Private cataract surgery for Cardiff patients typically costs £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 for an EDOF lens and £4,300 for a multifocal lens in 2026, all-inclusive of consultation, biometry, the operation, theatre, the intraocular lens and follow-up reviews. Toric lenses to correct astigmatism are available across the range from around £3,400 per eye. The NHS funds monofocal cataract surgery only, and NHS Wales waiting times remain long in many health boards, so private treatment is chosen for faster access (typically 1–6 weeks), choice of premium lens and continuity of consultant care. Most patients are treated as a day case under local anaesthetic and go home the same day.
Cardiff cataract surgery price table (UK 2026)
| Lens / option | UK 2026 price (per eye) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal IOL | From £2,900 | Excellent distance vision; reading glasses still needed |
| EDOF IOL | £3,796 | Smooth distance and intermediate; reduced glasses use |
| Multifocal / trifocal IOL | £4,300 | Greatest spectacle independence including near vision |
| Toric uplift (astigmatism) | From £3,400 | Corneal astigmatism > 0.75 D |
| Both eyes (bilateral, monofocal) | From £5,800 total | Most patients treat both eyes within 1–2 weeks |
| YAG laser capsulotomy (if needed later) | From £550 single eye | Treats clouding behind the lens (PCO) |
Prices are UK 2026 self-pay and all-inclusive (consultant surgeon, theatre, anaesthetic, the chosen IOL, biometry, pre-op assessment, post-op drops and 1-week and 4-week reviews). Cardiff patients are seen at our South England partner clinics; some patients combine treatment with a short stay, while others use this guide to compare local options. Final pricing is confirmed in a written quotation after your consultation.
What is included in the all-inclusive fee?
- Consultant ophthalmic surgeon — a named GMC-registered consultant who performs your surgery and reviews.
- Pre-operative assessment — visual acuity, refraction, slit-lamp examination, dilated fundus check and optical biometry to select the correct IOL power.
- The intraocular lens — your chosen monofocal, EDOF or multifocal IOL, with a toric version where astigmatism needs correcting.
- Theatre and anaesthetic — day-case theatre under local anaesthetic eye drops.
- Post-operative drops and a protective shield for the first night.
- Follow-up reviews at one week and four weeks, with a final refraction for any new glasses prescription.
Want a firm price for your eyes? A consultation with full biometry gives you lens-neutral advice and a written all-inclusive UK 2026 quotation.
Book your consultationWhich lens should you choose?
The intraocular lens is the most important decision in cataract surgery, because it determines how well — and at what distances — you will see for the rest of your life. Monofocal lenses give crisp distance vision but you will need reading glasses. EDOF lenses extend the focus to cover distance and intermediate (driving, dashboard, computer) with the cleanest visual quality of the premium lenses. Multifocal and trifocal lenses add near vision for the greatest freedom from glasses, accepting some halos at night.
Read the detail in our monofocal vs multifocal lens choice guide, EDOF lens cost and trifocal IOL cost pages, or see the full cataract surgery prices.
NHS Wales vs private cataract surgery
In Wales, cataract surgery is provided free on the NHS using monofocal lenses, but waiting times vary considerably between health boards and many patients wait several months from referral to treatment. Private treatment is chosen when:
- Speed matters — private patients are typically assessed and treated within 1–6 weeks.
- You want a premium lens — EDOF and multifocal IOLs are not routinely offered on the NHS.
- Continuity of care — one named consultant from consultation through to your final review.
- Symptoms are affecting daily life — night driving, reading or work.
You can check current NHS waits on our NHS cataract waiting times in Wales page.
Insurance cover
Most UK private medical insurers — Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA — cover cataract surgery with pre-authorisation. Where you choose a premium EDOF or multifocal lens, the insurer typically pays the cost of a standard cataract operation and you pay the lens-upgrade top-up. We handle authorisation for you. See our information for insured patients and our guide to how private medical insurance covers cataract surgery.
Finance options
Spreading the cost makes premium lenses more accessible. We offer 0% finance over 12 months on cataract surgery, with longer interest-bearing plans also available. As a guide, monofocal surgery at £2,900 per eye is approximately £242 per month over 12 months at 0%. See our finance page for full details and representative examples.
Frequently asked questions
How much does private cataract surgery cost for Cardiff patients in 2026?
Private cataract surgery typically costs from £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 for an EDOF lens and £4,300 for a multifocal lens in 2026, all-inclusive of consultation, biometry, surgery, theatre, the intraocular lens and aftercare. Toric lenses for astigmatism are available from around £3,400 per eye, and both eyes (monofocal) start from £5,800 in total.
Is private cataract surgery worth it compared with NHS Wales?
It depends on your priorities. The NHS provides monofocal cataract surgery free of charge, but waits in Wales can run to several months. Private treatment offers faster access (typically 1–6 weeks), the choice of premium EDOF and multifocal lenses not offered on the NHS, and continuity of consultant care. If symptoms are affecting your driving, reading or work, many patients feel the speed and lens choice are worthwhile.
What is included in the price?
The all-inclusive fee covers the consultant surgeon, pre-operative assessment and biometry, theatre and anaesthetic, your chosen intraocular lens, post-operative drops and your 1-week and 4-week reviews. There are no hidden extras; your written quotation confirms everything before you commit.
Can both eyes be treated?
Yes. Most patients have both eyes treated, usually within one to two weeks of each other, or on the same day where clinically suitable. Bilateral monofocal surgery starts from around £5,800 in total.
Will I need glasses after surgery?
It depends on your lens. A monofocal lens gives excellent distance vision but you will need reading glasses. EDOF and multifocal lenses reduce — and often eliminate — the need for glasses across more distances. Your consultant will recommend the best lens for your eyes and lifestyle.
Do you offer finance?
Yes. We offer 0% finance over 12 months, with longer interest-bearing options available. Monofocal surgery at £2,900 per eye works out at approximately £242 per month over 12 months at 0%. See our finance page for representative examples.
This guide is compiled from UK 2026 self-pay cataract tariffs at our partner clinics, NICE NG77 (Cataracts in adults: management), Royal College of Ophthalmologists cataract commissioning standards and published NHS Wales waiting-time data. Reviewed by a UK GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist with a cataract and refractive subspecialty. Last updated June 2026. Prices are inclusive of consultant, theatre, lens, biometry and aftercare unless stated otherwise.