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
Bi-lateral PRK surgery on 19th December 2001, at Optimax Manchester clinic. Thorough eye examination and consulation prior to surgery – the surgery was painless with only slight discomfort lasting three days – the sensation was like leaving contact lenses in for ‘too long’. My vision before the op was very poor, prescription of -2.5 in both eyes plus astigmatism. Returned to work 5 days after op with much improved long distance eyesight – but long sited and unable to read or use PC. At first aftercare appt I was told that this would improve in two weeks – it actually took five days before quite suddenly it got better and I was totally happy with result. Have now been for second aftercare appt – right eye now perfect (dominant eye) and left eye +0.5. Optimax say this long site in left eye should be gone for next appt in two months.
Would I reccomend Optimax? Absolutely without hesitation. I found this company to be professional and competant. Of course it does help that my operation was a complete sucsess…..
I cannot understand why other companies so strongly prefer LASIK to PRK. I was told by two other companies that PRK was no longer a recognised procedure – my own experiences suggest that PRK is very effective and certainly less ‘surgically intrusive’ than LASIK. If anybody reading this is considering surgery then I would suggest that PRK is given full consideration before a decision is reached.
Prime consultation excellent No rush; no hard sell.
I had bilateral LASIK on 11th Feb. I was seen nearly 3 hours late, due to several additional emergency procedures. (I don’t have a problem with this, and I’m pleased they didn’t “speed up” to reduce the wait!) Called in for prep at 16:25, then back in the waiting room with the eyeshields on at 16:55! Eyes light sensitive but clear vision. After 1 hour flaps / vision checked and all OK. I could have got home by tube and bus by myself, although my friend was handy, just in case. I was stunned at how well I could see on the tube station.
My original prescription was -5.5Left, -3.5Right, with some astigmatism. Next day it was +0.5Left, and -0.25Right. A week later it was virtually perfect.
I am absolutely delighted with the treatment and aftercare, and considering it was done on a “special offer” of £999 for both eyes, it was unbelievable value for money. After 40 years of wearing glasses, this has changed my life considerably.
I had my treatment on 31.1.02.
The consultant was Dr Boezaart who explained the treatment thoroughly. I was very nervous but he was so reasurring he really put my mind at rest.
I was shortsighted with a 3.75 right eye and 4.25 left – with a high astigmatism.
I went for my second checkup on 12.2.02 to be told that I am one line off from 20/20 vision but when I go back for my 3 week checkup I should then have 20/20 vision (as I am slightly longsighted at the moment but apparently that will correct itself) but considering my prescription this is better than I ever expected.
I still can’t believe I do not have to wear contacts or glasses any longer, it is a wonderful experience and is definitely worth every penny.
Had my right eye done on 10th December and all seemed to go OK. Surgeon was running late because of traffic but wasn’t a problem because I was in the middle of an excellent book!
Went home and pain kicked in whilst in Tesco’s getting some lunch. Very embaressing having to stand outside with both eyes shut whilst husband got sandwiches – sure people thought I was a wierdo!! Slept for couple of days but was able to see with the done eye earlier than the previous eye. My mum took me to the supermarket on day 3 and was fine wearing sunglasses – again looked like a wierdo, but never mind!!!
Vision in new eye seemed slightly hazy which was strange because other eye was almost perfect straight away. Wasn’t too concerned because different eyes heal differently, and also had some brusising and swelling.
Had check up on 21st December and read the reference number of the eye chart instead of the last line of letters so obviously OK with distance vision! I am apparently slightly long sighted but that will settle down in due course. My previously done eye is excellent – slight astigmastism, but nothing to worry about.
Got my next check up booked for 31st January – previous eye seems perfect but newer eye sometimes gets a bit blurry but I don’t not notice it unless I cover the older eye up. I think it’s more to do with my eye getting tired at the end of the day after working on PC all day than anything else.
Best part of having my eyes done was going to my optition and handing over my old glasses and sunglasses for him to send to developing countries – someone somewhere will be getting a decent pair of Calvin Klein glasses!!! And of course, the fact that when it rains I can still see!!!!!
Best thing I ever did!! Anyway, I’ll post the results of the check up in due course.