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 Lasik with Wavefront & Femtosecond on 09/11/06 and I am very happy so far.
As said Dr Madu… doesnt say too much, but is very professional, and answers any questions.
The operation went fine, no pain at all – quite enjoyed the excitement really.
That evening was quite uncomfortable, once the anaesthetic wore off, but by the next morning there was no discomfort. My vision was still a bit hazy, but that got better through the day. My check up the day after the op went well, and I had 20:20 vision. My prescription before was -7.25 & -5.75.
Less than 48hrs after the op I was back at work, with no problems at all. Even the day after the op I had no probs cooking or anything – although TV was unfortunately uncomfortable still, so as advised I had to refrain!
My only critism was the waiting times, I was early for each appointment, but was kept waiting a long time, 2 hrs on the day of the op.
I would have no hesitation in recommending a consultation with Optimax.
Further to my posting in early September (4 days after Femtosecond Lasik, I would like to add that my eyesight is now better than 20/20 with just a slight minus prescription of -0.25 and -0.50, which is perfect to allow me to read up-close without reading glasses. I am still amazed at the change to my quality of life without the bother of glasses/prescription sunglasses/lenses etc. etc., although I am just getting out of the habit of looking for my glasses first thing in the morning!!
I had Lasik Wavefront at Optimax, Peterborough with Dr Hill on Mon 06 November.
I could not be happier. Dr Hill was so reassuring in his manner, talking me through the process at ach stage so I knew exactly what to expect. The usrgery itself was a breeze, certainly better than a trip to the dentist, even the dreaded burning smell was nothing more than something similar to someone lighting a match.
My vision straight after was great and has improved since, so far it is better than 20/20, but I have been advised that it may drop off slightly.
The day of treatment was a bit sore, but since then I have been totally pain free and I remain obsessive about using hte prescribed drops to make sure it stays that way.
I could not describe exactly how happy I am with every stage of this process.
I had Lasik surgery last week @ the Birmingham clinic with Dr Madhusudhan and am very happy with the results!
After a bad, off-putting hard sell consultation at Optical express the professionalism & opportunity to meet the surgeon before the day of operation was a breath of fresh air.
Although a guy of little words the Dr obviously knew what he was talking about and seemed very honest. He encouraged me not to waste my money on adding Wavefront as it wouldn't help my particular prescription (he also showed me how & why on the wavefront mapping scans that are taken as part of the course).
Operation day was nerve racking, and if I'm honest the actual surgery was quite an unpleasant experience (although painless). However can't fault the clinic.
The day of the surgery & day after is uncomfortable but this gets better by the end of he second day.
I was expecting to be bright & bouncy by the second, but realistically even with Lasik surgery it takes a week for things to settle (or at least it did for me). You can't get any water in your eyes, and therefore have to be careful in the shower and have to have someone else wash your hair. You can't cook or do any housework for at least the first 3 days. And you have to sleep with very attractive eye patches!
However any unpleasantness has already paled into the dim distant past, as 8 days on i have 20:20 vision and am exploring a world through new eyes!
Not to be taken as lightly as some of these companies would like you to… but definitely worth it in the end!
By all means get in touch if you'd like more info ;o)
I had epi-lasek at Southampton Branch this morning. What can I say? The telephone staff were fantastic, so helpful. The clinic staff were so friendly and reasurring, despite me shaking like a leaf, they were fantastic. The consultant was so very friendly adn calming. He explained everything in a way I understood and was so kind and reasurring. Please if you are looking for laser surgery forget the rest and go with Optimax. I cant believe that I had my eyes laseked at 11am this morning! ALthough to be honest there is pain after the drops were off ( about 2hrs later) it doesnt last. I was very uncomfortable but the more you rest the easier it is. The procedure itself was totally pain free! Even the clamps were not at all uncomfortable. You do smell burning ( a bit like at the dentist) but that is it. It is cool in the laser room ( it has to be for the laser) so make sure you have something warm on. I cannot praise Southanpton Highly enough. THANK YOU!!!