Southampton & Hampshire · Cataract cost guide · 2026

Private cataract surgery cost in Southampton

Private cataract surgery in Southampton typically costs £2,900–£4,300 per eye depending on the lens you choose, with treatment usually within 1–4 weeks — against Hampshire NHS waits that often run 18 weeks to a year. Here’s what you’ll pay, what’s included, and how to be seen quickly at our Southampton clinic.

From £2,900per eye, monofocal lens
1–4 weekstypical private wait vs 18+ NHS
~£200–£350typical initial consultation
No GP referralneeded to go private

Private cataract surgery in Southampton 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 Hampshire 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 a consultant-led clinic in Southampton.

How much is private cataract surgery in Southampton?

Price depends mainly on the lens implant you choose. As a 2026 guide for Southampton and Hampshire:

Monofocal lens

From £2,900 per eye. Clear distance vision; reading glasses usually still needed.

EDOF / enhanced

Around £3,000–£3,800 per eye. Extended range of focus, less reliance on glasses.

Multifocal / toric

Around £3,800–£4,300+ per eye. Targets distance, intermediate and near, plus astigmatism.

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 Southampton & Hampshire

NHS cataract surgery is free, but demand is high. National NHS cataract waits average around 18 weeks from referral, and several Hampshire pathways have reported waits of 6–12 months for routine cataracts. NHS eye care in the city is led by the Eye Unit at University Hospital Southampton 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 Southampton — and the soonest date?

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What’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 Southampton

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 Southampton clinic. Eye Surgery Clinic provides consultant-led private cataract care and clear written quotes across Hampshire 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does private cataract surgery cost in Southampton?
From about £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, in line with UK averages. EDOF and multifocal/toric lenses cost more — roughly £3,000–£4,300+ per eye.
How long is the NHS cataract wait in Hampshire?
Typically around 18 weeks from referral nationally, but several Hampshire pathways report 6–12 month waits for routine cataract surgery. Private patients are usually treated within 1–4 weeks.
Do I need a GP referral to go private?
No. You can self-refer for private cataract surgery and choose your own consultant and date.
Is the price per eye or for both?
Quoted prices are normally per eye. If you need both eyes treated, ask for a combined quote — some providers offer a second-eye discount.

Get a private cataract quote for Southampton

Skip the NHS wait. We’ll match you with consultant-led private cataract care and a clear, all-inclusive price. For sudden vision loss or eye pain, seek emergency care immediately.

Updated on 29 Jun 2026