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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
So far so good, had my Bi-Lateral (both eyes at the same time) Epiflap proceedure 5 days ago.
I had a few essential last minuet questions and I’m sure the nurse thought I was jabbering on because I was nervous…which I was. I had my treatment postponed on Sat 16th due to staff sickness so since the assessment on that day I had thought of a couple more things to ask.
Dr Ho (Croydon) gave a lovely smile to greet me and I felt a tad more relaxed. The surgery – if you can call it that, went very quickly. I tried to relax and just let it happen and I knew that I should expect blurred vision as soon as the drops were put in. Dr Ho was very calming. I could feel the Epithelium being removed but it was not painful at all, and looking at the red light was easy as with blurred vision it looked pretty big. I was worried that I wouldn’t keep my eyes still and in my effort to do so would end up moving them, but there were signs the nurse made you read before entering the Op room – one saying that the machine will stop if your eyes move out of the target range…well words to that effect. The Epithelium was gently put back and lots of drops put into my eyes.
I opted not to have bandaged lenses and the Doctor didn’t try and change my mind, respecting my wishes, I had to wear eye patches for 24 hours, I was in a little pain as the anesthetic eye drops wore off but the pain killers the nurse gave me seemed to work for me – I had my own which Dr Ho agreed I could use if needed. One word of advice, have someone there to remember everything the nurse tells you afterwards with regards to when to take the meds, it was written down but I couldn’t really take in when to take what when I got home etc…I think it was due to the relief of having my eyes done after much anxiety – maybe…
After 24 hours of having patches over my eyes I was glad to get them off, my eyes were feeling itchy. Had my drops in my eyes – painless, and I could see straight away. I prepared myself to expect the worse and I had nothing of the sort, my eyes still improve everyday and I have my first check-up on Saturday 30th – I feel as if all is well and I have 20/20. I feel so much more confident and feel like my old self again – if that makes sense.
One more piece of advice have something to hand that will take away the horrible taste the eyedrops leave in the back of your throat. I don’t know if anyone else found that, but I wish I’d taken a drink on the journey home.
One more thing to add… I was told to expect glare at night due to large pupils…I have experienced worse with glasses and contacts and would like to add that I think my vision is better now than when I wore my glasses or lenses!
Any problems I will update you but I’m more than happy with the result.
Specsavers Prescription in Jan:
Left eye – Sph 3.25, Cyl 1.0, Ax 180
Right eye – Sph 3.00, Cyl 0.25, Ax 40
just been back too Leeds optimax for ten week check after having bi-lateral lasek treament,optician said i was 20/20 both eyes,and eyes completely healed and A1 in health have to go back in three months to be discharged by doctor hopefully.
Had PRK epiflap with Dr Mathen at the Manchester Clinic on Sat 26th Agust. Tretament went very well, it is a little disturbing being so aware of things but you just need to relax. The discomfort kicked in about 15mins after treatment just about enough time to get to the car. I couldnt open my eyes for 48 hours but three days on pain has gone and I am starting to see the improvements already. I will write more after my 10day check up
I had my eyes treated two weeks ago in Aberdeen and its fantastic!!!! I can now see without my glasses or contacts and I wish I’d done it earlier. My vision is now 6/5 in both eyes and I’m THRILLED!!!
The staff at the clinic were very helpful and friendly – especially when I was nervous just having my consultation!!!!! And on the day the girls were fantastic — I nearly chickened out and they calmed me down fantastically.
I’m now on a mission to tell everyone about my success – just need to pursuade my hubby to get it done now!!
I had LASEK on !2th April 2003 at Finchley Rd clinic. A “saturday guy” performed my painless treatment and I could see the results immediatly! To be succinct my right eye healed perfectly within 2 days…my left one took more like 2 months. I truly panicked at the blur, haze, double vision, and lack of ability to read even the top line of the chart, without my dominant right eye to help out. I had a topography at 10 days post op at which the optician said “your cornea is badly distorted” and ran for the doctor! I’d developed hyperplasia (extra scar tissue) and was assured it would heal in about 6 weeks. IT DID! 4 months post op I have BETTER than 20/20 vision, with only a little starbursting at night, not too distracting. My previously dim night vision has become far better! ( I understand that this is unusual). My one piece of advice would be to ask to see the same optician each time (Barry comes highly recommended; he is wonderful and very honest.) I do feel that the literature prepares us to expect an almost instant result and I panicked unnecessarily when this was not the case. To anyone out there…please give it time and good luck!