Cataract or lens-replacement surgery with a PanOptix trifocal lens costs from £4,300 per eye at our UK partner clinics — around £8,600 for both eyes, all-inclusive. A toric PanOptix (which also corrects astigmatism) is £4,500–£5,300 per eye. Every price includes your consultation, biometry scans, the surgery and theatre, the Alcon PanOptix lens itself, post-op drops and all follow-up reviews. Finance from 0% and major insurers are accepted.
What is the PanOptix trifocal lens?
PanOptix is a premium trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) made by Alcon. Unlike a standard monofocal lens — which corrects one distance only and leaves you dependent on reading glasses — PanOptix splits incoming light into three focal points: near (reading), intermediate (screens and dashboards) and distance. In Alcon's studies around 80% of PanOptix patients report never wearing glasses for any task after surgery.
It can be implanted during routine cataract surgery to replace a clouded natural lens, or as a refractive lens exchange for people over 50 who want to reduce their dependence on glasses before a cataract has formed. The procedure, recovery and safety profile are the same in both cases — only the lens choice differs.
PanOptix cost vs other lens options
The lens you choose is the biggest single factor in the price. PanOptix sits at the premium, spectacle-freedom end of the range. Here is how it compares with the standard options at our partner clinics:
If you have astigmatism, a PanOptix Toric corrects it at the same time and is priced from £4,500 to £5,300 per eye depending on the correction needed. Newer versions such as the PanOptix Pro Toric are also available. To compare the whole trifocal category — including Rayner RayOne and Zeiss AT LISA tri — see our trifocal IOL cost guide, or read whether premium lenses are worth the extra cost.
Not sure PanOptix is right for you? A consultation with biometry scans confirms whether your eyes are suitable for a trifocal lens.
Book a lens assessmentWhat happens during the procedure
PanOptix implantation is the same day-case operation as standard cataract surgery, performed under local anaesthetic eye drops. You stay awake and feel no pain — only mild pressure and light. Each eye takes 15 to 25 minutes, and you are at the clinic for around 2 to 3 hours including checks and rest.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye and the surrounding skin is cleaned with sterile solution.
- The surgeon makes a self-sealing 2.2–2.8mm incision at the edge of the cornea — no stitches needed.
- Phacoemulsification gently breaks up and removes the natural or clouded lens with an ultrasound probe.
- Your PanOptix trifocal IOL is folded, inserted through the same incision and centred in the lens capsule.
- The eye is shielded and you rest for 30–60 minutes before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
Most patients notice clearer vision within hours, but the brain takes a little longer to adapt to a trifocal lens. Full settling takes about a month:
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy for a few hours. Eye shield worn for the first night. No driving or heavy lifting. Eye drops begin.
Days 1–3
Vision begins to clear. Mild grittiness or watering is normal. Halos around lights at night are common early on and usually fade.
Week 1
First post-op review. Most patients are back to reading, screens and driving — no swimming or eye rubbing yet.
Weeks 2–4
Vision refines and the brain adapts to the three focal points. Night-time halos continue to reduce. Second eye scheduled if needed.
Beyond a month
Final vision is settled. Most PanOptix patients read, use a screen and drive without glasses.
A small number of patients later develop posterior capsule opacification, treated with a quick YAG laser. If both eyes need treatment, our second-eye pricing applies to the fellow eye.
What's included in the price
PanOptix cataract surgery at our partner clinics is all-inclusive — there are no hidden extras:
- Self-pay: from £4,300 per eye (PanOptix trifocal); £4,500–£5,300 per eye with a toric PanOptix; around £8,600 for both eyes.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, WPA and others — we handle authorisation. Premium lenses may need a top-up.
- Finance: 0% over 12 months — approximately £358 per eye per month — or longer low-APR plans.
Compare against a standard EDOF lens, the wider cost of private cataract surgery, or the monofocal vs multifocal choice. If you are NHS-listed, an NHS premium-lens top-up may reduce the cost. Ways to spread payment are on our finance page and our 0% cataract finance guide.