For most patients we can arrange a consultant cataract assessment within a few days and surgery in about a week — with no GP referral needed. Pricing is the same as our standard private care (from £2,900 per eye, all-inclusive, with 0% finance available), so a faster appointment carries no premium. If cataracts are affecting your driving, reading or confidence, you do not have to wait months on an NHS list.
Why the wait 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.
Going private lets you choose when to be treated. If you would rather not wait, you can explore your options to skip the NHS cataract waiting list. Prefer a slightly longer window? You can also book private cataract surgery within 2 weeks.
How to get a cataract appointment in 1 week
The pathway is simple and does not need a GP referral. Here is what to expect:
Day 0 — Enquire
Request a consultation online or by phone. Our team calls you back, usually within one working day, to book your assessment.
Days 1–3 — Consultant assessment
A consultant ophthalmologist confirms your cataract, checks eye health and performs biometry scans to measure your eye and plan your lens.
Within about 1 week — Surgery
Your day-case procedure takes 15–25 minutes per eye under local anaesthetic drops. You go home the same day.
Week 1 & Week 4 — Reviews
Follow-up appointments confirm healing. If both eyes need treatment, the second eye is scheduled.
Not sure what happens at the first appointment? Read what to expect at your consultation.
Ready to skip the wait? Request a consultation and our team 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 a faster appointment — rapid-access surgery 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. Request an appointment and our team will confirm your nearest clinic and earliest date.