A cancellation appointment is a slot that opens up when another patient reschedules. Ask to join our short-notice list and, when a place frees up, we call you to offer an earlier consultation or surgery date - often within days. There is no premium for taking a cancellation slot: pricing is the same as our standard private care (from £2,900 per eye, all-inclusive, with 0% finance), and no GP referral is needed. If cataracts are affecting your driving, reading or confidence, this is one of the quickest ways to be seen.
Why being seen sooner matters
Cataracts get gradually worse, and while they are rarely an emergency, living with cloudy, glare-filled vision affects driving, reading, hobbies and confidence - sometimes for many months. NHS cataract waits in much of the UK still frequently run beyond 18 weeks, and in some areas considerably longer. See our up-to-date guide to the NHS 18-week cataract wait and private costs in 2026.
A cancellation appointment lets you jump to the front when a slot opens. If you would rather not wait at all, you can also explore your options to skip the NHS cataract waiting list, or simply book private cataract surgery within 2 weeks.
How a cataract cancellation appointment works
The pathway is simple and does not need a GP referral. Here is what to expect:
Step 1 - Enquire & join the short-notice list
Request a consultation and tell our team you would like to be called if an earlier slot frees up. We note your preferred clinics and the days you can attend.
Step 2 - We call when a slot opens
When another patient reschedules, we phone you with the freed-up date. Because these slots are short-notice, being ready to attend within a day or two helps.
Step 3 - Consultant assessment
A consultant ophthalmologist confirms your cataract, checks eye health and performs biometry scans to measure your eye and plan your lens.
Step 4 - Surgery & reviews
Your day-case procedure takes 15-25 minutes per eye under local anaesthetic drops, and you go home the same day. Reviews at one week and four weeks confirm healing.
Not sure what happens at the first appointment? Read what to expect at your consultation.
Want to be first in line for a cancellation? Request a consultation and ask to join our short-notice list - we will call you back within one working day.
Request a consultationLens options
Cataract surgery replaces your clouded natural lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Your choice of lens determines how well - and at what distances - you will see afterwards.
Learn more about how cataract surgery works and your full range of implant lens options.
Cost & finance
There is no premium for taking a cancellation slot - a short-notice appointment costs the same as our standard private pricing:
- Self-pay: from £2,900 per eye (monofocal); £3,796 EDOF; £4,300 multifocal/trifocal.
- Insurance: recognised by major UK insurers - we handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% APR plans spread the cost over 12-24 months.
See the full breakdown on our cataract surgery cost guide.
Where you can be treated
We offer consultant-led cataract surgery at clinics across the South of England. The more flexible you can be on location and dates, the more likely a cancellation slot will suit you. Request an appointment and our team will confirm your nearest clinic and earliest available date. If you would prefer everything done in a single visit, ask about our one-stop same-day cataract surgery.