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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 took a lot of time and trouble recently to send my comments on my experience at Optimax and wonder why it has not been entered on website. I am a genuine customer who is extremely happy with the procedure and the outcome and wanted to share my delight with anyone considering, but apprehensive about going ahead with femtosecond lasik. I had a very positive experience and am absolutely thrilled to leave my glasses behind and couldn't fault the care I received by Dr. Patel at Optimax, London.
Donna Chalk 11.09.06
As I am longsighted,I am considering lasik (flap cut) surgery at the Liverpool branch of Optimax. All the comments I have read so far seem to be from shortsighted people and there has been no feedback from patients of the Liverpool clinic. Is there a longsighted person who can has had this proceedure at Liverpool or anywhere else who can comment.
Hi, I've already written once just after I had lasik treatment with femtosecond & wavefront on the 19th July 2006.If you look through the comments you will see it.
I felt that I had to add another comment, because someone had written saying that she had been on an aeroplane and the dryness of her eyes ruined her holiday. We have just come back from Greece. It was a 3 3/4 hour flight. I had no problem. I took a full box of refresher drops with me – just in case. My eyes were definately not dry. The only time they do get a little dry is at night when I am tired.
All I want to say is that everyone is different. I do not regret one nanosecond having had the procedure.
Julie Sheldon
Not a pleasant expierience, but worth it .
I had Femtosecond Wavefront LASIK on both eyes on 1st August 2006.
MY pretreatment prescription was -5.5 in my R eye, and -4.75 in my L eye. I did loads of research prior to committing myself and decided that Optimax provided the best value for money and the most advanced technology. Dr Patel was my surgeon and I can't fault him. He is lovely, and I feel that he actually takes a personal interest in every person he treats.
I experienced no pain at all, went home and went to bed. The following morning I had my first aftercare appt – I was still short-sighted with -1.5 in my R eye and -1 in my L. This upset my no end. I thought given that I had undergone the 'top of the range' procedure I was still going to need retreatment!
Another week passed and my vision improved slightly over time. I went to my 1 week aftercare appt only to find that there was a crease in the corneal flap of my L eye. My prescription had changed to -0.5 in L and -1 in R. Due to the complication Dr Patel recommended that I have the L flap lifted and the crease removed at the same time he would apply the laser again and correct the relatively small myopia that remained. That was a week ago – 11-8-06. My R eye will be retreated in a further 2-3 months.
For the first half of the week I couldn't believe how amazing the vision in my L eye was and often closed my R eye just to gaze into the distance and read street signs etc. For the past 2 days however the vision in my L eye has deteriorated to a point where the vision is worse than in my R. I also have slight double vision. My main concern is that the crease has returned in the L flap. Fingers crossed this is just a normal part of the healing process – as I don't particularly want the flap to be lifted again – it's not very pleasant!! I have another aftercare appt tomorrow and will post more details of my journey to perfect vision – lets hope it's positive!