settle down. The next day i went for my checkup and was told my sight was good enough to drive home. It took a couple of weeks after that before my eyes really settled down and i could see all the fine details, but you have to expect this. I've just had my 6 week checkup and i have 20/20 vision.If your thinking of having this done, then don't wait any longer just go for it.It cost me £895 per eye or £1790 in total.Well worth it to get rid of those glasses.
louise`
I had bilateral Epi-Lasek done 12 days ago in Ipswich by Dr ISLAM. Here is my experience. I had my consultation and treatment on the same day, which I am glad i did, no time to get worried. I had read all the possible complications and risks beforehand and felt it was the right choice for me to go ahead. My prescription was -4.00 L eye and -4.25 R eye, so, borderline for either laser op. I chose Epi-lasek due to the reduced risks and decided i could cope with the pain. Dr Islam was very nice, professional yet very informal. I was extremely nervous when having the procedure done and the op assistant held my hand as I was as stiff as a board on that chair! On reflection it wasnt bad at all but I think I had just got a bit too wound up beforehand (get a relaxant if your nervous from your GP). Coming out I could feel the pain kick in almost immediately and once home I had a restless sleep and actually felt a bit panicky as my eyes where covered up, I took the pads off in the night, naughty I know but I felt much better. Next day was clearer but hazy and painfull and my eyes were streaming all the time. The clinic rung me to see if I was okay which i felt was really nice,professional and responsible. Since then my vision has improved every day and Refresh teardrops are really helping with dry eyes,my eyes are still quite sensitive so I'd advise you to have a good set of shades at the ready and a cold gel compress is great at night to sooth tiredness. I have had my first check up and I still have some prescription in both eyes but im sure it is getting better by the day , i can drive as well as before (and can wear shades too!!) and feel great about having it done. This is an amazing life changing experience for someone who has worn glasses for years and feels really restricted by them but it is a decision that has to be thought through as there are risks attached to the treatment but i would recommend optimax as a nice, but no frills service with good provision for patient care before and after treatment, which is really what we all want isn't it. By the way, if you happen to be a medical professional or NHS employee you may qualify for half price treatment as i did.
