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 Wavefront lasik yesterday! 30.03.06 at Bristol, been for one day after checkup this morning and they told me that I have 20/20!, the procedure was pain free, they are consumate professionals and do everything to put you at ease whilst you are in the chair, you are in and out in 20 mins, I would recommend this to anyone, I was -5.75 in both eyes and was finding lenses and glasses a real burden, this is money well spent. Dr Macgraw was my surgeon and she is great, really nice, I have read lots of reviews and was dreading the op as some people have had uncomfortable experiences, I have had no pain during and after the op, I suppose I have been lucky! so pleased I have had it done and it was such a relief to throw away my lenses and glasses.I will update in a couple of weeks!
HAD EPI-LASEK, WITH DR PATEL, AT FINCHLEY,I AM 56, WORN GLASSES FOR 40 YEARS,AM LONDON TAXI DRIVER,NOW HAVE PERFECT VISION,I MEAN PERFECT!! BEEN 12 WEEKS NOW,PERFECT AFTER ABOUT 1 WEEK & GETTING BETTER,HAD BAD PAIN WHICH I WAS WARNED ABOUT FOR TWO DAYS,BUT BOY WAS IT WORTH IT!! THE COLOURS IN THE WORLD LOOK TOTALY SUPERB! I AM ABSOLUTLY GOBSMACKED!!! NO MORE DENTS IN MY NOSE AFTER DRIVING FOR 14 HOURS!ALSO I CAN BUY ROUNDED DESIGNER SUNGLASSES,WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMEND,WELL DONE MR PATEL& OPTIMAX,THANK YOU THANK YOU……..
I had epi lasek on 11 Feb 06 in the Optimax Clinic in Glasgow. My surgeon was Dr Anwar who was excellent. I was quite apprehensive before the surgery but he put me at ease straight away. Six weeks later I am 20/20 in both eyes after being -5.25 in both eyes with +1 astigmatism in right eye. After wearing specs for over 20 years it is a dream come true!!
Had LASIK (flap cut) on 9th March at Southampton by Dr Ayoubi. Not a pleasant procedure but over in about 20 minutes with 4 hours of discomfort afterwards, like being poked in the eye, or grit under a contact lens.
At the next day consultation, was better than 20:20 in the right eye but the left was still a little blurry, but as I am right eye dominant, not a problem, easily at the driving standard less than 24 hours after the op.
Was -6.25 in the left and -5.5 in the right previously with some astigmatism.
At the one week checkup all OK, right still better than 20:20, left had improved a bit but apparently still has some astigmatism, this may improve over the next 2 months, but both eyes together are excellent, a huge improvement and a definite WOW factor, having worn glasses since 8 years old.
Luckily I had thicker than average corneas and average pupil size. Using the moisturising eye drops every 3 hours or so. Got a bad dose of the flu 4 days after the op. Was concerned that the violent sneezing may dislodge the flap but all OK, apparently violent sneezing within 2 days of the op could cause a problem!!! according to the optometrist.
Dr Ayoubi, the surgeon, is very competent and reasssuring, talks you through the procedure. Had mine in the afternoon on time, apparently the morning ops oftern run rather late so an afternoon appointment is probabaly preferable as the laser is all set up and calibrated by then.
Will post again after the 2 month check up, will hopefully not need a minor adjustment in the left eye, fairly happy with my sight at the moment computer work is fine.
Dr Ayoubi did my full consultation and unlike OPtical Express told me that as my aberrations in both eyes were under 0.3 there was no statistical reason that Wavefront would have better results than regular LASIK, saving me £300. + Wavefront ablates more tissue and takes longer. Paid £1400 to Optimax, consultation was free, a special offer. Will pay for itself in 4 years as I forked out for daily disposable contacts before.
Optical Express at West quay wanted £2600 and recommended I had wavefront, but their consulation was with an optimetrist, NOT the actual surgeon who performs the op. Would definitely recommend you have the initial measurement consultation with the surgeon who operates on you so you can judge if you trust him or not and discuss all the information with him to make an informed choice about the possible risks/benefits. Most important aspect is your corneal thickness and pupil size and you must have healthy eyes and no cold sores.
36 years of age.
had lasik done on 2nd march 2006, in manchester, by dr hynes, all i can say is fantastic!!!!!!!!!! i hated wearing glasses, and had ulcers on my right eye from wearing soft lenses for too long, my eyes were R -5.5, and L -6.00. i am over the moon!!!! it wasnt painful or uncomfortable at all