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
Victoria Tombs
I have read through the comments various people have posted on this site. I was contacted by Optimax at the weekend advising me of their special offer at the Croydon branch of £995 for LASIK (both eyes). I am trying to confirm that the decision to go with LASIK rather than PRK will be a good one. I am short sighted with astigmatism in both eyes -5.25 in left and -4.5 in right. I need to return to work within 3 days of having surgery, so have ruled out PRK on this basis. LASIK sounds alarming with the flap that never heals and the procedure hasn't been carried out for as many years as PRK. I am scheduled to have the consultation on 21st September and the surgery on 4th October. So far Optimax have been very friendly and helpful. I would really welcome some advice from people who have had both treatment types.
aliya ali
Hello. why is it that optimax can charge so much less than other clinics ? also, would most of those who've had LASIK say it's best to go to more than 1 clinic for consultation before deciding which to go with ? is it true then that the flap that is cut never heals ? and finally, i hear people say there have been horror stories of surgery gone wrong but what exactly is the worst case scenario ? please reply, i really want the surgery as i've worn glasses since 4 yrs old now 31 and am v short sighted with astigmatism in left eye. thank you. this is a very useful web site.
John Ennals
After many hours of research on the internet, I have taken the plunge and booked to have bilateral PRK Epiflap (LASEK) treatment by Dr Ayoubi at the Finchley Road Clinic, London, on 26 September. I have decided on PRK because I have a comparatively mild prescription of -1.5 for both eyes and the treatment is more established and less invasive than LASIK. Why Optimax? Firstly I must emphasise that it was not because they are comparatively cheaper than other clinics (although this is a bonus). I felt that they were very open and honest about both the negative and positive aspects of both procedures. I thought it was very much a big plus for them that they recommended the cheaper treatment for my prescription, rather than try to sell the more expensive option. When looking at other clinics, it did disturb me that the PRK Epiflap treatment was either dismissed as outdated or not even mentioned at all. I will report back with further comments after I have had the treatment.
Tony Henry
Hi Phil, I have just read your comments on this site and just wanted to say that I was -8 in both eyes with around a -3 astigmatism giving a whopping -11 combined refractive error. I had LASIK treatment 2 days ago at Accuvision. They have some equipment called a Wavefront Analyser (only equipment of its type in the country apparently) that they say has helped people like you in the past, it may be worth giving them a call.
Phil Totten
This site is certainly working. The response I've had through all my problems has been terrific. I've even been contacted by the Health Editor for the newspaper Scotland on Sunday to participate in an article. So keep it up as it is being read!!
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?
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…
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.
Lisa Burn
I have booked an appointment to have the PRK treatment in both eyes on 11th December. My current prescription is -3.25 and -3.00. Please could I have ALL experiences with this treatment emailed to me and any comments regarding PRK V's LASIK? Also, what is the difference between PRK and LASIK ? Thanks
Julia
due to have surgery on sat 7 Dec at Leeds. Scared to death at minute. Prescription is only -1.5 and -2. Any one been to Leeds is surgery worth hassle. Also got very sensitive eyes already cant drive in bright sun etc will this get worse? Look forward to any comments,
