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.
Lindsay
In response to the migraine query, I suffer from focal aura migraines and have had lasik surgery (about 1 month ago now) with no ill effects. I have taken sumitriptan before although I have never found it to be too effective. At no point was I asked about migraines, although I was asked about medication. As I take the sumitriptan quite imfequesntly I didn't mention it. I think that might have been fool hardy. I think this is one of the situations where if you're thinking about getting surgery, you should go for the consult and ask the doctor.
Sue Richardson
I'm due to have my consultation and surgery, if my eyes are suitable, on Thurs 31 May at the Leicester Clinic. Has anyone had treatment there?
Lucy
I too had my surgery at Bristol on Friday 13th April and went for my check up yesterday. I was -8 in both eyes pre op so effectively I was blind however yesterday I was told I now have 20/20 vision whch was great to hear. I had trouble with my left eye not healing as fast as my right but after 3 weeks everything was fine. To be told I had 20/20 was the icing on the cake! I would recommend this to anyone but remind them they will need to be patient with regards to the results.
DLW
Has anyone had their surgery at the Manchester clinic and can you recommend the surgeons there?
Mrs Grimshaw
Just an update, three weeks on and i still have no clear vision, my surgeon has been very positive but its really hard, driving, reading, working it affecting all those things, hes asked me to leave it a couple of months to see if it settles, so my summer holidays will be a blur, if no better he will reverse the process, but by laser, not a happy bunny at present.
Jo Larkins
Had Lasik with intralase & wavefront on 4th of July at Croydon Optimax. Perscription -4.25 &-4.75. Painless experience but I have developed inflammation under the flaps which I was not warned about because it is apparently rare with my mediocre perscription. Pretty blurry and driving difficult with some achyness & soreness apparently due to eye strain. Has anyone else experienced this, as im told it is temporary. Any info greatly received!
Tina
I am going to be having Lasik surgery in August at the Finchley Road Optimax. Has anyone had surgery here? Also I know I'll be seeing Dr Patel, what is he like?
Steve Leonard
On spec, I made an appointment with Optical Express Shaftesbury Ave to see if I could get eye surgery done. On the day, I phoned to say I was running a little late. I was told they had no record of my appointment. After making another appointment later that day, I was tested, and yes I could have it done but it would have to be Wavefront Lasik with femtosecond for £3200. At the time I said ok and filled in the credit forms. Top tip for you optical express - don't have your salespeople (as you don't do the intial tests with surgeons) gloat about having booked such an expensive op in front of the customer! 3 of them were loudly boasting about it as one of them was quite knew to the job (shown by his making of mistakes with the equipment). Is this the sort of place to trust your vision? I phoned the next day to cancel and once they stopped hanging up the phone when they tried to transfer me, and managed how to spell that rare name "Stephen" told me it was cancelled. They did try to lie and say they were the cheapest - they are not: I went to Optimax and had I had the same procedure would haved saved hundreds anyway. The surgeon at Optimax said there was no need for wavefront too, saving more money. Total at Optimax: £2090. OPtical Express are just a bunch of car salespeople - don't trust them
liz
what is involved with the initial consultation - anything horrid or worse than a normal eye test???
julie
I am thinking of having Lasik surgery at Peterborough Optimax with Dr Carp. Has any been treated by him? How did you find clinic? many thanks Julie
