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.
Paula Murphy
I had PRK Epiflap in both eyes on 25th Oct in Liverpool clinic. Found staff to be really helpful and friendly, but consultant was unhelpful and abrupt. I had to stop myself arguing with him! Still went ahead with treatment - I'd done lots of research and had already decided to have it done if I was suitable. I was really quite ill for a couple of days afterwards. Not in pain, but just assumed I'd been unfortunate enough to catch a bug, but learned that this is a very rare occurance after treatment. Still, after about 4/5 days I felt much better. Still find bright lights difficult (is that normal after a week?) and my right eye is a bit foggy. They tell me it's been much slower healing than the left. I can sit on my settee and watch tv (albeit with sunglasses on) and see it clearly which I could never do before. I should be ok to drive in a couple of days. Fog in right eye is a bit worrying tho. Is this normal does anyone know? It's not out of focus, just like looking though a slightly misty window. Glad to answer any questions.
Clare Roach
Received treatment on the 23rd of october for short sight and astigmatism. Feeling a little anxious about the blurred vision in the right eye. Can anyone with similar experience tell me am i getting worried a bit too soon.I have an aftercare appointment on the sixth of november but feel i need a bit of unbiast advice.
Kelly
I had LASIK both eyes on 17th October at Finchley Rd, performed by Dr Patel. My prescription was around -3.75 both eyes, and I had the choice of PRK and LASIK. After weighing up all I could find, and speaking to the consultant, I opted for LASIK, and I am thrilled. I took up the option of Valium, and highly recommend it - my brother was treated without it yesterday and found it quite disturbing to be so aware whereas I felt quite distanced from the whole procedure - definitely a bonus when someone is slicing through your cornea! My eyes were streaming for 4 hours after the treatment, however I had booked into a hotel nearby and was able to rest them almost immediately - another thing I would recommend, if you are forking out £1000, add the extra £70 for your own piece of mind - I felt comfortable being so near the clinic if anything went wrong. It was 3 days before I had any 'scares', and that was waking up with a deep purple bruise around my eye ball on the Sunday. This was my only complaint - I found the administration sloppy at times, in particular no out-of-hours contact number for panicking patients! However, I went back to clinic for reassurance on Monday and they saw me immediately, and again for my 7 day check-up two days later.
Paul
I had PRK-Epiflap on the 17th of this month. The process of booking was good and my appointment was on time when i arrived (not waiting for ages as some people have commented). Only one eye needed treating as i had one at -3.75 and one at -0.75. I did feel that the consultation was very rushed and the doctor could have gone into more detail. I had read some up to date articles about high does vitamins during recovery reducing risk of haze but he dismissed this without discussion. I still had it done though and it was quick and painless. I think i was lucky because i had very little pain and none of the discomfort described by the last couple of people. after 4 days i felt that my eye sight was probably no better than when i went in and was feeling a little depressed. I woke up on day 5 and hey presto things were clear. Since then it has just got better. Very little Halo, Very little night glare and good vision. I am really please with the result and for anyone having it done i would say be patient, you will get the result you want but you need to give it a little time.
Gaynor Thomas
Well had both eyes treated by PRK on the 16th (Wed) October, my appointment was at 2.45 and I was sitting at home by 4.30pm. Very painfull for the first night, with the painkillers not kicking in untill about 9pm, where I took the sleeping tablet and got to sleep. Same feeling as Leon, had to open them to let the tears out. The appointment to take out the bandage lenses very quick with the bloke who did this trying to get me to read the chart with tears runing down my face. I was L -4.75 and R -5.0 before and had my left eye over corrected to help save me from reading glasses later. My left eye has very sharp vision, but not quire as good in my right, it still feels I am waring a dirty contact lense, however I have driven to work today with no problem. I do hope my right eye improves, but then again my eyesight is about 90% as good as with my glasses, which is still fantastic. I would recomend this, beleive me the pain is only a few hours but as I said I have about 90% improvement which is great, if you would only be satisified with 100% think twice. My night vison is fine havng no problems with the slight hallos around the lights. I have my check up next Monday and I am really curious about my final prescription. If I have to have my right eye futher corrected I will do so no problem as I do have confidence in the treatment.
Gareth
Just booked PRK epiflap treatment for the 6th November 2002. Getting both eyes done. Starting to feel a bit apprehensive about the treatment now as it gets closer. Would be grateful to hear from anybody who could put my mind at rest! Please anybody!!! Look forward to your emails…
Dianna Macias
I had both eyes treated with PRK epiflap after initially booking to have LASIK treatment. After much reesearch on the internet and talking to ex patients I decided that PRK was the better option as there was less risk involved and no flap left afterwards. I cancelled my LASIK treatment and had the PRK on 1st October at Bristol with DR Macipe. I was -4 in both eyes before treatment and I have just been tested again and I am now +0.50 in each eye which I have been told would stabilse in the next 4 weeks. The treatment was completely painless and the gritty sensation went after 3 days. I am really happy with my treatment and would recommend the PRK if you have a low enough prescription.
Leon Provis
Received bi-lateral PRK Epiflap on 15/10/2002. My prescription was L -4.25, R -4.50. Found staff and Doctor to be professional and friendly. Treatment was painless. No bandage lenses offered or fitted. About 15 mins after treatment pain started and eyes closed. Extreme discomfort for 24 hours coupled with severe watering of eyes (having to pull them open to release pressure). Eventually opened eyes after 48 hours, quite light sensitive. Improvement in vision but still seems to be short sighted in both eyes. Now 3.5 days since treatment, no pain and still short sighted, hoping for improvement over next few days.
Angela Strachan
I had LASIK surgery on Tues 8th Oct 02 at Aberdeen. My surgeon was Dr Dan Reinstein. He was very professional and talked me through the whole procedure. I thought the surgery itself was a little uncomfortable but that was quickly forgotten when i woke up next morning and was able to "c" the other side of the room without reaching for my glasses! It's just a great feeling.
Martin Arnold
I am due to have LASIK treatment on both eyes at on Saturday 19th Oct 2002. I have been informed the surgeon is Mr Anupam Chatterjee, who performed the operations on Sat 12th just gone. Can anybody give me any reassurance about this new clinic? Also I can only find one message board reference to Mr Chatterjee on the Ultralase site and it did not fill me with confidence. Anybody help?
