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.
Siobhan Hill
I has lasik surgery on 29th March 02 at the Edinburgh clinic with Dr Pillai performing the surgery. Pre op checks went fine and the clinic was running smoothly - albeit a little late. As I have small eyes, there was some discomfort in applying the eye clamps and a definite pressure when the incision was made. I'm told that if my eyes had been bigger there would have been no problems, but it was over relatively quickly. The surgery itself was very quick, the smell wasn't as bad as I had imagined - rather like singed hair! I was able to see blurrily right after the surgery - and was shocked by how much difference loosing the astigmatism caused! My original prescription was -5.75 in both eyes, plus a fairly large astigmatism. I'm not sure what it rests at now, but will know more at the 1 week check up this Friday. I do know that my eyes are driving standard (3rd line up on chart) which has pleased me no end. I found my eyes healed quickly - despite large amounts of discomfort following the op and the next day. Three days later I'm back at work and using the computer. Near sight vision is not as crisp as I'd expected, but that may alter in the coming week and it is a huge relief to be only using the prescribed drops as my eyes do not feel particularly dry or irritated (no more so than with contact lenses). On the whole, I'm thrilled with the results - although remaining cautious until my next check up. To wake up each day and not reach for my glasses is a real miracle as far as I'm concerned! More updates following appointment this Friday(4th April)
Bindy
Decision! I have decided to go for Lasek! I have booked a consultation and if all is ok I shall have the surgery same day (Sat 12 April). My initial thought were leaning towards Lasik but after receiving emails from several others and also looking into the risks and procedures I have decided that with my prescription Lasek is best for me. I shall let you know how I get on (fingers crossed!) And just to add, thanks for all who took the time to write to me, feedback from REAL people makes all the difference!
Craig Ross
Bindy, You need to do a lot more research. The results are thirty days are the same for both procedures, and there are some horrendous complications possible for LASIK. You also have the long-term worries about ectasia and having the flap pulled of your eye in a trauma.
Jeremy Mace
One week after lasik my eye sight is +1 and + 0.25. I have been assured that this will settle down within 3-4 weeks, but in the meanwhile focussing is difficult. Has anyone else had the same experience?
Sue
Bindy I was advised to have LASEK as opposed to LASIK, I found the whole process relatively pain free, yes I had weepy eyes the first few days and strong light wasn't nice the first few days but after having it done on the Monday and the Saturday I was out and about and feeling fine. I know that everyone's recovery time will be different but I would advise you to research both methods. If you need any more information please contact me
Karen Solley
I had lasek (epiflap) in both eyes at the Optimax Glasgow Clinic on 8th March 03 very painless only 47 seconds each eye, when I got outside to go back to the car my eyes and nose were streaming as if I had just caught a cold, took the 2 sleeping tablets on the saturday night and 2 painkillers and slept great, was fine on the sunday just kept taking the painkillers, on the sunday afternoon I took the patches off my eyes and put the ointment on could still not open my eyes, but by the monday morning I could open them up a little, but I did not need any painkillers on the monday, on the tuesday I could open them fully but the lids were a little swollen, wednesday the swelling went down and I was sitting watching the TV very clearly, it is now 17 days since I had my eyes done and I can see really clearly, I am going back for my aftercare appointment tomorrow and I will find out what my prescription is. I am really happy with my treatment and it was worth every penny I would recommend Optimax at Glasgow as very good I wish I had'nt waited so long before getting them done I had been thinking about it for 3 years. my prescription was -2.00 in both eyes maybe this is why I have great results in such a short time. If anyone would like to e-mail me if they are thinking about having their eyes done I would be happy to reply
Rachel Carter
It is now 4 weeks since I had my surgery at the clinic in Manchester, and I must say my vision is fantastic. Although the results were not immediate for myself and I did suffer a reaction to the drops, it was definately worth it. I would recommend this treatment to anyone who is fed up of wearing glasses, but be patient your vision improves every day. The staff at Manchester have been very helpful and have been on hand to help with any questions that I have had since the surgery. Definately money well spent.
Elaine
It is 3 weeks today (25th Feb) since I had Lasik both eyes at Finchley Road. Initially, my right eye was not as clear as my left but over the past few days I have noticed that my vision in the right eye is now much clearer and both eyes now seem very similar. I am trying to avoid wearing the reading glasses but as I work on a pc the majority of the day I do have to succumb at times. Lighting makes a lot of difference and also what paper print is on so I don't worry about it anymore. I haven't returned to my pilates classes as yet, as I find that bending and quick movement of my head makes my eyes blur and get weird specks in my eyes so following doctor's orders and leaving it for another couple of weeks. Can't wait to get back to swimming though - roll on next week. My next check up is 3rd April so will see how my prescription is then.
David Waters
Re: Helen (sorry!) It wasn't a young lady that advised you about not going to the gym was it? I was told exactly the same thing, but was bemused by it. Double checked on it and was told that piece of advice was load of rubbish (even by another Optimax optician!)
Sue Acock
I had LASEK treatment last Monday at the clinic in Birmingham, everything went well and after only one week my eyesight has improved dramatically, my right eye is weaker than the left but as the Optician told me not to rush things and give it a month I am not worried. The only advice I would give to any one having surgery is to write down all the questions that they want to ask and raise these at the consultation (my consultation lasted over an hour). I felt I knew all the plus's and minus's when I left. After the treatment just take it easy for as long as possible, I spent the second day in bed listening to the radio, resting my eyes. If anyone wants anymore information please email me. I go for my check-up on Monday 24 March - I will update you all then
