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.
Mon
I had epi-lasek done on the 31st of March in Peterborough and although the operation went fine (so painful once it was over though!!) I still can't see an improvement in my eyesight and it's now the 7th of April (an earlier poster wanting to know if this was normal) I've been told by Optimax (mind you, NOT the doctor, only the optimax helpine team) that it taking this long IS NOT normal. I should have had my eyesight back by now and it should have been "perfect" had the operation worked so they're bascially telling me that it didn't. I'm gutted about the fact that I've spent a grand on something that obviously did me no good what so ever. I will know for sure once I go back next thursday for a checkup, but I'm not holding my breath. I even put on my glasses that I used to wear and I see absolutely perfect with them! Had the operation worked this wouldn't be the case as if my eyes were healing properly, they would get better and better everyday. I guess I just have to wait until next thursday, but it's not looking good for me so obviously all the hassle and the money WAS NOT WORTH IT. Hopefully other people will have better experience than me in the end and I hope the earlier posters sight does get better!!
Siobhan
I need some advice please, i dont know wether to have lasik or epi-lasek, what would anyone reccomend? I have very very sensitive eyes ayway, and dont think i could cope with the pain through epi? Anyone got any advice??
Taz
Has anyone had Wavefront & does it make a difference to night vision? My surgeon said I can choose it if I want. I dont know if I should just have Standard Lasik. Advice needed pls!!
Kelly
Has anyone had surgery with Optimax having bought it through e-bay? It appears that if they are having trouble filling their surgery slots their advertise on e-bay at a very reduced rate. Was just wondering if anyone has actually gone through with this and if they have any comments?
Kelly
Does anyone have any experiences to share of the Bristol clinic? I visited an open day and wasn't particularly impressed so any feedback from people who have actually been treated there would be much appreciated.
Jules
I am considering having treatment at the Manchester Branch of Optimax. Any feedback on the branch, surgeon/doctor, staff, the treatment you had and success/failure would be greatly appreciated.
katie
4 years ago I had a consultation at the Bristol Optimax clinic. I Unfortunately can’t remember the name of the consultant, but I ended up putting in a complaint as he was rude and rushed me. As I was trying to ask questions he stood up and walked backwards to the door. I commented that he seemed busy and he replied yes I have other patients to see. I put in a complaint to Optimax and their customer services were terrible – it took something like 6 months to receive a refund on my consultation fee. I didn’t go ahead with the treatment. I am however looking in to it again at different clinics. I have been advised to check out at least 3 places. I think it is important to feel comfortable with the consultant.
Sa
I am booked in for epi-LASEK at the Ipswich clinic with surgeon, T Materman. I can't find any information about this surgeon, including on Optimax's own website! I f any one has had surgery done by him or knows anything about him,I would be really grateful for some information. Thank you.
Katy
Hi, I have now canceled my surgery with Optical Express and have now taken the opportunity with Optimax for the price of £1590 Wavefront via Ebay. This is £900 cheaper!!! I have booked my consultation for early August and if found to be suitable I am able to have surgery the very next day! I am still very panicky, does anyone know or has had surgery with Optimax surgeon Dr André Oberholster, Leicester? Any information good or bad would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your helps ... and for the previous replies. Will keep you posted on any updates. Wish me luck and good luck to you!!!
jeanette Sharples
I have just flown to USA - I didn't bring any eye drops on the plane with me and not long into the flight noticed how dry my eyes were with the air on board. It took at least a week for my eyes to stop being blurred and to be able to drive. Just a word to the wise - pack some eye drops in your flight bag!
