To compare private cataract surgery clinic prices fairly, compare all-inclusive quotes like for like: the same lens type, and a price that already covers the consultant, biometry scans, theatre, the operation, your intraocular lens, post-op drops and follow-up. Most UK clinics start from around £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens in 2026, with premium EDOF and trifocal lenses costing more. The cheapest headline figure is not always the cheapest overall - a low quote that excludes scans, aftercare or your chosen lens can end up dearer than an all-inclusive one. Judge value on what is included and who is doing the surgery, not on the biggest number in the advert.
Why comparing on price alone can mislead
Cataract surgery is priced by the lens you choose and by what the clinic bundles into the fee. Two clinics can advertise very different "from" prices and still cost the same once you add back the parts one of them left out. A genuinely low all-inclusive price is good value; a low headline price that grows at every step is not.
Price also should not be read in isolation from quality. The consultant's judgement over your lens choice, and continuity of aftercare, shape your result far more than a £100 difference in the quote. For the clinical background, see our cataract surgery page and the national how much is private cataract surgery guide.
What an all-inclusive cataract price should include
Before you compare two quotes, check that each one covers all of the following. If any item is extra, add it back before you judge which is cheaper:
Our cataract pricing is all-inclusive of every item above - see the full breakdown on our cataract surgery prices page.
How to compare clinic quotes like for like
Follow these steps to put two or more clinics on the same footing:
- Match the lens type. Compare a monofocal quote with a monofocal quote, and a trifocal with a trifocal - the lens is the biggest price driver, so mismatched lenses make quotes meaningless. Compare monofocal versus multifocal lenses first.
- Check per-eye versus both-eyes. Some prices are per eye, some for both. For two eyes, see our both-eyes cataract cost guide.
- Add back any extras. If scans, follow-ups, drops or the premium-lens upgrade are charged separately, add them to the headline before comparing.
- Confirm who operates. Check the price is for a named GMC-registered consultant, and that the same surgeon provides your aftercare.
- Weigh finance and insurance. A 0% finance plan or accepted insurer can matter more than a small price gap - see finance options.
- Be wary of very low overseas quotes. Read our cataract surgery abroad versus UK comparison before travelling for treatment.
Our consultant ophthalmic surgeons are all GMC-registered specialists - Mr Andrew Luff, Mr Vaughan Tanner, Mr Nish Srikantha, Mr Andre Litwin and Miss Heather Baldwin - and your quoted price is for a named surgeon who stays with you through aftercare.
Want a clear, all-inclusive cataract quote? Book an assessment with a named GMC-registered surgeon and get one transparent price - no obligation to proceed.
Request a consultationQuestions to ask before you compare on price
- Is this quote all-inclusive of scans, theatre, my lens, drops and follow-up?
- Is the price per eye or for both eyes?
- Which lens does the quote assume - monofocal, EDOF or trifocal?
- Who is my named consultant, and are they on the GMC Specialist Register?
- Will the surgeon who assesses me also perform my surgery and aftercare?
- Do you accept my insurer, and is 0% finance available?
Private cataract surgery prices in 2026
Transparent pricing is itself a quality signal, and lets you compare clinics fairly. Typical UK self-pay starting prices at our partner clinics:
- Monofocal lens: from £2,900 per eye, all-inclusive - both eyes from £5,800.
- EDOF lens: from around £3,796 per eye for a wider range of focus.
- Trifocal lens: from around £4,300 per eye - see the trifocal lens cost guide.
- Finance: 0% options are widely available - see finance options.
For a wider view of quality across the region, see our guides to the best private eye hospital in the South of England and how to choose the best private eye surgery clinic near you.