Trusted cataract surgeons in Birmingham – clear vision starts here

Understanding cataracts and their treatment

Before we get into the specifics about what Birmingham can offer, let’s first take a look at cataracts. What causes them and what are the symptoms to watch out for? When should surgery be considered and how could it benefit you?

What causes cataracts and common symptoms

Cataracts occur when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, making it difficult for light to pass through. More often than not they’re age-related but genetics, diabetes, smoking, and injuries to the eye can also play a part.

The common symptoms of a cataract include:

• cloudy or blurred vision
• changes to colour vision
• glare at night (particularly while driving) and during the day
• glasses prescription changes (increased frequency)
• difficulty in seeing your phone or text on television
• double vision or ghosting of images (especially if only noticeable in one eye)
• sensitivity to bright light.

When cataract surgery is recommended

First off, if you think you’ve got a cataract, the best thing to do is get an eye exam. This is typically done at an optician’s but they’re also available from ophthalmologists (after a referral from your GP).

Eye surgery can be avoided if your eye doctor thinks your vision can be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. However, as cataracts develop over time, the likelihood of needing surgery increases. If your vision loss cannot be corrected by wearing glasses or contacts, then cataract surgery is likely your best option.

How cataract surgery restores clear vision

The surgery works by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one. This new lens allows light to pass through easily and restores your vision. Often, artificial lenses have the ability to boost specific parts of your vision. For example, some are designed to improve colour contrasts, while others can help you see long or short distances better.

At Practice Plus Group, we offer a range of different lenses for our private cataract patients. The block below illustrates the lenses available, how they might improve your vision, and how much they cost.

Choosing a cataract surgeon in Birmingham

When looking for cataract surgeons in Birmingham, it’s important to choose the right one for you. And, to make your task a bit easier, we’ve come up with the following mini-checklist of things to look out for:

• Their qualifications
• Their level of medical experience
• The number of cataract procedures they carry out over the course of a year.

If the surgeon you’re researching ticks the above boxes for you, it might be time to make a decision.

Qualifications to look for in a cataract surgeon

As a minimum, a cataract surgeon must be a doctor with a medical degree (look for the letters MD in their profile), as well as be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Next, they should hold membership of a professional organisation such as the Royal College of Ophthalmologists or one similar. This is a good one to look out for as it demonstrates a commitment on the surgeon’s behalf to continued professional development.

Specialised training in cataract surgery is a must while additional expertise in other eye treatments is also a very good sign. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists awards Certificates of Completion of Training (CCTs) to consultants upon completion of their specialist training.

Meet your cataract surgeon

From top-notch qualifications all the way through to charity work, our Consultant Ophthalmologist at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, Ayoub El Mourabit represents an excellent choice to help you with your cataracts.

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Consultant profile

Name: Ayoub El Mourabit

Qualifications:
– Doctor of Medicine (MD), 2014
– Diploma from the European Board of Ophthalmology, 2019
– Specialist Doctor in Ophthalmology, 2020
– IELTS (C2)

Specialities:
– cataract surgery
– YAG laser surgery
– Peripheral iridotomy
– SLT trabeculoplasty
– intravitreal injections
– minor eyelid operations.

Quote: “True fulfilment comes from serving others with sincere intention, where compassion and spiritual purpose meet.”

Reviews: “Mr Ayoub made my cataract surgery experience completely reassuring. From the moment I met him, he was welcoming, calm, and explained everything clearly, which made me feel confident and at ease.”

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What makes a great ophthalmologist?

The following are things you should look for in a great ophthalmologist:

• Qualifications: ophthalmologists need to hold an MD (Doctor of Medicine) qualification alongside specialist certificates. For example, Ayoub El Mourabit holds a Diploma and a Specialist Doctor certificate in the field of ophthalmology.
• Memberships: great ophthalmologists will often hold memberships or fellowships at prestigious organisations such as the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. This is to recognise their professional achievements as well as providing opportunities to develop leadership skills.
• Friendly and approachable: patients should feel comfortable when in the company of their ophthalmologist. Clear communication, the ability to listen, and demonstrating empathy are key factors that make a great ophthalmologist.

Ayoub El Mourabit on communication:

“Clear, sincere communication is the cornerstone of a strong and trusting clinician–patient relationship. Such a foundation empowers patients to navigate the challenges of their care with confidence.”

Questions to ask at your first consultation

You should start by asking whether cataract surgery is the right option for you. Your consultant will be able to answer this after running some tests and asking some questions of their own.

Our Questions to ask before cataract surgery blog is full of useful information and questions you should think about asking your eye consultant. Take a look at our Cataract consultation – what to expect guide too for more information.

What to expect from cataract surgery in Birmingham

Speaking generally, cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens and the insertion of a clear, artificial one. On a national level, the surgery has a high success rate. According to NICE guidelines: “95% of people with no pre-existing eye conditions achieve 6/12 best-corrected vision”, which, in English translates to: 95% of cataract surgery patients experience an improvement in their vision.²

In fact, a study from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists indicates that fewer than 1 in 200 patients experience substantial reduction in vision following the surgery.³

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, if you’re a private patient you’ll have your cataract surgery just 4-6 weeks after your initial consultation. This will take place at a time convenient for you, usually 1-2 weeks after your booking enquiry.

Step-by-step guide to cataract surgery

During cataract surgery, the old cloudy lens is removed and a clear artificial lens is inserted in its place. This restores vision clarity, improving colour contrasts.

The image below illustrates how cataract surgery is performed with step-by-step illustrations.

What happens during the procedure?

During the procedure, your eye will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Local anaesthetic will be applied too – this will either be in the form of eyedrops or injection. A drape is then placed over your affected eye with air blown under it.

The cataract is removed by phaco-emulsification which works to break up the old, cloudy lens. Once this is complete, your cataract surgeon will insert your new, artificial lens. If at any point you feel discomfort during your eye surgery, please let your consultant know. The entire procedure generally only takes between 15-30 minutes.

It’s possible you’ll see the benefits right away but sometimes it can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover.

Recovery and aftercare: what to expect in the days following surgery

Immediately after your operation, you may be able to see from your affected eye but your vision will likely be blurred as your pupils will still be dilated.

You’ll be able to return home when your nursing team is happy with your post-surgery progress. You won’t be able to drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure, so you’ll need a friend or family member to take you home. If the eye feels uncomfortable, please use your normal pain tablets.

Once allowed to go home, your cataract surgery recovery will really begin! We’ll give you post-operative drops and instructions on how to apply them. It is important to prevent infection by following the instructions given, particularly good hand hygiene whilst using the eye drops.

As cataract lenses often help improve vision, if you wear glasses, you may need to alter the prescription. Your optician will be able to help with prescription changes, so it’s worth booking yourself in with them to find out what works best for you.

You will be given contact details should you have any concerns or worries post-operatively.

It’s worth bearing in mind the importance of eye health and, at Practice Plus Group, we advocate lifestyles that support healthy eyesight. If you need support to give up smoking or lose weight, don’t hesitate to reach out to our healthcare team.

Booking private cataract surgery in Birmingham

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, cataract patients can access their treatment in a number of different ways.

• Paying for yourself
  For those wishing to pay for themselves, this is done either in a one-off lump sum or by spreading the cost using a payment plan.
• Private health insurance
  Patients with existing private health insurance will need to first check their policy covers the procedure before booking cataract surgery.
• NHS
  If you wish to have your treatment via the NHS, either let our friendly patient advisors know when you call to book or select the NHS option on our online form.