Find leading specialist cataract surgeons in Bristol
Estimated reading time:
7–10 minutes
Join us as we take a deep dive on cataract surgeons in Bristol asking how to choose the right one for you, looking at the cost of private treatment, and what to expect from consultation to surgery.
Choose a cataract surgeon by checking their qualifications, professional memberships, and experience with eye procedures.
Cataract surgery can be done privately (with faster access to treatment) or via the NHS (free but with longer waiting times), with consultations including eye tests, diagnosis, and discussion of suitable lens options.
Choosing the right cataract surgeon for you
Choosing the right Bristol cataract specialist may feel a little overwhelming at first but you’ve come to the right place for help. The information featured below sets out the steps you need to take and the things to look out for when choosing the right specialist for your cataract surgery.
Qualifications and experience to look for
When looking for cataract surgeons in Bristol (or anywhere for that matter) your first port of call should be qualifications and experience. Look for consultants registered with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. This organisation sets the curriculum for ophthalmologists while the Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists represents the qualification required to become an eye consultant.
Experience is also a crucial factor. You should look out for the number of years of experience your chosen specialist has as a consultant, along with the number of eye procedures he or she performs annually. This information is available on our Bristol consultants page.
Why choose Practice Plus Group’s eye surgery specialists
The following are reasons to choose a Practice Plus Group specialist for your eye surgery:
Qualifications: all our Bristol ophthalmologists hold an MD (Doctor of Medicine) qualification alongside specialist certificates. For example, Fadi Alfaqawi holds two Fellowships to ophthalmology colleges alongside a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree
Memberships: as mentioned, our ophthalmologists often hold memberships or fellowships at prestigious organisations such as the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. These recognise their professional achievements as well as provide opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Friendly and approachable: patients should feel comfortable when in the company of their ophthalmologist. Which is why all our specialists strive to provide clear communication, the ability to listen, and demonstrate empathy to all our patients.
Meet our Bristol cataract consultants
At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, there’s no shortage of eye specialists. All bring their own expertise and specialisms in the different areas of ophthalmic care, and when it comes to cataract surgery they’re ready to help restore your vision.
Specialities: – Cataract surgery – Eyelid surgery – Anti-glaucoma treatment
Quote: “I aim to provide the best possible outcome for every patient by focusing on each individual’s needs. I pride myself on being attentive to the smallest details and am always well-prepared, approachable, and understand what people need.”
Cataract surgery in Bristol – what patients need to know
From how cataracts develop to when to seek surgery to solve the issue, the information featured below takes you through what you need to know about having cataract surgery in Bristol.
What cataracts are and how they affect vision
Cataracts are a common eye condition which often require cataract surgery and treatment. As you get older, it’s common for the lens inside your eye to gradually change and become less transparent. This can affect your ability to see clearly and is called a cataract.
Cataracts tend to get worse over time but it’s important to note the operation can be performed at any stage of cataract development. Restrictions around waiting lists and finances aside, there is no need to wait until your cataract develops to a certain stage before removing it. That being said, the majority of people choose to book their cataract treatment when the change in their vision starts to impact their quality of life. Difficulty with driving and reading often prompts action.
Choosing between NHS and private cataract surgery in Bristol
If you suspect that you have a cataract, you will need a professional eye examination. This can be carried out by your eye doctor, optician, or ophthalmologist. The way you access this examination depends on whether you’re seeking your treatment privately or via the NHS.
The table below shows the differences between accessing cataract treatment privately or via the NHS. The information in the ‘private’ column is based on what to expect from private cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green.
Private
NHS
Can you self-refer for treatment?
Yes
No
What’s the waiting time?
4-6 weeks
– 22 weeks at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust) – 25 weeks at Bristol ACES*
How much does it cost?
£1,995
Free
*Waiting times taken from My Planned Care website and accurate as of 9th March 2026
What to expect from a private cataract consultation
A cataract consultation is designed so that the consultant can decide whether or not you need to have cataract surgery. This is done via tests and questions all with the aim of arriving at an accurate diagnosis.
The information below breaks down what you can expect from a cataract consultation in Bristol.
Tests and assessments explained
Before any physical tests are performed, a nurse or healthcare assistant will ask you some questions about your eye health, along with your personal and family medical history.
Once these are done, drops will be added to your eye to dilate it in preparation for diagnostic tests. These tests will likely include measurements of your vision, eye pressure, and the eye itself to decide on the best lens to suit you. None of these tests are painful or invasive, but if you do experience any discomfort, let your consultant know immediately.
When these physical tests have been completed, your consultant will discuss with you the benefits and risks of cataract surgery.
Discussing lens options and outcomes
Private cataract surgery patients at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green can choose from a range of different lens options when it comes to their surgery. For example, if you want to improve distance vision, choosing an enhanced monofocal toric lens might be a good option. And for patients that want to have more independence from their glasses, multifocal lenses could be the best choice.
Standard intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available as standard on the NHS. These lenses provide good distance vision but do not correct pre-existing astigmatism, near, or middle-distance vision.
During your consultation, your eye specialist will help and advise when it comes to choosing the best cataract lens for you and your specific needs.
Asking the right questions at your consultation
Your initial consultation provides a great opportunity for you to ask questions about your upcoming cataract treatment. But what to ask? Below is a list of questions you might want to consider putting to your consultant.
How do I prepare for cataract surgery?
What should I avoid doing before cataract surgery?
If you’re seeking healthcare via the NHS, your treatment is free. However, that good news can come at a cost; NHS patients often face long waiting times.
Private patients will have their surgery much sooner but will need to pay for it. The information contained in the sections below set out what private patients can expect to get for their money.
Protective eyewear that may need to be worn immediately after surgery.
Finance and self-pay considerations
For Practice Plus Group patients seeking their treatment privately, there are more ways to access that treatment than simply paying via one lump sum. We offer a range of payment plans that could allow you to spread the cost of your cataract surgery across set time frames.
Our surgery payment plans are available over 12 months at 0% APR or longer-term options are available from 24-60 months at 14.9%.
FAQs about specialist cataract surgeons in Bristol
Not quite found the information you’re looking for? Our cataract surgeons in Bristol FAQs might be able to help!
How do I choose the right cataract surgeon in Bristol?
To find the right Bristol cataract surgeon for you, there are a few things you can do. You’ll need to check a consultant’s experience, their qualifications, and how many cataract procedures they carry out each year. Our Bristol consultants page allows you to see who’s available and how they could help you.
Can I choose my cataract surgeon privately?
Yes. With Practice Plus Group, you can access your cataract treatment privately. This can be done in a one-off lump sum or via our payment plans that could allow you to spread the cost of treatment over time.
How quickly can I have private cataract surgery in Bristol?
Private cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green is available just 4-6 weeks after initial consultation.
James Wood, Content Specialist
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.
