Private cataract surgery self-referral — no GP needed

You do not need a GP referral to have private cataract surgery in the UK. You can self-refer directly to a consultant ophthalmic surgeon — book a consultation yourself, have your cataracts assessed with biometry scans, and go ahead with treatment from £2,900 per eye (monofocal IOL, all-inclusive). Self-pay patients need no letter from a GP; only some private medical insurers ask for a referral, so check your policy first.

Self-referring for private cataract surgery

On the NHS, cataract surgery usually begins with a visit to your GP or optician, who refers you into the hospital system — where waits of six to eighteen months are common in many regions. Privately, that step is optional. As a self-pay patient you can go straight to a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, choose your own appointment time, and keep the same named surgeon from consultation through to your follow-up reviews.

Self-referral is ideal if your optician has mentioned early cataracts, if your vision is affecting driving or reading, or if you simply want to be seen quickly without waiting for a GP appointment. It is the same consultant-led care, just reached more directly.

Do you need a GP referral?

• Self-pay: no GP referral needed. Book a consultation directly and you will be assessed by a consultant.
• Optician recommendation: helpful but not required — bring any recent sight-test or OCT results if you have them.
• Private medical insurance: some insurers (for example when pre-authorising a claim) ask for a GP or optometrist referral letter. Check your policy wording before booking.

For more detail on going ahead without a GP letter, see our guide to private cataract surgery without a GP referral, and whether your optician can refer you.

How to self-refer, step by step

1. Request a consultation online or by phone — tell us briefly about your symptoms and any recent eye tests. No GP letter required.
2. Attend your consultation with a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, who examines your eyes and performs precise biometry scans to measure them for an intraocular lens.
3. Choose your lens and receive a clear, all-inclusive written quote — no hidden extras.
4. Have your day-case surgery, typically one to three weeks later, under local anaesthetic drops. You go home the same day.
5. Attend your reviews at one week and four weeks to confirm healing and finalise any new glasses prescription.

In a hurry? Ask about a fast appointment within one week, or start with a free online consultation.

Lens (IOL) options

Choosing the right intraocular lens is the most important decision in cataract surgery. Your consultant recommends the best option for your eyes and lifestyle.

Considering a lens swap purely to reduce your glasses dependence rather than for cataracts? That is refractive lens exchange, which follows the same self-referral route.

Cost of self-referred cataract surgery

Self-referring does not change the price — our cataract surgery prices are always all-inclusive: consultation, biometry, the surgery, theatre and hospital fees, your IOL of choice, post-op drops and follow-up reviews.

• Self-pay: from £2,900 per eye (monofocal); £3,796 EDOF; £4,300 multifocal.
• Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA and others — see insurance-covered cataract surgery.
• Finance: 0% for 12 months — roughly £242/month for monofocal. See 0% cataract finance.

For the full breakdown see how much private cataract surgery costs and our cataract surgery price guide.

Frequently asked questions