Private cataract surgery in the UK costs from about £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 per eye for an EDOF lens and £4,300 per eye for a multifocal lens in 2026, all-inclusive. The price covers your consultant assessment, biometry scans, the day-case operation, your intraocular lens and follow-up reviews. Consultant-led private care means one named surgeon looks after you throughout. See the full breakdown on our cataract surgery cost guide.
Fast answer: what does private cataract surgery cost?
The single biggest factor in the price is the lens you choose. A monofocal lens gives excellent distance vision and starts from around £2,900 per eye; premium EDOF and multifocal lenses that reduce your need for glasses cost more. All figures below are per eye and all-inclusive at our partner clinics. For the procedure itself and lens detail, see our cataract surgery page.
Private cataract surgery cost by lens (UK 2026)
| Lens type | UK 2026 cost (per eye) | Vision |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | from £2,900 | Sharp distance; reading glasses needed |
| EDOF | around £3,796 | Distance + intermediate; fewer glasses |
| Multifocal / trifocal | around £4,300 | Near, intermediate & distance |
| Consultation | often ~£200 | May be redeemable against surgery |
| NHS | Free (monofocal) | Waiting list; no premium lenses |
Prices are per eye, so both eyes are roughly double. Toric versions to correct astigmatism are available across lens types. Most clinics offer 0% finance. Considering a clear-lens option instead? See refractive lens exchange cost.
Want a clear, all-inclusive price and a named consultant? We'll arrange a consultant-led assessment and a written quote.
Get a personalised quoteWhat's included in the price?
A genuine all-inclusive cataract price should cover the consultant assessment and biometry scans, the day-case surgery and theatre fee, your chosen intraocular lens, post-operative drops and routine follow-up reviews — usually at one week and four weeks. A YAG laser capsulotomy, if the lens capsule clouds months or years later, is normally charged separately; see YAG laser capsulotomy cost. Always ask whether the quote is per eye or for both eyes.
Why consultant-led care matters
The main advantage of paying privately is not just speed — it is continuity. With consultant-led care, a named consultant ophthalmic surgeon assesses your eyes, plans your lens, performs your operation and reviews you afterwards. You can choose your surgeon and meet them before the day. Browse our consultant surgeons to see who would look after you.
Private vs NHS cataract surgery
The NHS provides monofocal cataract surgery free of charge, but waiting times are long in many regions — see our NHS cataract waiting times guide. Paying privately buys faster treatment, a named consultant, a choice of premium lenses not offered on the NHS and same-day bilateral surgery where suitable. The right choice depends on your symptoms, lens preference and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and methodology
- 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.