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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.
Our Testimonials
I had PFK treatment to my Right Eye last Wednesday 24th April at Croydon. I can only say everything was wonderful. Appointments were on time. The Consultant and Nurse were fantastic especially as I was very nervous. No pressure was put on me at all by the staff and I felt very much that it was my decision and they did not want to rush me. I cant wait to have the left eye done so I can finally be without glasses. I could not have received better or more proffessional treatment if I had paid triple the amount. I will post a follow up when I have had my left eye treatment and I would advise anyone to go to this clinic.
I had bi lateral LASIK treatment on 11 April performed by Dr Manek Patel. Previously -8.25 in my left eye and -7.75 in my right eye I was warned that I may still need glasses for driving, but within 24 hours my eye sight was already at legal driving standard and can only get better over next month. No pain and very quick recovery. Only criticism of Optimax was the wait before surgery – appt at 2pm but I was not treated until 4pm and no one told us what was going on. Having said that now that I have been treated the wait was definitely worth it. Fantastic result and I would recommend this treatment to anyone.
I arrived at Birmingham in plenty of time for treatment and was very nervous, my Dr was Dr David Infield who answered all my questions and tried to put me at ease! I decided to have the one eye done with prk epi-flap rather than both because of the family, and on the advice of Dr David Infield. I am pleased I did, the pain kicked in as the drops wore off nearing home approx 2 hrs later. The next 2 days I couldn’t open my eyes either one. Counting down minutes (you cannot do anything else!) for the next pain killer. I have never been so bored or depressed for those 2 days in my life before! Thurs aft 3 days later eye opened with help! Very runny and not able to see anything but the other eye although still short sighted kicked in. I kept some saline and cotton wool available for the eye which bought relief occasionally. I found both eyes appeared rather itchy whilst using the drops, this has stopped now I have finished treatment. I am now on day 12 and for the past 3-4 days I have perfect sight in my left eye, I am back at the Gym and also back at work although on limited hours, my eye does get dry and sore when working with IT in a air conditioned atmosphere with false lighting. But the good news is I am going back to Birmingham on Tuesday 3 days time for my follow up on the eye and I am opting to have the other eye done with Dr David Infield but this time I will be prepared for the procedure. I have some talking books and lots of friends to visit after day 2!
Will update later in the month on the outcome.
I did have a prescription of -3.25 & -4.50 with astigmatism in both eyes and I now have eyesight that doesn’t need correcting for driving.
I went to Optimax in Finchley and saw Dr Patel and had bi-lateral LASIK on 3/4/02. The added bonus of LASIK is that your eye heals a lot faster and you don’t have as much pain. Friends who have had PRK have taken sleeping tablets for the first couple of days!
The worst bit was where they were putting the suckers on to my eye, this hold’s it in place while they cut the eye. But other than that it wasn’t too bad. It took about 15-20 mins for both eyes and then I had to wait in the waiting room with these wonderful clear plastic lenses over my eyes before the doctor checked that they were okay. They were both stinging like mad for the first couple of hours and I spent the 45 minute journey back to my friends house with my eyes closed. By about 3pm (I had it done at 10.30) they felt fine and it was just a bit hazy (as if my glasses were really mucky!). I had to use three lots of eye drops (every 2 hours, 20 minutes apart), one of which is artificial tears to keep the eyes moist. I now have to start weaning the drops off over the next few months. One I take 6 times a day for 4 days, then 5 times a day for 4 days etc!
I went back for a check on 4/4/02 and the doctor said the hazyness is due to swollen cornea’s and that will go down over the next couple of weeks. I spent all day yesterday desperate to rub my eyes – bad move when you have had a flap cut into your eyes! I also have large red splotches on my eye-balls due to the suckers but they will also go down ovr the next few weeks.
I’m really glad I have had it done though and I think DH will have it done now!
Had bi-lateral PRK on 25/3/02. Five days on and my eyesight is improving daily. Long distance is now excellent and reading close up is no problem but only for short bursts. My surgeon was Dr Ayoubi and he was absolutely supberb. He explained the procedure in detail before surgery and during surgery he talked me through each step as it happened. I am due back at Optimax in just over a weeks time for my first check-up and I am looking forward to finding out my new sight prescription. I am delighted with how things are progressing and very pleased that I chose Optimax and had Dr Ayoubi as my surgeon.