Private FLACS Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery UK | From £3,500 per eye

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) uses a computer-guided laser to carry out the most delicate steps of cataract surgery — the corneal incisions, the circular opening in the lens capsule (capsulotomy) and softening of the cataract — before the lens is removed and an intraocular lens implanted. At our partner clinics FLACS starts from £3,500 per eye with a monofocal lens, rising with premium lens choices. It is a 15–25 minute day-case procedure under anaesthetic drops, and the laser precision is particularly valuable when a toric or premium lens needs exact positioning.

What is laser cataract surgery?

In standard cataract surgery, the surgeon makes the incisions and the capsule opening by hand and uses ultrasound (phacoemulsification) to break up the cataract. In FLACS, a femtosecond laser performs several of these steps first, guided by a detailed 3D image of your eye.

The laser creates the corneal incisions, makes a precisely centred and perfectly circular capsulotomy, and pre-softens the cataract so less ultrasound energy is needed inside the eye. The surgeon then completes the operation and implants your chosen intraocular lens. The aim is greater consistency and reproducibility, particularly for premium-lens patients where lens centration matters most.

Laser vs standard cataract surgery

FLACS is an upgrade on standard phacoemulsification rather than a different operation. Both are extremely safe and effective; the laser adds precision to specific steps. Compare the options below, priced per eye and all-inclusive.

Laser

FLACS (laser)

£3,500

per eye, with monofocal IOL

Laser incisions & capsulotomy
Cataract pre-softened by laser
Precise, reproducible steps
Ideal for premium lenses

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Standard

Manual phaco

From £2,900

per eye, with monofocal IOL

Surgeon-made incisions
Ultrasound lens removal
Excellent, proven outcomes
The most common technique

Cataract cost

Laser + premium

FLACS + premium IOL

From £5,000

per eye, all-inclusive

Laser precision plus a multifocal or EDOF lens
Best lens centration
Greatest spectacle freedom
For premium-lens patients

Lens prices

FLACS pairs well with other modern options including AI biometry for lens calculation, same-session bilateral surgery and dropless cataract surgery. Your consultant will advise whether the laser adds meaningful value in your eyes.

Wondering if laser cataract surgery is worth it for you? A consultation includes biometry and an honest view on whether FLACS will benefit your specific eyes and lens choice.

Book a cataract assessment

What happens during FLACS

FLACS is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops as a day case. You stay awake but feel no pain. The laser stage is quick and painless, and the whole procedure takes 15 to 25 minutes per eye.

Numbing drops are placed in your eye and a 3D scan maps the eye for the laser.
The femtosecond laser creates the corneal incisions and a precisely centred circular capsulotomy.
The laser pre-softens the cataract, reducing the ultrasound energy needed inside the eye.
The surgeon removes the softened lens by phacoemulsification and implants your chosen IOL.
The eye is shielded and you rest briefly before going home the same day.

Recovery week-by-week

Recovery after FLACS is the same as standard cataract surgery — most patients notice clearer vision within hours, with full healing over about a month. See our detailed cataract recovery timeline for more.

Day of surgery

Vision is hazy for a few hours. Eye shield worn for the first night. No driving or 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 and working — 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. Second eye scheduled if both are being treated.

Cost & what's included

Our FLACS pricing is all-inclusive per eye: consultation, biometry, the laser and surgery, theatre and hospital fees, your IOL of choice, post-op drops and follow-up reviews. There are no hidden extras.

FLACS with monofocal IOL: from £3,500 per eye, all-inclusive.
FLACS with premium (EDOF/multifocal/toric) IOL: from around £5,000 per eye depending on lens.
Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA — we handle authorisation.
Finance: 0% finance available, spreading the cost over 12 months.

For the full breakdown see our femtosecond laser cataract cost page, the standard cataract surgery cost or premium implant lens prices.

Frequently asked questions

What is femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS)?

FLACS uses a computer-guided femtosecond laser to perform several key steps of cataract surgery — the corneal incisions, the circular opening in the lens capsule and softening of the cataract — before the surgeon removes the lens and implants an intraocular lens. The goal is added precision and consistency.

Is FLACS better than standard cataract surgery?

Both standard phacoemulsification and FLACS are very safe with excellent outcomes. FLACS adds laser precision to specific steps, which can be particularly useful for premium and toric lenses where exact capsule and lens positioning matters. For many straightforward cataracts, standard surgery gives equally good results.

How much does FLACS cost in the UK?

At our partner clinics FLACS starts from £3,500 per eye with a monofocal lens, all-inclusive of consultation, biometry, the laser, surgery, the lens and aftercare. Combined with a premium EDOF, multifocal or toric lens, the cost is from around £5,000 per eye.

Who benefits most from laser cataract surgery?

Patients choosing a premium or toric intraocular lens often benefit most, because the laser creates a precisely centred capsulotomy that helps the lens sit accurately. It can also help in eyes with certain anatomical features. Your consultant will advise whether the laser adds real value in your case.

Is laser cataract surgery available on the NHS?

The NHS generally provides standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery with a monofocal lens, not femtosecond laser surgery or premium lenses. FLACS is typically a private, self-pay or insured option, which is why patients seeking laser precision or premium lenses choose private treatment.

Private FLACS femtosecond laser cataract surgery in the UK