Cataract surgery is a 15–25 minute outpatient procedure that replaces the eye's clouded natural lens with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). At our partner clinics, surgery starts from £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 for EDOF, and £4,300 for multifocal IOLs. All prices include consultation, surgery, theatre, and aftercare. Both eyes can usually be treated within one week of each other, or on the same day where clinically suitable.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the coloured iris. The lens, normally clear like a window, slowly becomes opaque, scattering light as it enters the eye. Vision becomes blurred, colours fade, and bright lights produce uncomfortable glare — particularly at night when driving.
Cataracts are part of natural ageing and affect roughly half of people in the UK by age 75. They are not a disease and they are not preventable, but they are entirely treatable with surgery. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed elective operation in the world — over 450,000 procedures are carried out each year in the UK alone.
Symptoms of cataracts
- Cloudy or blurred vision — like looking through a misted window
- Glare and halos around bright lights, especially at night
- Faded colours — yellows and whites lose their crispness
- Difficulty driving at night — oncoming headlights become dazzling
- Frequent prescription changes — your optician keeps adjusting your glasses
- Double vision in one eye — even with the other eye covered
Recognise these symptoms? Cataract assessment includes biometry scans to confirm diagnosis and measure your eye for an IOL.
Book a cataract assessmentLens (IOL) options
Choosing the right intraocular lens is the most important decision in cataract surgery. The lens is permanent and determines how well you'll see — and at what distance — for the rest of your life. We offer the full range of premium lenses, and your consultant will recommend the best option based on your eye anatomy and your lifestyle.
Brand options include Alcon AcrySof, Johnson & Johnson Tecnis, Zeiss CT Lucia, and Rayner. Toric versions (which correct astigmatism) are available across all lens types from £3,400 per eye. Your consultant will explain in detail which lens family suits your prescription and lifestyle.
What happens during cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops. You stay awake, but feel no pain — only mild pressure and light. The procedure takes 15 to 25 minutes per eye, and you'll be at the clinic for around 2 to 3 hours including pre-op checks and post-op rest.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye, and the surrounding skin is cleaned with sterile solution.
- The surgeon makes a tiny 2.2–2.8mm incision at the edge of your cornea — small enough to seal itself afterwards without stitches.
- Phacoemulsification is used: a fine ultrasound probe gently breaks up the cloudy lens and removes the fragments.
- Your chosen intraocular lens (IOL) is folded and inserted through the same incision, where it unfolds and locks into place.
- The eye is shielded and you rest for 30–60 minutes before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
Most patients notice clearer vision within hours of surgery, but full healing takes about a month. Here's what to expect:
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy for a few hours. Eye shield worn for the first night. No driving, no heavy lifting. Eye drops begin.
Days 1–3
Vision begins to clear noticeably. Mild grittiness or watering is normal. Most return to gentle activities and reading.
Week 1
First post-op review. Most patients are back to driving, working, walking — no swimming or eye rubbing yet.
Weeks 2–4
Vision continues to refine. Eye drops continue. New glasses prescription (if needed) at week 4–6.
Beyond a month
Final vision is settled. Most patients describe clarity they haven't had in years. Second eye scheduled if both are being treated.
Cost & insurance
Our cataract surgery prices are all-inclusive: consultation, biometry, the surgery itself, theatre and hospital fees, your IOL of choice, post-op drops, and follow-up reviews. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: from £2,900 per eye (monofocal); £3,796 EDOF; £4,300 multifocal.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, WPA and others. We handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% for 12 months — approximately £242/month for monofocal, £358/month for multifocal.