Optegra and Optical Express are both established UK providers offering private cataract surgery, and their self-pay prices vary by lens type, clinic location and current offers — so there is no single “cheaper” answer. The reliable way to compare is to get a written quote from each for the same lens and check exactly what is included. For reference, Sapphire Eye Care lists cataract surgery from £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, from £3,796 for EDOF and from £4,300 for a multifocal lens; other UK providers set their own prices, so they vary by clinic.
Comparing cataract providers in 2026
When you search for private cataract surgery you will see several national names, including Optegra and Optical Express, alongside consultant-led clinics like ours. Headline prices are tempting to compare directly, but they only tell part of the story: two quotes can look different simply because one bundles everything in and the other adds the lens, aftercare or laser follow-up separately. This guide explains what to look at so you can judge value rather than just price.
Published prices also change frequently, so we do not quote specific figures for other providers here — always confirm the current, written price directly with each clinic. For a broader view, see our guide to comparing private cataract clinic prices.
Who are Optegra and Optical Express?
Optegra is a group of dedicated eye hospitals offering cataract, refractive lens exchange and laser vision correction, with locations across the UK. Optical Express is a large nationwide provider best known for laser eye surgery, and also offering lens replacement and cataract procedures. Both treat many patients each year; the right choice for you depends less on the brand and more on the specifics of your quote and your care.
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What to compare before you choose
Still weighing it up? Our guides on whether private cataract surgery is worth it and UK vs abroad costs may help.
UK cataract cost in context
The lens you choose drives most of the price. For reference, Sapphire Eye Care’s published cataract prices are:
| Lens type | Sapphire Eye Care (from) |
|---|---|
| Monofocal IOL | from £2,900 |
| EDOF IOL | from £3,796 |
| Multifocal / trifocal IOL | from £4,300 |
See the detail in our how much does cataract surgery cost guide and the full cataract surgery price guide.
The consultant-led alternative
Both clinic groups we work with publish their prices and are consultant-led: Sapphire Eye Care lists cataract surgery from £2,900 per eye and says its surgical prices are all-inclusive, and Blue Fin Vision lists it from £4,000 per eye, excluding anaesthetist fees. Put those published figures alongside any national-chain quote, and ask each provider who will do the operation. Read more on consultant-led cataract surgery cost or find your nearest consultant.