How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost In The UK?

Cataract surgery is one of the most popular treatments in the world. There are over 400,000 cataract surgeries carried out by the NHS each year, and plenty more from private ophthalmologists.

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness, accounting for over 50% of the world’s cases. Cataracts are very common but develop slowly and can remain undetected for a while until the symptoms are already too severe.

Many people suffering from cataracts look for early treatment to prevent their symptoms from degrading their vision, which is not possible on the NHS. Private Surgeries can provide you with earlier treatment to prevent your cataracts from developing early on. However, many people worry about the cost of private cataract surgery in the UK. We at eye doctor are here to provide you with an explanation of the costs of private cataract surgery in the UK and other key information on cataracts.

What is a Cataract?

First of all, it is important that you understand exactly what a cataract is and what to look out for.

Cataracts are a gradually developing condition in which the lens in the eye (the thin layer in front of the retina) begins to cloud and blur. The main cause of cataracts developing is age, largely affecting individuals ages 65 and over. As the cataract develops, vision becomes increasingly impaired and many who have suffered from the condition likened their experience to “Looking through frosted glass”.

Cataracts occur when tissues and proteins located within the lens begin to break down and “clump”. These clumps begin to gather on the lens and become more dense, darkening and causing clouding.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cataract?

Cataracts develop and worsen over time. It is common for people with cataracts not to notice them until vision begins to become too impaired, which is why it is recommended that you take regular eye tests.

Some of the most common symptoms of a developing cataract you should look out for include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light or glare
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Halos, rings or other visual anomalies
• Decreased sensitivity to colour distinction

How is Cataract Surgery Done?

Cataract surgery is a fairly quick process, but one that requires the skill and precision to perform. We will explain the process to you during the consultation but here is a short breakdown of the process.

On the day of your surgery, you may be asked not to eat any solid food 6 hours before. This is because you will be given numbing drops or an injection around the eye as well as a medicine to help you relax. You will be awake during the surgery as we will need to react to light and movement during surgery so we know everything is going well.

After receiving an anaesthetic, your surgeon will use a specialised microscope to create small incisions near the edge of your cornea. These incisions will be used to reach the lens in your eye where it can be broken up and removed from your eye. After this, your surgeon will implant a foldable replacement lens (known as an Intraocular Lens) which completely removes the cloudiness and impaired vision.

You will then be given an eye shield to protect your eye while it heals and you will rest in a recovery area for around 30 minutes. You will not be able to make your own way home after surgery, so you should bring someone else along to assist you.

Recovery is a relatively quick process. You will likely have to take a few days off work, depending on the nature of your occupation. You will not be able to drive for a few days after your surgery and you may suffer from some irritation and uncomfortable sensitivity to light for a while. We provide you with an aftercare plan and follow up consultations to measure your recovery.

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

The cost of cataract surgery in the UK can vary, but the average cost per eye usually sits around £3000 to £4000. This depends on the type of lens implanted during the surgery. Most Ophthalmologists set their own prices based on the patient’s prescription.

Patients with a higher prescription are more difficult to treat, so they will be charged more in comparison to a patient with a very low prescription.

The type of lens used during the surgery can also affect the cost of your cataract surgery. Monofocal lenses, also known as single focus lenses, are usually the cheapest option and cost only around £3000 per eye with Eyedoctor. Our prices rise to around £4000 for some of the more high-quality lenses that provide you with a much better and clearer vision improvement in comparison to the cheaper mono-focal lens.

We will go over pricing and lens options during your consultation with us. We don’t believe in cutting corners. Therefore, we don’t offer cut-price treatments. When comparing prices for products that are the same (for example with furniture or cars), that may be fine. However, compared to something like eye surgery, we don’t believe such an approach is ever going to work. Why? Every person and indeed every eye is unique and deserves to be treated as such.

Can you Pay Monthly for Cataract Surgery?

You can choose to take out a longer-term payment plan if paying the whole sum is a little much. We can tailor the payment plan to suit your needs and allow you to pay for your cataract surgery in digestible monthly instalments. This can be discussed thoroughly during your consultation with us. The length of time you will be paying for your cataract surgery will be discussed also and will affect how much you have to pay each month.

The cost of cataract surgery in the UK varies between providers, each payment plan will be different. Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon before your treatment.

Can you Get Cataract Surgery on the NHS?

You may be able to get your cataract surgery treatment through the NHS. However, this is only if your cataracts are already severely affecting your vision, if you want to be able to prevent your cataract from developing early you will need to go to a private ophthalmologist. It may also take significantly longer for you to get treatment, as NHS waiting lists are significantly longer compared to private specialists.

Is Cataract Surgery Covered by Medical Insurance?

Cataract surgery can be covered by most insurance providers. The plan you receive will vary based on your provider and your ability to pay it off. There are some diagnostic and pre-surgery treatments that may not be covered but the main surgery will likely be covered.

We at EyeDoctor are recognised by insurers as a centre for treatment. We work with all major insurance companies including BUPA, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, April, Cigna, Exeter, Saga and WPA. If you do not see your insurance provider on this list, please contact us ahead of time.

Why Choose Private Cataract Surgery?

Private cataract surgery is a much better option compared to NHS treatment. Private cataract surgery costs slightly more in the UK compared to NHS treatments but the quality of care and aftercare is significantly higher.

On NHS cataract treatment, you will only receive surgery when the cataract has developed and is already affecting your vision. Whereas private treatment can help you prevent the cataract from developing at an early stage, making your life easier and providing quicker recovery.

You will also have to wait much longer on the NHS, as their specialists are usually pooled into one and every patient is sent to the same pool of ophthalmologists. Private practices can provide you with quick treatment and fully personalised aftercare after several meetings with your surgeon. On the NHS, you likely won’t meet your surgeon until the day of treatment.

Cataract Surgery Cost in the UK

We hope this helped you with the cost of cataract surgery in the UK. Paying for a private practice cataract treatment is significantly more beneficial in comparison to NHS treatments due to personalised treatment, better aftercare and shorter waiting times. If you would like more information on cataract surgery, visit our blog for more eye health news or visit our Cataracts page. Alternatively, contact us at 01484 977 333 or hello@eyedoctor.co.uk to book a consultation for cataract surgery today and we can begin to plan out payment for the cost of cataract surgery.