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.
Steve
To Mark, If you call Optimax on the Number at the top and tell them you have seen it on E-bay, Thats all you need to do, The cost is very much better on there, Epi Lasek for £395 per eye (-1 to -5 ) and Lasik £1185.
CHARLOTTE
I'm due to have treatment with Dr Materman in bristol, any experiences of this doctor???
danny
I am considering having Lasik femto wavefront treatment at the Leeds Branch of Optimax with Malcolm Samuel. Any feedback on the branch, surgeon/doctor, staff, the treatment you had and success/failure would be greatly appreciated.
Lindsay
Hi, I am booked in the Bristol office with Dr Hill (who I think may have come from the Birmingham Optimax). Has anyone had any experience of this Surgeon?
Emma
I am booked in to hopefully have epi-lasek at Ipswich on wednesday. Has anyone been there, and after reading this site I'm a little aprehensive. So do you think it's a good idea?
lindsay
I was considering getting bi-lateral lasik (possibly with Femtosecond) at the Glasgow Optimax clinic. Does anyone have any experience of this clinic?
Sian
I had a consultation at Finchley Rd, London this weekend and was told to re-do a test AFTER my eyes had been numbed and dilated. I'm worried this may have affected my results and could possible do harm when I have my actual treatment done this coming Friday. The test I re-did was the one where you looked at a balloon and then red circles flashed in both eyes. Does anyone know if this is normal (to have a test done after your eyes are numbed & dilated) or if it could have had an adverse effect on the results?
Stephanie Munno
Going in for surgery on Friday 16th March 2007 with Dr Patel at the London Branch of Optimax. Anyone have any comments to make. Getting really nervous now. Stephanie Munno
Claire
Been for a consultation today in Manchester with Dr Hynes. Originally went in wanting lasik wavefront but advised that wavefront was not necessary. I am due to be zapped next week (Lasik). Consultation with Dr Hynes went really well and have every faith in him. Will keep you posted.
Alex
I asked for a brochure on-line and I had it within two days (positive point). It stated that you have to pay for the consultancy (£60.00), but it is done with a surgeon so I though it was worth having it (positive point). Then I received am email offering me 1/2 price for consultation and up to £310 for lasik if I booked consultation before the end of the month. I though that it was really commercial but I went ahead and booked an appointment (mitigated opinion) I live in Edinburgh, so the nearest clinic in Glasgow. Also, I can have free check-up at the Glasgow clinic or go to an independent optometrist in Edinburgh who will charge me around £20.00.Quite a bit annoying... (Bad point) Then the worse: There are those annoying people who phone you nearly ounce every two days the week before the consultation to check if you are coming. Scary: in their terms and conditions, you can get operated the same day of your consultancy, if you wait an hour between consultancy-surgery!! From my point of view, this is NOT acceptable. The clinic in Glasgow is really odd. The staff is hardly polite, prefering finishing private conversation before taking care of you. I wait 45 min before they realise that I was overdue for my appointment. Having paid £30.00, you should expect the surgeon to be polite and pay attention to you; but this one was more pre-occupied about going out for lunch. Conclusion: even if £500 cheaper than the other, I will not go for them.
