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.
Diane
Had my first weekly check - up today. Have to go back and have the "flap" smoothed back down on one of my eyes... Has anyone else had this done????
Steve Wood
I am having Lasik treatment on the 19th May 2003, Dr Patel will be carrying out the procedure. My eyes are current -3.50. I would appreciate any view on Dr Patel, and any on the day/aftercare advice
Mike Mulheran
I have not gone ahead as yet with Laser eye surgery but have visited the Optimax clinic twice in Manchester and found that they treated me very professionally and spent over 90 minutes with me discussing why I should not consider eye surgery at the time of my visit. I would also like to say that this site is very good and that that anyone considering laser surgery on the eye should visit first. Would it be possible to provide more detailed information in the future on success rates of clinics and the specific problems arising from surgery? I was unaware that surgery could be performed by anyone with a medical qualification. I do not think this should be permitted as the eye is such a delicate organ. Again thanks to all those who put this site together. Mike Mulheran
Lee Roden
Had lasek treatment at optimax in birmingham on the 28th of april.What can i say apart from the fact that i am very happy with the results.I found the procedure very easy and was keept informed of what was going on at all times.Had intial pain on the night,woke up the next morning really unable to open my eyes,the same the following day.On the forth day i went back to optimax to have the bandage contacts removed,as soon as these were removed all the discomfort seemed to disappear.It has now been nearly two weeks since i had it done and my right eye which had more laser applied to it has now caught up with my left.Early indications seem to be that my eyesite is now better than 20/20 6/6.I have had no side effects of yet,no night glare or ghosting etc.I will post again after i have been to my aftercare apointment.
Nikoo McKenzie
I had an appointment for Saturday 3rd May 2003 in the Finchley branch. I had an emergency on that day and could not make my appointment. I called the call center in order to reschedule and was told I had to pay another £30 booking fee as they require 5 days notice for any rescheduling. I am extremely disappointed as (a) I was never told this in any of the correspondence from Optimax, (b) If notice period required, most places want 24 hours notice, (c) I wasn't canceling completely and wanted to reschedule. This has left a very bad taste as I have been to other eye clinics and had much better customer service. The basic message I got was that they are only interested on the money side and not the patient. I noticed in the Daily Express (Tues 6th May) that they were advertising appointments for free but somehow I doubt I will reschedule. There are other clinics out there that put more value on the customer.
Deborah bhermi
I am having my lasik surgery ont he 13/5/03 with Dr John Hill at the Birmingham clinic. Has anyone come across this surgeon before, or know anything about him ? Thanks
Diane
I went to Ultralase for a consultation, the consultant friendly and answered all my Q.'s. HOWEVER, the prescription i got from Ultralase conflicted with the one i had got a week previously from another lasik consultant. I asked to be "tested" again by the other consultant - their prescription was the same as the first time. At my request, lenses were put in the test glassess (whatever they're called) from Ultralases prescription - things were blurry! I can only put this down to the fact that as i have large pupils, Ultralase didn;t put in any dilating drops - the other laser surgeon did - both times. By looking at the comments for Ultralase on this website, i must say, i am in the minority of negatives. I had my treatment done by the other abovementioned surgeon - i now have 20/20 vision, although it is still early days. Anyone with large pupils, - i suggest that you ASK for your pupils to be dilated, even if you are told that they don't need it. Feel free to email me...
Diane
I've had a consultation with Dr Bhadu in Liverpool, and am actually thinking of "biting the bullet" and phoning on Tues. to see if they can fit me in that day. I'll be having lasik. I'd like to know how soon i can walk my dog again!!!! Seriously, my treatment will be for shortsightedness, and i have large pupils, so i need something doing for this (forgot the name of it) Any emails at all will be helpful re. pain or lack of/ during and after treatment/vision blurring - ANYTHING - please put my mind at rest, or i might chicken out!!!
Craig Ross
Bindy - some surgeons think that UV exposure causes haze in refractive surgery patients. One of the surgeons on the asklasikdocs bulletin board saw haze develop in a patient after a weekend fishing off a boat - lots of glare. A Scandinavian doctor noticed no haze at all during the dull winter months, but a stark increase as soon as summer came around. To cut to the chase, you might want to wear good wrap-around shades in Australia.
Bindy
Had Lasek procedure done on both eyes on 11th April at Bristol Clinic. I was very light sensitive for first few days and its did hurt. Its was boring being stuck in my room all day in the dark but a few days later.............. Fantastic! no glasses no fiddling with lenses and worrying about keeping them in too long. it was money well spent - my 2 week check showed right eye perfect, left eye .75, but this will still correct itself. I don't notice its at all! back again in another 3 weeks. I'm off to Australia in the summer and its great to know I will be able to scuba in Great Barrier reef without having to worry - well apart from the sharks anyway! if you have any questions id be only to happy to help. Bindy x
