In 2026, NHS cataract surgery is free but waiting times run from a few months to well over a year depending on your region, while private cataract surgery costs from about £2,900 per eye all-inclusive and is usually done within one to two weeks. If a cataract is affecting your driving, reading or confidence, the real question is whether the wait or the cost matters more to you. See current figures on our NHS cataract waiting times guide.
Fast answer: wait or pay?
The NHS provides monofocal cataract surgery free of charge once a cataract is affecting your sight, but you may wait months and cannot choose a premium lens. Going private buys speed, a named consultant and a choice of lenses — for a self-pay cost that starts from around £2,900 per eye. Neither route is “better” for everyone; it depends on how much the wait is affecting your life and your budget.
How long is the NHS cataract wait in 2026?
NHS cataract waiting times vary widely by region and hospital. Many areas still exceed the 18-week referral-to-treatment target, and some patients wait considerably longer for a first appointment and then again for surgery on each eye. The NHS also has an eligibility threshold — your cataract usually has to affect your vision by a set amount before surgery is funded. For the latest regional picture, see our regularly updated NHS cataract waiting times guide. If you want to stay within the NHS but be seen sooner, the NHS Right to Choose pathway can sometimes help.
What does private cataract surgery cost?
Private cataract surgery is priced per eye, and the lens you choose is the main factor. As an all-inclusive 2026 guide: monofocal from £2,900, EDOF around £3,796 and multifocal around £4,300 per eye. The price covers your consultation, biometry, the day-case operation, your intraocular lens and follow-up reviews. For the full breakdown see how much private cataract surgery costs and our cataract surgery cost guide.
Don't want to wait? We'll arrange a consultant-led assessment and a clear, all-inclusive written quote.
Get a personalised quoteNHS vs private cataract surgery at a glance
| Factor | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (monofocal) | From £2,900 per eye |
| Typical wait | Months to 18+ months | Usually 1–2 weeks |
| Lens choice | Monofocal only | Monofocal, EDOF, multifocal, toric |
| Your surgeon | Allocated on the day | Named consultant throughout |
| Both eyes | Usually staged, separate waits | Same day where suitable |
| Referral | GP referral required | Self-refer, no GP letter |
Prices are per eye, so both eyes are roughly double. Most private clinics offer 0% finance, and a later YAG laser capsulotomy is charged separately if the lens capsule clouds over time. If you would rather not wait on the list, read about how to skip the NHS cataract waiting list.
How to decide
Choose the NHS if your cataract meets the funding threshold, the wait in your area is manageable and a standard monofocal lens meets your needs. Consider going private if the wait is affecting your driving, work or independence, if you want a premium lens to reduce your reliance on glasses, or if you value a named consultant and same-day treatment of both eyes. You can also meet your surgeon first — browse our consultant surgeons — or read more about the cataract surgery itself.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and methodology
- Waiting times: NHS referral-to-treatment (RTT) standards and published regional cataract waiting data; waits vary by trust and change over time.
- Pricing: indicative UK CQC-registered self-pay tariffs (2024–2026); prices vary by lens, technology and clinic.
- Clinical standards: Royal College of Ophthalmologists cataract surgery standards; NICE guidance on cataracts in adults.
- Editorial review: reviewed by a UK GMC-registered consultant ophthalmic surgeon before publication.
Independent source: Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Editorial information · this is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.