Hi All...
Let me start by admitting, yes, I'm an idiot!
I'm 46 years old and I'm embarrassed to say I'm yet another 'victim' of Optimax - I feel cheated, scammed and lied to - initially I thought I was just an unlucky customer who was experiencing extended 'side effects' from Lens Replacement but I now know that Optimax (both Optometrist and Surgeon) were fully aware of what I would be sacrificing and what my vision would be like post-surgery... £6000 for lens replacement in both eyes of which my vision is worse now than a before the surgery.
Until November 2019, I only ever wore glasses for computer work and reading . My distance / mid-distance vision was very good. I was in a position where i could treat myself - I wanted to be 'glasses-free' so looked into Laser Eye correction. I was told by Optimax that my eyes weren't suitable but was recommended for Lens Replacement... this would not only make me glasses-free but would also mean there was no chance of getting Cataracts later in life (this was Optimax's selling pitch to me). I read the Agreement and acknowledged that i would see Halos and Glares for a couple of months and was also told by Optometrist and Surgeon that this would be temporary. It's safe to say they were lying through their teeth.
I had Lens Replacement in both eyes in November 2019 (a week apart) and thats where my life went down hill! To date, I have returned to Optimax for consultations, tests or treatment every month since Nov '19 (excluding March, April & May due to them being closed) and have still not had my vision corrected - My ongoing symptoms include Halos, flares, ghosting, peripheral issues, black crescents, dry eyes, blurriness - very similar symptoms to other posts I have been reading lately - I have been reporting these issues for almost a year.
First i was told, several times, these are normal symptoms and would pass over a few months. Next I was told I had cloudiness built-up on the lens so needed YAG treatment (which cost me a further £400). I was also told i needed a Laser Correction to 'fine-tune' the prescription of the lenses. (I was clearly too stupid to think the lens replacement was going to be the correct prescription for my eyes! - lets put shit lenses in and correct them with laser - yeah!!)
So I saw a laser surgeon who said lasering the eyes
wouldnt work, I then saw the Medical Director of Optimax (Dr Ilango) and told him i wanted the lenses changed but he was adamant laser correction
would work, and 3 weeks later I spoke to the laser surgeon who was going to do the surgery and, guess what, he said lasering
wouldnt work too. Would this fill you with confidence and reassurance? (no way are they coming near my eyes with any lasers!)
So, everything is now totally up in the air. Optimax have stung me for approx £6400 and left me with worse eye-sight than i had a year ago. I've lost countless work days due to additional appointments. I've incurred additional travel expenses due to having to go to Finchley Road and Harley Street (instead of my local Optimax in Maidstone) and all for what - nothing. I feel Optimax have literally been going through the motions and care very little (if anything) about my situation.
The icing on the cake?... Optimax are offering a massive
£50 if you recommend a friend! I'd happily give a friend £50
NOT to go and have their eyes ruined by these butchers. I didn't know this industry was un-regulated and I doubt the majority of people do. Since researching my symptoms online I have read countless stories not only from Optimax victims but also Optical Express and other companies too; this is barbaric!
Thanks for reading my post... and a big thank you to Sasha for not only hosting this site but also for the Youtube videos and other media forms which have been very informative. You have my support and I will be broadcasting these stories and experiences where I can.