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.
Dave
My eyes were settling in but my right eye is a bit blurry, My left was fine though until today. I woke up this morning 2 weeks after the operation and my left eye is very very blurry ! Its been perfect for the past 2 weeks. Now Im scared as hell ! What do I do ? Phone optimax or hope the blurriness goes away !!!
Toni
The best advice I can give you is to ring the clinic you attended for your treatment. This can happen. You may have rubbed your eye and not realised. Don't worry. If you have any problems get in touch
Julie
Had my first check up 2 weeks after appointment. One eye is 20/20, the other is 20/35 - about +1 .00 - maybe overcorrection but might settle in time - to be honest I don;t really notice it now although the first week it was quite uncomfortable. I think people need to be aware of psychological issue they may have afterwards. Although I had a good result I was quite depressed during the 2nd week in case I had made the wrong decision. I have slight ghosting on one eye, and halos at night - I was warned about the haloes - but it does depress you at first. At the moment I'm happy to be driving along in my new designer wrap around sunspecs and able to enjoy going out without glasses ruining my look.....long may it continue One point is that I didn;t see my original consultant at the aftercare appt and I would prefer to have had a consistent contact.....Optimax take note
Toni
Optimax don't offer aftercare appointments with doctors unless there is some sort of problem. The reason being that you have to pay for the doctors time. It is normal practice that an optometrist will see you for all of your aftercare appointments, unless of course it is an emergency!
jeff
I had LASIK surgery at the Edinburgh clinic on the 17th May. The operation went fine but on the first night I was in a bit of discomfort and didn't sleep much. Just had the first month check up and can see the bottom line on the chart with both eyes so happy with that ! I use artificial tear drops a couple of times a day and there's a slight halo around lights at night. Apart from that everything is fine. The clinic staff were friendly and helpful.
Eileen Kerr
Had my lasik surgery done on Saturday 21 June 2003 at Edinburgh with Mr Saboor. I was very nervous but now that it is all over I wonder why it took me so long to have it done. I had no discomfort did not need painkillers and was able to drive on Sunday afternoon. My near vision is not so focused and I have small halos at night but it is early days and hopefully that will improve. Will post my 1 week check results. If anyone is thinking about it, my advice is don't wait, do it
toni
I actually work for Optimax and would be happy to answer any queries you may have about your appointments, doctors, success rates etc. Feel free to email me with your questions!!
Diane
My first "proper" aftercare appointment - 4 weeks after having had my cornea re-lifted and smoothed back again (because of a crease). Eyesight almost 20/20 - could read 4 out of 5 letters on the bottom row, not easily, but focusing quite a bit. Having had trouble with the cornea creasing, and then blurred vision in that eye, on and off for 3 weeks after my op, i was getting quite anxious over my eyesight, and frustrated that things where not going as planned - hence my last rating for Optimax was not a good one. The blurring in my right eye now seems to have cleared (probably just needed to "catch - up" with the left one) and i am very happy with my eyesight and SO glad that i had the op. Today i saw Dr. Bhadu, who checked my eyes and was very pleasant and talkative (maybe he'd seen my last post!!!!) Also saw the optician who was very nice and also very informative with any questions i asked. In hindsight, maybe i was a little over - eager with the 2 stars which i gave Optimax in my last post - however, it WAS how i felt at the time... All in all, i am one of the few who seem to have had problems after the surgery. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend people to have the op. BUT do NOT expect miracles straight away - as i did - i was just unfortunate. And always INSIST on being checked again if you feel that there is something not quite right - if i hadn't, the "crease" may not have been spotted. For this reason, Optimax get 4 stars and not 5. Feel free to email me...
tony winter
too update you all on my treeatment,i had my consultatation on friday 6th june with DR Samuel at Leeds,i found out that after 20yrs wearing glasses i have astigmatismn,and some scaring of the cornea,the consultation was very clinical,if wary when you go in you are when the DRhas finished,everything is explained to you ,so that you understand,no rush.Ihad the treatment that day,rest of day in bed and saturday,most of sunday,pain started too ease on tuesday,eye sight is nothing short of a miricle,can a last see the alarm clock,thankyou DR Samuel.
Mandy
Well what can I say? Had my aftercare appointment 6weeks on from the actual treatment and I am sad to say I only have 10/20 vision in both eyes. I thought they were improving but I guess I have just got used to not have perfect vision. I am really disappointed at the surgery. I can only get half way down the chart and am borderline on whether I can drive or not, dusk may be a problem. The doctor who saw me gave me a thorough eye test and said I had to go back in 2 months time. He said that I could still improve but since my check up the day after the surgery I don't think I have improved at all so what chance do I have at improving 3 months on? I would be really happy to hear from anyone who has had or who is having the same experience as me as to whether they did improve after such a long period of time. I really don't want enhancement as it is opening up the healing wound. I don't regret having it done but am disappointed at my recovery time as you hear so many people have 20/20 vision so soon after the surgery. Any one had/having the same experience as me? Please contact me. Thanks all.
