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
Julia Dawkins
lens replacement went well. Following that I needed remediation treatment on one eye – lazer treatment. I was asked back a total of 8 times to review my eyes but was not explained anything about what or why I should have dry eyes. treat ment for that was hardly explained and I returned many ties without any further treatment scheduled, nor with any explanation of how they would proceed. after a year almost to the day I was given lazer remediation treatment. On the day all the proper tests were carried out before the treatment. However I overheard that my data had crashed to computer which instructed the lazer what to do. Finally after 3 and a half hours someone came to me and said they had solved their”little ” problem and work would now commence. I was really scared by the time I sat in the chair for my eye to be lazered (!) and had to say to the doctor that I just had to trust his expertise that he would not proceed if anything was wrong.
Terrible after care service and lack of information. I wrote complaining to them on March1st (I think) and still have had only an acknowledgement, but no reply to my complaiint. Outrageous! Would not reccommend to anyone.
tony winter
just been back too Leeds optimax for ten week check after having bi-lateral lasek treament,optician said i was 20/20 both eyes,and eyes completely healed and A1 in health have to go back in three months to be discharged by doctor hopefully.
Katherine O’Niel
Any comments on the Optimax Croydon clinic? There doesn't seem to be much mention about treatments at the Croydon clinic.
michael
I've decided to have LASEK at Birmingham branch. They are offering me a 2 for 1 deal but nobody I know wants it doing. So if you've done your reseach and are fully commited to the idea please contact me asap so we can both save some cash.
Richard Jones
I am currently considering lasek surgery in September 2003 at the Manchester Optimax clinic. There is currently a 2 for 1 offer shown on their website. If anyone is waiting for/ considering lasek treatment and is wanting to save some money, then mail me and check out the site below. http://www.optimax.co.uk/standard/2for1offer.html
Aliya
could anyone tell me if they've had the lens implant surgery at Optimax Finchley Rd and how it has been? is it a good alternative to lasik?
Ali
I had my eyes treated two weeks ago in Aberdeen and its fantastic!!!! I can now see without my glasses or contacts and I wish I'd done it earlier. My vision is now 6/5 in both eyes and I'm THRILLED!!! The staff at the clinic were very helpful and friendly - especially when I was nervous just having my consultation!!!!! And on the day the girls were fantastic -- I nearly chickened out and they calmed me down fantastically. I'm now on a mission to tell everyone about my success - just need to pursuade my hubby to get it done now!!
clare whitehead
I had LASEK on !2th April 2003 at Finchley Rd clinic. A "saturday guy" performed my painless treatment and I could see the results immediatly! To be succinct my right eye healed perfectly within 2 days...my left one took more like 2 months. I truly panicked at the blur, haze, double vision, and lack of ability to read even the top line of the chart, without my dominant right eye to help out. I had a topography at 10 days post op at which the optician said "your cornea is badly distorted" and ran for the doctor! I'd developed hyperplasia (extra scar tissue) and was assured it would heal in about 6 weeks. IT DID! 4 months post op I have BETTER than 20/20 vision, with only a little starbursting at night, not too distracting. My previously dim night vision has become far better! ( I understand that this is unusual). My one piece of advice would be to ask to see the same optician each time (Barry comes highly recommended; he is wonderful and very honest.) I do feel that the literature prepares us to expect an almost instant result and I panicked unnecessarily when this was not the case. To anyone out there...please give it time and good luck!
Mike
I had PRK LASEK surgery performed by Dr Islam at Finchley Road clinic in early May 2003. I went for my three month aftercare appointment yesterday and was told that I had developed significant corneal haze. I have an appointment this Saturday with Dr Islam to discuss my options. Having researched on the web I've found a lot of material suggesting that corneal haze is not uncommon and usually clears up after 6-12 months, so I'm hopeful of a good outcome in the long term. The main effect of the haze seems to be that I still have quite pronounced ghosting 3 months after surgery. It's not a major problem but it does cause some difficulty when driving at night. I'll add another update after my discussion with Dr Islam detailing what course of action she advises.
Kate
Had Lasik in November 2002, Finchley Road with Dr Patel- and haven't looked back since! Best thing I ever did. Was approx -8.5 in both eyes and am 0 in left eye and about -0.5 in right eye which is better than I had of hoped for. The only downside is the waiting- you'll never get seen on time (apart from my actual op which was early!!!) for aftercare appts, and a couple of the opticians were a bit moody and not very helpful. Dr Patel was very informative- I had a long list of questions when I first saw him, and a few more on the day of the op- he answered all of them truthfully without using too much medical jargon either. Still paying my dad back (slowly)- but definately well worth it.
Steve
I had both my eyes done at Optimax, Finchley road, a month ago, Dr Patel. I was very nervous and came out of the theatre in mild shock I think, white as a sheet and shaking, but I can honestly say I felt no pain, I could see what was going on, hear Dr Patel talking and feel pressure of course, but no pain. One month one, slight infection in left eye, now cleared up and vision very good, 20/20 in right eye, was -5 and in left, not as good, was -6 but very good nonetheless. Think hard before you part with your cash but I'd recommend it.
