Private cataract surgery costs – A patient’s guide

What is the cost of cataract surgery in the UK?

The average cost of private cataract surgery in the UK currently stands between £3,000-4,000 per eye for patients requiring a standard monofocal lens.

The price of cataract lens replacement surgery is specific to your needs and will depend on factors such as:

• your existing prescription
• the type of corrective lens you’ll receive.

If you wear glasses or contact lens, it’s likely you’ll need to pay more for the same cataract removal procedure. This is because you’ll require a stronger corrective lens.

As patients needs and requirements vary, there are different types of cataract lenses, each available at a fixed price. For example, monofocal lenses are cheaper than multifocal lenses. Both are available with Practice Plus Group.

What is the cost of a private cataract operation?

As the NHS waiting lists for cataract treatment increase, it’s only natural to consider private health options¹. The cost of private cataract surgery options differs depending on location and provider. As mentioned previously, a private cataract operation in the UK costs on average between £3,000-4,000 per eye.

At Practice Plus Group, the surgery itself costs just £1,995 per eye. This is more than £1,000 cheaper than the UK average. You’ll also need to pay £95 for your initial consultation.

Compare cataract operation costs in the UK

We’ve put together a handy comparison table below to see how we stack up against other private healthcare providers. Because we’re nice like that!

Cataract lens price list

The cost of cataract surgery differs depending on the type of artificial lens implant. For example, a multifocal lens is more expensive than a monofocal lens. The type of lens you need will be determined by your doctor.

Our new cataract lens option includes an enhanced mono-focal lens. This premium IOL provides patients with improved depth of intermediate and distance vision.

If you choose private hospital treatment with Practice Plus Group, you’ll need to consider the following costs:

Comparing NHS v private cataract surgery prices

Cataract surgery on the NHS is, of course, free. However, with waiting times increasing over the last two years, it’s only natural for patients to explore other options.

Cost of cataract surgery on the NHS

If cataracts and eye health are affecting your sight, surgery is usually available free on the NHS. However, waiting times can be up to nine months depending on where you live in the UK, and there are occasions when people might not qualify for surgery.

Cost of cataract removal privately

While private cataract surgery incurs a cost, the waiting list is typically just a few weeks.

At Practice Plus Group, you’ll need to pay £95 for an initial consultation, with the main treatment starting from £1,995 per eye. The waiting time for cataract surgery is usually between 4-6 weeks. While private healthcare is more expensive, many people would struggle to put a price on their eyesight.

Patient testimonial

“I was very nervous at the start of my visit, but was absolutely amazed at the professional and caring service. The staff were so kind and helpful to make my experience worry free. The Surgeon was excellent and gentle, and I am so glad I had my eye surgery there. 100% a perfect day. Love to you all at Practice Plus Group, Gillingham.”

Philip Bevens, Practice Plus Group cataract patient

What’s included in the cataract procedure cost?

At Practice Plus Group, we offer fixed, transparent pricing. The surgery itself starts from £1,995. The initial consultation takes place between two and four months before surgery and costs £95.

What’s included?

• any diagnostic tests you may need
• a medical check and pre-operative assessment
• a standard monofocal lens
• hospital fees
• a dedicated consultant from start to finish
• anaesthetic
• post-operative eye drops
• follow up appointments and aftercare.

What’s not included?

• the initial consultation is charged separately at £95
• premium lenses have an additional cost.

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs for straightforward cataract surgery. If you’re receiving premium lenses, the procedure will cost more. Additional costs may also be incurred if you require oculoplastics or YAG laser treatment. Prices for these procedures can be found in our private hospital price list or in the table above.

Finance and payment options

If you are exploring different finance options for cataract surgery, we offer the opportunity to pay for yourself via self-pay. This is an alternative solution. It allows you to quickly access high quality treatments without the need for private insurance.

• Self-pay: pay for your own healthcare for faster treatment at a time and place that suits you
• Insurance: insured patients can receive expert treatment at any one of our hospitals
• Finance: finance through Chrysalis, our partner, is available over 12 months. 0% or longer-term options are available from 36-60 months at 14.9% APR.

You will need to have an agreement in place with Chrysalis Medical Finance two weeks before the planned date of your surgery.

Why choose Practice Plus Group for your cataract surgery?

At Practice Plus Group, we provide high quality, fast assessment and treatment at an eye hospital that’s convenient for you. We use the latest advanced technologies from the world of vision correction. This cutting edge treatment will get you back to your daily activities and ultimately improve your quality of life.

We also offer the following:

• low cost £95 appointment with highly experienced consultants and ophthalmic surgeons. These appointments feature eye tests and diagnostic tests to help diagnose your problem and decide the best options available for you
• short waiting times of just 4-6 weeks
• dedicated customer care to provide support and answer any questions you may have
• access to experienced consultant eye surgeons who work for us at a hospital near convenient to you
• specialist nursing teams so you feel better faster.

Meet our cataract consultants

Surgeon Q&A

Patient question: How long does cataract surgery take?

Surgeon answer: Typically between 15-30 minutes depending on the severity of the cataract.

Patient question: When will I be able to see again after cataract surgery?

Surgeon answer: The sensation in your eye typically begins to return a few hours post-surgery. However, it might take a few days for any blurriness to clear and your vision to completely recover.

Patient question: How long will it take to fully recover?

Surgeon answer: Longer term, your eye is expected to be fully recovered and healed within about eight weeks.

How to get started

To receive a clinical assessment or treatment from us, you’ll first need to be referred by your Optician/Optometrist or GP.

Get in touch by completing the form below or calling our friendly team to ask any questions or book an initial consultation.

For more information on booking cataract surgery with Practice Plus Group or take a look at our Patient Referral page.

Sources and references

¹ https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/

Acknowledgements