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, all-inclusive quote from each for the same lens and check exactly what is included. As market context, private cataract surgery in the UK typically runs from about £2,500 to £4,500 per eye; our partner-clinic prices are £2,900 (monofocal), £3,796 (EDOF) and £4,300 (multifocal), all-inclusive.
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 is all-inclusive 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Published prices also change frequently, so we do not quote specific figures for other providers here — always confirm the current, written price directly with each clinic.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.
Want a straight, all-inclusive figure to compare? We’ll tell you exactly what your price covers — no add-ons.
Get an all-inclusive quoteWhat 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
Across UK providers in 2026, private cataract surgery generally falls between roughly £2,500 and £4,500 per eye, driven mainly by the lens you choose. For reference, our all-inclusive partner-clinic pricing is:
| Lens type | Our cost per eye |
|---|---|
| Monofocal IOL | £2,900 |
| Toric IOL (astigmatism) | from £3,400 |
| EDOF IOL | £3,796 |
| Multifocal / trifocal IOL | £4,300 |
See the detail in our how much does cataract surgery cost guide and the full cataract surgery price guide. Spreading the cost? See 0% cataract finance.
The consultant-led alternative
At Eye Surgery Clinic partner clinics across South England, you are cared for by one named consultant ophthalmic surgeon from consultation to final review, with all-inclusive pricing and a full range of premium lenses. If continuity of care and a transparent total price matter to you, that is worth putting alongside any national-chain quote. Read more on consultant-led cataract surgery cost or find your nearest consultant.