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 would like to thank Dr Islam, Jan Ireland clinic manager and the Peterborough team for the professional care and attention with which they looked after me during my recent epi lasik treatment. Immediately after treatment my vision was improved and since then my vision has gone from strength to strength. The advice to have monovision has delivered fully on the benefit of not having to wear glasses – not even for reading! Thanks for restoring my vision and you can be sure I will refer all my family and friends.
I had both eyes done with LASIK (surgical procedure where they cut a flap your eye then laser it) at the FINCHLEY RD – Head office in London.
I had Dr Patel do the consultation and the surgery; he was very good and gave me all the options and also his recommendations.
It was a little strange having a flap cut in your eye but no pain really and the laser was ok – also a little strange smelling your eye get sizzled.
Recovery was very fast, I went home and slept all afternoon, but by the next day I could easily drive. And I was back to work on the Monday after having my op in the Friday – fantastic (some thing to remember if you don’t get sick days like me its better to spend the extra money and have faster recovery time so you don’t miss a weeks work)
I had to use eye drops for 1.5 months as I had dryish eyes but maybe also due to the climate as well.
Now all good – even the in the follow up with the optometrist she was impressed that I had such good eye sight. Better than 20/20 ( apparently you can get better than 20/20 as I found out 20/20 is able to read the 2nd line up on the chart and I can read the bottom line easily)
So gone are the contact lenses of 16 years and freedom at last!!!!!
Really you just have to jump in eye first and get it done ASAP.
Highly Recommended.
cal
Had Epi-Lasek (not to be confused with Lasik – same laser and results but a very different method) laser eye surgery on 10th February 2006 at the Birmingham Optimax clinic. Commenced at 13.45 and was done by 13.59! I am writing exactly one week and one day after the surgery (yes – I can see the computer).
Surgeon was a Dr Masilamani. An earlier poster wanted some feedback on this guy. He is a young looking chap but very helpful, patient and professional. You will have no problems with this guy. I was a little worried to find him wearing glasses though! He says his prescription does not warrant surgery.
Op was a little strange but painless (you could actually smell the burning). 'Bandage' contact lenses were fitted by the doctor to keep discomfort to a minimum.
Was on the way home by five past two as the anesthetic wore off. Then the pain kicked in. The first twenty four hours were the worst. Like two forks being pressed into the open eyes and there was nothing you could do to ease the pain. The Ibuprofen painkillers and sleeping tablets provided were as good as useless. I would describe the pain as 'severe' and I have a pretty good tolerance level. Also, eyes very watery and light sensitive – did not open then for the first 24 hours (apart from to administer drops) and then only for a few seconds. Spent virtually the first two and a half days in bed in the dark unable to read or watch TV. Quite a scary experience.
Returned to the clinic on day 3 to have the bandage lenses removed. This was a very welcome huge relief.
Pain now gone completely and sight returning slowly. Vision still a little blurred but improving daily. Left eye was -5 and right -2. Stragely though, left eye vision much better the right eye so far. All glasses and contact lenses owned now in the bin.
I'm now fully into the recovery period and noticing improving vision on a daily basis. Vision good enough to drive (especially the left) but I'll give it more time before declaring it a complete success. I'm told each person recovers at a different rate so will now just have to be patient.
Got to give exercise, swimming and the like a miss for 6 weeks.
I'm looking forward to life without specs and lenses now.
Entered into this after a lot of research and fully aware of the risks. Pretty much pleased with the results after a week and glad I had the courage to go ahead.
Remember, if you are considering surgery yourself fully research the matter. IT IS NOT RISK FREE. The internet is a great source. I'll gladly provide feedback to anyone wanting more info.
Optimax in Newcastle provided me with top class treatment from very friendly efficient staff in wonderful relaxing surroundings. The procedure was quick, painless and without any unexpected problems. The follow up appointments were of the same high standard. Would recommend to anyone considering having Lasik eye treatment.
Everybody at the Optimax Reading clinic was wonderful. I was a little unsure/uneasy before the procedure after reading all the literature but although a new branch (opened Sept 05) everybody was very friendly. Dr Islam who did the procedure explained what was going to happen, dealt with my questions and even had time to share a laugh (very welcome to break the ice).
After my initial concerns the treatment session (Lasek) went very quickly and wasn't anything like I was expecting. The pain & discomfort started in the car on the way home after about 20 minutes. I can only explain the pain for the contact wearers out there as like putting your lenses in with them being soaked in the wrong solution. The pain lasted for the rest of the afternoon evening, as a generally heavy sleeper I had a good nights sleep with the pills and woke with the pain gone but still with the need to stay in a very dark room for another day and a half.
Controlling the pain/discomfort is better if you follow what they recommend. I also strongly recommend buying a few audio books to give you something to do and it also blocks out everyone asking you if you are OK.
I first thought about doing this over ten years ago, I wish I had, after two weeks I have better than 20/20 in one eye and the other is coming along nicely.
With the Ebay price and the Reading staff I strongly recommend you go along for a consultation.
See you around!