Cataract surgery Rochdale – what to expect before, during, and after treatment
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
This blog explores the ins and outs of cataract surgery in Rochdale, asking why you should have your treatment there, what you can expect from surgery, and revealing how you can get the ball rolling on your treatment.
Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale offers expert-led cataract surgery with consultation-to-surgery waits in just 4-6 weeks. Patients benefit from consultant-led care, dedicated nursing support, and fast recovery guided by an experienced clinical team.
Price – private cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale costs £1,995 for a standard lens for one eye. The same procedure at Circle Health’s Highfield Hospital will set you back £3,018 – and that’s just the starting price. This means private cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale is over £1,000 less expensive.
Waiting times – If you choose to have your cataract treatment privately at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale, you’ll wait 1-2 weeks for your consultation. Your actual treatment (if needed) will be just 4-6 weeks after this, meaning you could be cataract-free in as little as 5 weeks!
To put this into perspective, the current waiting time (as of February 2026) for ophthalmology NHS patients at the nearby Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is 28 weeks.1
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Consultant expertise – whether you visit us as a day patient or need a slightly longer period of time for your treatment and recovery, we’re ready to provide the best care possible. Between them, our extensive team of ophthalmology consultants carry out hundreds of eye treatments annually and have deep expertise and knowledge about the ins and out of cataract surgery. What’s more, you’ll have the support of our specialist nursing team who’ll be on-hand to help you every step of the way.
A word from our specialist:
“Cataract surgery at our Rochdale service is delivered to the highest standards by expert surgeons, supported by a caring clinical team who will guide you calmly through every step. We prioritise our patients’ safety and comfort, with the aim of restoring confidence in your daily activities.
We tailor treatment to you, and for those choosing private care, premium lenses may be an option to better match your lifestyle and visual expectations.”
Prof Konstantinos Balaskas, Medical Director at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
Your referral journey – from optician to consultant
From cataract detection to referral to consultation, the sections present the journey in a step-by-step format.
How referrals work when your optician spots cataracts
If your optician notices cataracts are affecting your day-to-day vision, he or she may recommend referral for a specialist assessment. This is common – in fact, many cataracts are first detected during routine eye tests, especially when people notice glare, blurred vision, or difficulty with night driving.
Your first appointment with the consultant
During your cataract consultation, the specialist will assess your vision and examine your eyes to confirm whether cataracts are the cause of your symptoms. In this session, you’ll have the chance to discuss:
how cataracts are affecting your life
whether surgery is recommended now
what lens options may be suitable for you
and what recovery looks like.
What to bring and what to expect
On the day of your consultation, it’s a good idea to bring the following with you:
your glasses
any letters or results from your optician
a list of medications
details of allergies or medical conditions you have
someone to accompany you if you’d like support.
Meet your Rochdale care team – from consultant to nursing staff
From the consultant to the nursing team, our medical professionals will be on hand to support you on every step of your journey.
Consultant-led care during your treatment
Throughout your cataract surgery, your care will be consultant-led. Aside from having the same consultant from initial appointment to surgery, your treatment will be tailored to meet your specific needs. This will be informed by the findings from your initial consultation, where your consultant will carry out a physical examination to diagnose your particular issue. From this, a treatment plan specific to your needs will be devised.
The nursing team supporting your surgery
Our ophthalmic nursing team strives to help you feel as prepared and supported as possible. One the day of your surgery, the nursing team will:
explain what to expect on the day
administer eye drops and check observations
support you immediately after surgery
give you clear aftercare advice, including how to use your drops and what to avoid during early recovery.
What happens on the day of your cataract surgery?
If you’re feeling a bit anxious in the lead-up to your cataract surgery, that’s perfectly normal. And while we understand you can’t just reach for the ‘Anxiety Off-Switch’, we can help soothe any worries by offering some clarity around what to expect from your procedure.
Step-by-step: arriving, preparing, and surgery procedure
Upon arrival on the day of your cataract surgery, you’ll be welcomed by our Rochdale staff. They will help you prepare for surgery which only takes about 15 minutes. In rare cases, some procedures are a little more complex and therefore require more time but this is typically only half an hour more.
Cataract surgery itself is painless. You will feel pressure in the eye during surgery, but no pain due to the local anaesthetic applied. This is typically in the form of eye drops or an injection, both of which numb the eye.
The surgical procedure is typically performed as a day case on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home on the same day. After the surgery, you will be given post-operative instructions and any necessary medications.
From arrival to returning home, the whole cataract surgery process only takes between 2-3 hours.
How long the procedure takes and what you will feel
Cataract surgery is actually quite quick: it usually only takes around 15 minutes to complete and most people are able to return home about one-to-two hours later. It is done under local anaesthetic – usually with numbing eye drops or an injection. This means that, while you’ll be awake during the operation, you won’t be able to feel anything in your affected eye.
More information about surgery timings and recovery can be found in our dedicated blog:
After your cataract surgery, following good advice on aftercare is crucial for making a full recovery. The following sections detail how you should plan your recovery, from the first 24 hours to managing at home.
The first 24-48 hours after cataract surgery
In the hours following your surgery, your nursing team will give you specific instructions to follow. This is to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. It is normal to experience some mild discomfort, itching, redness and sensitivity to bright lights in the affected eye. It’s very important to avoid touching or rubbing your eye during this time.
“For many people, the most striking moment is not the day of surgery, but the day after – when colours appear brighter and everyday life feels clearer again.”
Prof Konstantinos Balaskas, Medical Director at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
Tips for managing your recovery at home
As you won’t be able to drive yourself home from the hospital, you’ll need to ask a friend or family member for help – or organise a taxi.
In the lead-up to your surgery, it’s important to start preparing your home for your recovery. For example, make sure you move any trip hazards such as wires or loose carpets – the last thing you want is to go flying as soon as you walk through your front door! Strenuous activities should also be avoided in the first few weeks, alongside gardening, swimming, or activities that may expose your eyes to contaminants.
Real patient stories from Rochdale
Take a look at what some of our past cataract surgery patients have had to say about their own experiences at our Rochdale facility.
“It has been incredible. Colours are brighter and everything is so much more detailed: it’s like life in HD. I thought my kitchen was cream, but it’s white!”
Nazia Kauser, cataract patient at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
“I had my cataracts removed from both eyes at Practice Plus in Rochdale. The care I was given by everyone involved, from consultant to nursing team to the patient services team was second to none. I will be forever grateful to everyone who looked after me and made my sight better than it has ever been!”
Margaret Clayton, cataract patient at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
Meet the cataract consultants in Rochdale
Name: Madyan Qureshi
Qualifications:
BM – Bachelor of Medicine
BMedSci – Bachelor of Medical Science
BSc – Bachelor of Science
FRCOphth – Fellowship of Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Specialities:
Cataract surgery
YAG laser treatment
Glaucoma treatment
Quote:
“I am committed to providing patients with the best care possible by delivering a holistic and compassionate approach.”
If you think you need cataract surgery in Rochdale, Practice Plus Group can help!
NHS patients Patients wishing to have their treatment via the NHS will need a referral from their optician before treatment can begin.
Private patients If you’d like to have your cataract treatment privately, consultations with our specialists are available for just £95 at a time and date that’s flexible for you. If you need treatment, this will take place just 4-6 weeks afterwards.
Frequently asked questions about cataract surgery in Rochdale
Not yet found the information you’re looking for? Maybe our cataract surgery in Rochdale FAQs can help!
How does cataract surgery work at the Rochdale centre?
Cataract surgery is usually a day-case procedure. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. You’ll have local anaesthetic and given aftercare instructions and drops before you go home.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Usually only around 15 minutes. On rare occasions, more complex cases can take up to 30 minutes.
Who performs cataract surgery in Rochdale?
At Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale, we have more than 10 consultants ready to help get your vision back on track.
Do I need a referral from my optician?
If you’re having treatment via the NHS, you’ll usually need a referral (often initiated by your optician or GP depending on local pathways). If you’re choosing private care, you can typically self-refer.
What should I expect during recovery?
You should expect your vision to be blurry. This could potentially last for up to a few weeks. For some patients, it can take up to 6 weeks to fully recover from cataract surgery.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. You’ll be given local anaesthetic in the form of eye drops or an injection that numbs the affected eye.
How soon will I notice improved vision?
This varies from patient-to-patient. Some notice an improvement within a few hours, while for others it can take a few days for any blurriness to clear. If you have any concerns about your recovery, please contact the hospital and we’ll be happy to help.
How can I book cataract surgery in Rochdale?
Private patients can get themselves booked in via:
Patients wishing to have their treatment via the NHS will need a referral from their optician to get started.
What makes the Rochdale centre staff efficient and reassuring?
Many patients value clear communication and calm, structured support. Our teams aim to:
– Explain each step in clear terms with support from translators when helpful – Provide consistent aftercare instructions – Ensure you know who to contact if you have concerns.
Acknowledgements
Mr Madyan Qureshi is a consultant ophthalmologist at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale, with a subspecialist interest in vitreoretinal surgery and cataract surgery. He holds full registration on the GMC Specialist Register and brings over a decade of ophthalmic experience to his role, having completed comprehensive training across major ophthalmology centres in the West Midlands and Yorkshire. In addition to his clinical work, Mr Qureshi is an accomplished educator and mentor. He regularly teaches medical students, junior doctors, and ophthalmic trainees, and has contributed to the development of training programmes for allied healthcare professionals.
This article was co-written by Content Specialist, James Wood. Our Content Specialist, James, has been writing articles and blogs for Practice Plus Group since 2022. He has more than a decade of experience as a copywriter within a range of different backgrounds and works closely with medical professionals to deliver information that's easy-to-read and patient-focused. When he's not writing medical pieces, James is busy playing sports or pub quizzing.
