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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
4th April 2007 Had Epi-Lasek surgery on Saturday 31st March at the Reading Optimax clinic with Dr Ayoubi who was great. It is Day 4 and I have had the bandage lenses out today. I don't know if I am being impatient but I was hoping for much sharper vision by now. I am walking around in a blur – will it get any better? Is there anyone out there who has had the same treatment this week?
Just an update 1 week on. I am now -0.50 in both eyes with zero astigmatism. Long distance still not really sharp but i can see well enough to drive during the day. The lights are a bit of a problem at night at the moment. Overall i am pleased, i just hope my vision continues to improve that tiny little bit so i can experience perfect vision.
Sorry
Dr was Dr Materman and not Materton as detailed in my report.
As an update 3 days on and apart from a bit of 'haloing' at night – which should evidently calm down – no probs.
Still can't stop smiling and telling everyone about it!
Surgery date 14/02/07.prescription -2.50 both eyes with asigmatism. Treatment: Lasik with femtosecond at Birmingham.
I have been considering treatment for a couple of years. The crunch came when I dropped my brand new £100+ glasses on the floor and they chipped – I booked the treatment the next day! I got a negotiated teacher's discount of 30%.
On the day both the surgeon (Dr Qazi)and optician were both very patient as they talked me through the treatment. It was useful to have my husband be allowed to come into the consultant room as I was too nervous to take all of the information in myself! The girls in reception could have been a little more friendly and helpful as I felt like an interuption to their work though.
I really underestimated the surgery procedure itself. I had a mini panic attack in the chair which was not tollerated particularly well by the staff. The pain from the surgery and light-sensitivity were pretty bad for about 2 hours and then the pain started to subside. My vision was pretty much restored when I finally managed to open my eyes after this time.
Now 5 weeks on, I can honestly say that 1/2 a day of unpleasantness was most definitely worth it. My sight is now 20/20, and better than it ever was with lenses and glasses. I went swimming yesterday, and it was amazing to be able to see ahead of me for the first time in years! I'm really enjoying the freedom the treatment has given me, and would recommend it wholeheartedly!
I don't usually contribute to forums but having read Emma's “truth about laser eye surgery” posted on 15 March I felt that I had to tell my “truth” as well. I went to Optimax in Belfast for a consultation on Thursday 11 January 2007 at 11.00am. I had already been to Optical Express and had been told that I wasn't suitable for Lasik (corneas too thin) but that I should have have Epi-Lasek treatment with Wavefront, at a total cost of £2,300.
Having done my research before going to Optimax, for a second opinion, I was more than happy to agree (if suitable and if I was content to proceed) to have the laser surgery done at 2.00pm on the day of my consultation. It was reassuring that the consultant/surgeon (Dr Qasi) also recommended epi-lasek with wavefront so I had the surgery at 1.30pm (early!) that day.
The staff gave me a while to settle down and, once I was ready, one of them went through the various drops and medication with me. They told me it was important to put my feet up for a few days and not to try to watch telly for at least 48 hours (Emma take note!!). I was warned well in advance of the surgery that epi-lasek recovery would be sore for a few days and I suppose it was, uncomfortable anyway … my eyes were very photo-sensitive (I had to wear my sunglasses constantly) and they felt gritty (probably the bandage contact lenses). I had the surgery on Thursday afternoon and Friday and Saturday were 2 of the most boring days I've ever spent (mostly sleeping). Then on Sunday morning it all came together and my sight was great (not perfect yet and still photo-sensitive but the healing process had definitely kicked in). This was consistent with the advice I had been given by the Optimax staff and literature ALL ALONG and I had booked a week off work anyway. By Tuesday everything was great, I was SLIGHTLY long sighted for a short time but again that's part of the healing process.
In summary, I would highly recommend the surgery but don't let anyone tell you that the recovery isn't uncomfortable for a dew days (I was never given that impression by the Optimax staff anyway). But THIS IS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE and surely “no pain,no gain” has never been more appropriate. Do ensure that you follow their aftercare advice to the letter and, in my experience, everything will be fine. The difference is amazing, and surely that's the important thing.
Incidentally, I booked my surgery having seen an offer on eBay from the Optimax owner, Richard Ambrose, and got epi-lasik with wavefront, including consultation, for £1,090.