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 was very sceptical – eye surgery on e-bay? But what a bargain. Astigmatism more of a problem than my -1.75, but a week later I'm already at legal driving level, and the wonder of being able to see! Bi-lateral epi-lasek at Birmingham. Recommend it to anyone!
I had both my eyes lasered much more than ten years ago (please let me know!) at the Finchley clinic. The technology then did not permit both to be done at the same time so I had mine done about six months apart. I experienced pain and discomfort for a few days after each operation and it was several weeks before achieving perfect sight but the benefits massively outweigh the inconvenience of contact lenses and spectacles. My sight is still perfect and with the advances in technology, I would thoroughly recommend this procedure to anyone thinking about treatment – get on and do it!
I had epi-Lasek early April 2005. Before this my prescription was -4.00 in both eyes. I could see that my eyesight had improved drastically straight after the procedure and over the next 7 days everything became much sharper, a pleasure that I had not enjoyed without the aid of glasses/contact lenses in 20 years. Now after 2 aftercare appointments I have been told that my vision is 20/20 and that I am even reading the line below the 20/20 grading! The staff at Optimax Birmingham were excellent before and after surgery and my Eye Surgeon was very friendly,thorough and honest. This was the best decision that I had ever made. I cannot tell you how happy I am being given my eyesight back. I am on holiday at the moment and am able to swim, something I have not enjoyed since my teenage years. I would recomend this to anyone thinking about having it done, the reward is simply the best.
Excellent. Had surgery at Leeds clinic. My eyes were -1.75 and -2.50 and now have 20/20 vision. It was painful the first few hours, however, my husband does say I am a baby! Staff were very help and I would absolutely recommend Optimax to everyone, in fact I do. Wish I'd had it done years ago! Thank you.
Had eye surgery at Croydon after wearing glasses for the past 12 years. I saw an offer from Optimax on ebay and out of curiosity went for it. I paid an amazing £810 for both eyes and the process was so simple and quick. It was difficult for the first 2 days and the vision was getting better for the first week. Now have perfect eye sight, wearing sunglasses when I want to, going swimming etc. Basically doing all the things I couldn't do before. If I'd known about this 12 years ago I would have signed up then!