Private cataract surgery in Reading costs roughly £2,900–£4,300 per eye for a monofocal lens, rising to around £4,000+ for premium multifocal or toric lenses. Most self-pay patients in Berkshire are seen within 1–4 weeks, against NHS cataract waits that commonly exceed 18 weeks and, in parts of the county, a year. We run consultant-led private cataract care in Reading.
How much is private cataract surgery in Reading?
Price depends mainly on the lens implant you choose. As a 2026 guide for Reading and Berkshire:
We quote a single all-inclusive price covering the lens, surgery and pre- and post-operative reviews, in line with UK averages. An initial consultation typically costs £200–£350 and is often redeemable against treatment. See the full national breakdown on our cataract surgery cost page, or compare premium lenses such as the EDOF lens and trifocal IOL.
NHS cataract waiting times in Reading & Berkshire
NHS cataract surgery is free, but demand is high. National NHS cataract waits average around 18 weeks from referral, and several Berkshire pathways have reported waits of 6–12 months for routine cataracts. NHS eye care for the town is led by the ophthalmology department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, alongside NHS-funded independent providers. If your sight affects driving, work or safety, going private removes the wait. See our overview of NHS cataract waiting times by region.
Want a clear, all-inclusive price for cataract surgery in Reading — and the soonest date?
Get a personalised quoteWhat’s included in the price?
A transparent private cataract package should include: consultant ophthalmologist assessment and biometry, your chosen intraocular lens, the day-case surgery and theatre fee, and all routine follow-up appointments and eye-drop medication. Always check whether the quote is per eye or for both eyes, and whether your preferred lens is included. Read more about cataract surgery and the lens choices available.
How to be seen privately in Reading
You do not need a GP referral to pay privately — you can self-refer, choose your consultant and usually be assessed within days at our Reading clinic. Eye Surgery Clinic provides consultant-led private cataract care and clear written quotes across Berkshire and the wider South of England. If you do not yet have a cataract but want to reduce your dependence on glasses, ask about refractive lens exchange.