What type of doctor is best for cataract surgery?

An ophthalmologist is generally considered the best option for cataract surgery as they specialise in eye health and vision care.

Do you see a doctor or optician for cataracts?

If you’re seeking cataract treatment via the NHS, you will need to get a GP referral. This means you’ll need to see your GP first before you can proceed with treatment. Patients wanting to pay for their own healthcare can self-refer and book themselves in for an initial consultation. This will be with an eye specialist who will diagnose the issue and recommend a treatment plan.

How do I choose a cataract surgeon in the UK?

One word: research. Look for cataract consultants in your area who have high ratings. Ideally, they’ll have performed many cataract operations and will come highly recommended by past patients. It’s worth bearing in mind that the best consultant on paper won’t necessarily be the best for you. If you have a specific cataract condition or require a specific type of lens, look for consultants specialising in the procedure you need.

How does a consultant decide if you can have cataract surgery?

During an initial consultation, your consultant will perform a number of different tests designed to decide whether you need cataract surgery. He or she will also ask about the medical history of you and your wider family to help build a bigger picture to support their recommendation.

What is the waiting list to see a cataract consultant?

This depends on where you are in the country and whether you’re having your treatment privately or via the NHS. For example, the current waiting time for ophthalmology services at NHS Cambridge University Hospitals is 43 weeks (21 weeks for an initial consultation, 22 weeks for treatment).1 Contrast this with Practice Plus Group where the waiting time for cataract surgery is just 4-6 weeks. This is following your initial consultation which is typically available up to two weeks of your enquiry.

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Find expert cataract consultants near you

5 November 2024

Best cataract surgeons in London

If you suspect you need cataract surgery and live in London, we have a range of expert consultants all specialising in the procedure.

Cataract specialists in Kent

Do you live in the Kent area? Are you suffering from fuzzy vision caused by cataracts? Good news, we can help! Practice Plus Group has a range of experienced consultants in Gillingham, all capable of carrying out cataract treatment.

Cataract surgery consultants in the South-West

While it’s true the south-west of England covers a large area, Practice Plus Group boasts no fewer than four hospitals there. Take a look at the available cataract surgery consultants below.

Cataract surgery consultants in Bristol

There is a wide range of cataract specialists in Bristol capable of carrying out surgery to improve your vision. Take a look at the consultants available at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green.

Why should you see a cataract surgery specialist doctor?

Cataracts can be a debilitating condition, negatively impacting on your quality of life and making everyday tasks difficult. But that’s where we come in! If you’re experiencing any of the following, you should consider booking an appointment with a cataract surgery specialist:

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

Whether it’s a monofocal lens or a set of premium lenses, our consultants will be able to recommend the best type of cataract lens tailored to your needs.

How to choose the best cataract specialist near you

Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures around, so it’s unlikely you’ll struggle to find consultant ophthalmic surgeons. Boasting a range of professionals specialising in cataract procedures, it isn’t hard to find the best eye surgeon for you.

However, that isn’t to say you shouldn’t do your research beforehand. Resources such as The Royal College of Ophthalmology makes finding and choosing the best cataract surgeons near you a much more straightforward task.

“When I realised I had a cataract and needed a lens replacement, a neighbour recommended Practice Plus Group at Shepton Mallet to me, and I’m glad they did.

Everyone had a role, they knew what it was and were busy going about it in a calm and organised way.

It was a very positive experience from beginning to end.”

Mike, 70, Practice Plus Group cataract patient

Read Mike’s story

Get treated for a range of eye conditions

Not sure whether you need cataract surgery? A consultation with one of our specialists costs just £95 and will give you a diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for your issue. Private consultations are typically available within a week and are an opportunity for you to learn more about your condition and what comes next.

Our consultants specialise in a range of different types of eye surgery and treatments. So, whether you’re struggling with cataracts or need laser treatment, our eye consultants at Practice Plus Group will be able to help.

Cataract treatment options

At Practice Plus Group, our eye treatments don’t just stop at private cataract surgery. We’re proud to be able to offer a wide range of different options when it comes to cataract removal surgery. These options mainly come in the form of the lenses that are available to our patients. The list below shows the different cataract operations and eye surgeries available at our hospitals:

Cataract surgery – standard monofocal lens
Cataract surgery – enhanced monofocal lens
Cataract surgery – enhanced monofocal toric
Cataract surgery – multifocal lens
Cataract surgery – multifocal toric lens
Cataract surgery – enhanced depth of field lens
Cataract surgery – bilateral
Cataract surgery – enhanced depth of field toric lens
YAG laser capsulotomy
YAG laser capsulotomy – bilateral
Medical retinal procedures
Blocked tear duct surgery
Eyelid cyst removal
Eyelid surgery
Lower eyelid surgery
Oculoplastics

Please be aware that the above treatments may not be available at all Practice Plus Group hospital locations.

Consultant Ophthalmologist, Teresa Anthony

Teresa consultant spotlight image. Watch video with surgeon talking all things cataract surgery.

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How it works

If you think you need cataract surgery, you have a few options. Patients wishing to have their treatment via the NHS will need to get a referral from their GP to access an initial consultation with an eye specialist. Those paying for their own healthcare via self-pay do not need a GP referral.

During the initial appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history and may carry out some physical tests.

If you need cataract surgery, your initial consultation provides an opportunity for you to ask your consultant questions about your upcoming cataract procedure. From how to apply eye drops to any potential side effects, it’s a good idea to do a little preparation beforehand.

The patient journey

Once your initial consultation is over, it’s time for the next stage in your journey as a Practice Plus Group patient. If surgery was agreed as the best course of action for you, we’ll be in touch within the next few days. This is to book you in for your operation at a time that suits you.

How to pay

There are two ways to pay for cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group:

Self-pay private healthcare – this can be done in a one-off lump sum payment or via a finance plan
Private health insurance – if you already have an existing policy.

At Practice Plus Group, private cataract surgery costs range from £1,995 to £3,095 depending on the type of lens you need.

If you don’t wish to pay for your healthcare, cataract treatment is available via the NHS. You should be aware that choosing this option is likely to mean much longer waiting times for consultation and surgery.

Why choose a Practice Plus Group consultant?

At Practice Plus Group, all of our consultants are passionate about working closely with patients to provide a positive experience. Personalised care every step of the way ensures you’ll be looked after. So, whether you’re paying for yourself, using private medical insurance, or accessing healthcare via the NHS, our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control combine to provide an unforgettable patient experience. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.

Cataract surgery specialists

All our cataract surgery specialists provide personalised care on every step of your journey with us. They bring a wealth of experience and specialised knowledge to each and every patient journey, ensuring first-class healthcare for all.

Fixed pricing

At Practice Plus Group, we pride ourselves on being honest and transparent. And that goes for our pricing too. The price you see is the price you pay, with no hidden costs.

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Sources and references

¹ My Planned Care

FAQs about finding cataract and eye consultants

Not quite found what you’re looking for? Our cataract and eye consultant FAQs can help.

Find expert cataract consultants near you

Private cataract surgery at a glance

Best cataract surgeons in London

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Cataract specialists in Kent

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Cataract surgery consultants in the South-West

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