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
Had Lasik treatment on 12/12/02 at the Finchley Road Surgery with Dr.Patel my prescription was -1.5 & -1.75, I basically needed glasses for driving and T.V.
I found the whole experience looking back a bit like going to the dentist, which was a touch disconcerting as they were about to Laser my eye’s. However the reason’s for me adding to this Web site are these two basic points: 1) Dr Patel was excellent, he continually calmed me down during the whole process.
2) He left me with 20/20 vision, I’m ecstatic.
Had PRK Epiflap in Croydon branch on 13th November. Was -2.75 and -2.5. Operation painless, although very disconcerting when the Epiflap is pushed aside!
Day 1 felt like I had very bad flu, and very light sensitive. Took pain killers, so pain reduced to irritation more than anything. Also took sleep pills on first night but felt completely zonked next day so didn’t take any more.
Day 2 just light sensitive, vision pretty good although couldn’t really look at anything for more than a few moments.
Day 3 much better, able to go outside (with sun glasses), and watch TV. Stopped pain killers. Had bandage contacts out, eyesight excellent.
After 1st week had check up, reading near to 20/20. No pain, no blurred vision, no halos or anything. Consultant seemed baffled and explained don’t normally see such quick recovery!
Had check up again on 31st Dec., can now read bottom row of chart with both eyes (one row better than 20/20). Eyesight as good as was with contacts.
I realise this is a very good experience. I would recommend it but remember everyone is different, and recover in different ways.
-3.00 both eyes. Booked consultation and treatment for Thursday 19th Dec. Wouldn’t recommend – suggest consultation first so you know exactly what treatment you’re having on the day. As I’d decided to have both eyes PRK’d on 19th, but after discussing mono-vision option with surgeon (Mr Ayoubi) changed mind and only had one eye done. The actual treatment was very quick and painless – surgeon really nice – did not feel under any pressure to have the treatment on the day and talked me through the actual surgery. Expect to rest for the next 4/5 days – pain killers and sleeping tabs knocked me out. Started to see clearer after 7 days -drove after 10. Had aftercare appointment 31st Dec which I thought was pretty poor. I Expected to see the surgeon – but was told they’re too busy to see aftercare patients! Took all of 10 mins for the optician to advise that I am +1.50 in treated eye – explains why I am finding it hard to read! Said this was normal and my vision should improve within 4 weeks. Have next appointment in 4 week’s – watch this space!
I had both of my eyes done on 12th December 2002 (PRK Epiflap) it cost £990 (Newcastle upon Tyne)
I couldn’t open my eyes for the 1st 3-5 days and being blind is not very nice at all. The next 8-10 days I went through a lot of changes e.g., blurred vision, double vision and felt very disorientated.
I am now on day 18 and it’s much much better now. I still feel very weird without glasses (I’ve worn glasses for 14 years and I still go to push them up my nose and they are not there).
I can see clearly now, although not perfectly yet.
All I can say is, the first 15 days are absolute hell, but I think it’s worth it.
Good luck & go for it.
Had my LASIK treatment in Glasgow on Saturday 14th December . I think I have been one of the lucky ones, I have had no pain, dryness, itching, scratching etc. My eyes were only -0.5 which is hardly anything but wearing glasses and contacts constantly annoyed me. Staff were very reassuring and everything was done professionally. No problems with timekeeping whatsoever on any of my visits. Highly recommended.