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.
Nicky
Hi, I am considering having the lasik procedure, but my prescription is -8 in both eyes. Has anybody had it done with that level of short sightedness? If so what level of vision could I expect to have? thanks Nicky
mandy
Hi... Can anybody give me any information about having a slight inflamation the day after having lasik wavefront eye surgery and wether it is likely to give problems eg affect your vision
Mike
Hi - I'm having lasik on Thursday and am currentlt 50% excited, 50% nervous. Does anybody have any tips/recommendations? I'm booked in with Professor Venter in Finchley Thanks
Mike
Hi All I had Lasik on 2/3 with Professor Venter and so far VERY good! I'm delighted with the results. If anybody would like more information then feel free to email me at the email address attached to this posting. Cheers Mike
Helen
Had epi-lasek with wavefront at the Bristol clinic on 2/3/06 (8 days ago). Presently not very happy with result as just about able to see TV and definately not up to driving standard and have to return to work next week. Most people here seem to have had good results after a week, am I likely to improve overtime, also my sight appears to deteriorate during the day (best when i wake up). Is this usual. Any comments greatly appreciated as ery dishearted at the moment. Thanks. Will update later
Andy B
I've been for my consultation at Finchley Optimax and they have suggested I go for a new procedure called femtosecond Lasik in addition to Wavefront. I've done a lot of research on the net about laser surgery and feel comfortable with it all, however the guy doing my consultation said that i had large pupils (7.8mm). The one thing I'm worried about is getting the 'optical zone' cut wide enough to correct my sight in low-light conditions, i.e when your pupils dilate. I wear gas permeable contact lenses at the moment and get halo's at night because of the width of the lenses being smaller than my dilated pupils. One of the main reasons for having laser surgery is to get rid of these halos, bit i need to make sure that laser surgery can correct this effect for someone with such wide pupils. Has anyone had any experience of wavefront/lasik or this new femtosecond lasik with larger than average sized pupils? Also, can you recommend a surgeon at Finchley? I'd probably feel a lot more re-assured with someone that's been tried and tested by the great british public! cheers Andy
Jan
I am booked in with Optimax Bristol for Lasik and Wavefront on the 12 April 06. I have astigmatism in both eyes, and having been to my opticians today for a field test on my eyes (as Glaucoma is in my family), I am having doubts whether or not to go ahead with the treatment. If anyone who has treatment who had quite severe astigmatism in both eyes has any comments they would be much appreciated. Thanks
Helen
Have just had my 1st aftercare appointment 19 days post epi lasek. Am -1.00 in both eyes & the surgeon is talking about repeating the procedure. This still seems like early days to me has anyone else had any similar experiences? I thought my eyes were just slowly healing but very disappointed by todays assessment.
claire
I am considering having corneal implants as helpline does not think that laser treatment will correct my R -5.25 L -4.75 with astig. Has anyone else had this done or been given this advice? would be going to finchley branch for treatment and would love some feedback. Only really considering process for driving as number plates still blurry even though optician says i can see!
Tracy Brennan
Have just had a consultation at Liverpool and it was very thorough. I am -9.00 in both eyes, so very short sighted. Because I have that prescription I was told that I can have Epi-Lasek. This is normally only up to -6.00. But for my prescription it would be recommended to avoid doing a flap as my corneas could become too thin. However I could be left with a haze, has anyone expreienced this? I am also able to have a new form of Lasik called Intra Lase, where the laser cuts the flap so keeping it as thin as possible. However this is much more expensive, £300 per eye on top of normal Lasik charges. It does benefit from quick recovery though, but I would be left with a possible -0.75 prescription. This doesn't really bother me after being -9 and I would only need glasses to drive. I think my biggest concerns are the longer recovery time with Epi-Lasek and the chance of haze. Can haze be treated and would it stop me driving? Anyone with any advice or experience please let me know.
