NHS Cataract Surgery
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Get Referred Today
For Free
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Cataract treatment is one of the most common procedures in the UK, offering life-changing improvements to vision and quality of life. At Optegra, this treatment is now more advanced than ever, with drop-free cataract surgery becoming our standard approach. This removes the need for post-operative eye drops, making recovery simpler and more comfortable for most patients.
Cataract surgery can be accessed either through the NHS or privately. NHS treatment is free of charge and provides high-quality care using a standard monofocal lens. Private treatment offers additional benefits, including shorter wait times, a wider choice of premium lenses, and the potential for greater freedom from glasses after surgery with vision correction. Whichever route you choose, Optegra is here to support you every step of the way.
NHS Cataract Surgery at a Glance
For NHS cataract patients at Optegra, our standard and preferred cataract surgery pathway is drop-free for suitable patients. This approach is designed to make recovery simpler, more comfortable and easier to manage at home.
As part of our standard NHS cataract surgery pathway, suitable patients do not need to use the usual course of post-operative eye drops after their procedure. This means you don’t need to worry about remembering which eye drop to take at which time of day for the four weeks following surgery, and can look forward to clear, comfortable healing with less hassle and the same exceptional results.
Your surgical day will feel just like a regular cataract procedure. You will still receive numbing eye drops before surgery and benefit from our consultant-led care. However, if you have certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, or have more complex clinical needs, your consultant may recommend standard post-operative drops instead.
Your clinical team will assess your individual needs and confirm the most appropriate approach for you. Treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by qualified professionals.
Optegra was the first eye care provider to offer drop-free cataract surgery nationwide to NHS patients, and our drop-free approach is now the standard NHS cataract surgery pathway for suitable patients across Optegra NHS hospitals.Alastair StuartMedical Director at Optegra
Thousands of NHS patients choose Optegra for their cataract surgery each year, receiving high-quality treatment in our modern, five-star clinics and hospitals. By coming to Optegra, patients have access to some of the UK’s most experienced NHS cataract surgeons, many of whom carry out a high volume of procedures with consistently excellent outcomes.
The NHS has selected Optegra as a trusted partner to deliver cataract care for several important reasons. Our nationwide network of dedicated eye hospitals is purpose-built for ophthalmic treatment, our clinical teams are specialists in their field, and our pathways are designed to maximise patient experience.
We’re proud to offer safe, effective treatment in a calm, patient-focused environment. You can also explore our wider range of cataract options, including private pathways and advanced lens choices, to suit your individual needs and lifestyle.
NHS cataract surgery waiting times vary depending on where you live. In some areas, NHS commissioning requirements mean minimum waiting periods are in place, which can result in patients waiting up to 18 weeks for treatment.
If you have been referred to Optegra and would prefer not to wait, you can access treatment sooner through our ‘Right to Sight’ package. This is a partly subsidised treatment pathway available at selected locations, designed to provide cataract surgery within four weeks of referral.
Alternatively, some patients may want to explore private cataract treatment, which offers a wider choice of lens options and greater flexibility around treatment.
If you’re experiencing cloudy or blurred vision, struggling with glare, or noticing changes in how you see colours or lights, it may be a sign of cataracts. The first step is to book an eye test with your local optician. They will examine your eyes and, if a cataract is detected, they can provide a diagnosis and discuss your referral options.
Once diagnosed, you can choose to be referred directly to Optegra for NHS cataract surgery. Many opticians already work closely with us and can send your referral straight to one of our specialist eye hospitals. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to explore private treatment options, you can contact us directly to book a free consultation.
Whether you go through the NHS or privately, our team will guide you through the next steps and ensure you receive the highest standard of care from diagnosis to treatment.
The referral process differs by location.
Once we receive your referral, you’ll be contacted by email or letter with your appointment details. We’ll also send you a health questionnaire, a registration form, and clear directions to your nearest Optegra clinic to help you feel fully prepared.
Under NHS guidelines, you have the right to choose where you receive your treatment. If you’re facing a long wait for cataract surgery in your area due to the NHS-imposed minimum waiting times, we offer a ‘Right to Sight’ package at our dedicated eye hospitals in Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and York, which guarantees treatment within 4 weeks of referral.
We’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, from referral through to recovery.
It’s easy to get access to NHS cataract treatment at Optegra. Optegra provides cataract patients across the UK with a comprehensive NHS pathway. All you need is a referral from your optician or GP. Once we receive the referral from your optician or GP, we will email or send you a letter in the post providing the full details of the appointment, a medical health questionnaire, a map with directions to the hospital, and a registration form.
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Speak to your Optometrist or GP to request your referral letter to Optegra
You have right to choose where you are treated. If you have been waiting a long time for treatment, and you would like to be treated at Optegra, you can ask your Optician or GP to refer you to Optegra.
Eligibility for NHS cataract surgery is based on how significantly your cataracts are affecting your vision and everyday life. If you’re experiencing blurred or cloudy vision, problems with glare or brightness, or finding activities such as reading, driving or recognising faces more difficult, you may be suitable for NHS treatment.
Your optometrist or GP can assess your symptoms and discuss the referral options available in your area. If you choose to be referred to Optegra, our clinical team will carry out the necessary checks to confirm that cataract surgery is appropriate for you.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or how to get started, speak to your local optometrist or GP.
Quick appointment, clean premises, clinicians, nurses reception were all good and I didn’t need to use any…
Subhash Bhatt
No eye drops post-op, made recovery a breeze. Procedure was quick, painless, and hassle-free.
HK
The dropless cataract operation is a very welcome introduction compared with the previous regime (only…
Richard Hemingway
The drop free cataract operation adapts far better than the traditional operation.
Chan May
With Optegra, I did not need to do even a single drop afterwards, it has been brilliant. I am really happy.
Linda Dukes
Treated with a new element to the procedure which meant I did not have to apply any drops. I would recommend!
Susan Moore
Surgery which eliminates the need for 4 weeks of drops (hurrah!).
Amanda Page
My right eye was done but this time eliminating the need for post op drops. Thank you Optegra.
Mark
As Optegra now give ‘drop-less’ treatment there was no need for all the after care. Highly recommend.
Jean Spragg
I would definitely recommend the drop-free surgery as it’s so convenient and hassle free without the drops.
Susan Wilson
After drop-free NHS cataract surgery, you can go home without the usual course of post-operative eye drops to manage. This makes recovery easier by removing the need to remember daily doses or physically administer drops for several weeks.
You’ll still receive clear aftercare advice and attend the appropriate follow-up appointments so your eye health professional can check your progress and make sure your eye is healing as expected.
If you’re not eligible for drop-free cataract surgery, you will be prescribed eye drops for a few weeks following treatment. We’ll explain exactly what you need to use and when, so you feel confident looking after your eyes at home.
NHS cataract surgery is very safe, and most patients don’t notice any additional side effects. Occasionally, you may see a small white spot in the lower part of your eye where the steroid was injected. This is completely normal and usually fades over time without any discomfort.
Beyond this, the usual mild post-operative effects can still occur, such as slight grittiness or blurred vision for the first few days as your eye heals. Serious complications are rare, and your consultant will talk you through what to look out for. If you have any concerns during your recovery, our team is always here to help and reassure you.
I think it’s imperative that every patient considering cataract treatment is aware of the advanced lens options available today and the enhancement to your vision that they could provide.Dr. Shafiq RehmanConsultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Optegra
There are many reasons why patients opt for Optegra to have their NHS cataract surgery:
I’ll walk out of here and in a couple of days [post-surgery] I’ll take the covers off and that’s it! I don’t have to worry about anything.Jim Hayles, July 2025NHS Drop-Free Cataract Surgery patient at Optegra
Yes, cataract surgery is free on the NHS and with a GP or Optometrist referral to Optegra.
The NHS has imposed mandatory minimum waiting times in some areas, so the waiting time on the NHS depends on where the patient resides. Patients can expect to wait anywhere from a few weeks to several months or more.
Generally, patients can fly the day after cataract surgery, however, if you plan to fly after surgery, you should seek advice from your consultant.
With NHS cataract surgery, patients get a monofocal lens. These lenses have a single point of focus, which means they are fixed for either near or distance vision. The standard lens choice for our NHS patients is the Johnson & Johnson TECNIS® Monofocal 1-Piece IOL lens, which ensures each patient is provided with sharp, high-quality vision. Optegra offers additional lens choices for patients who may want different vision options.
Yes. Drop-free is Optegra’s standard and preferred NHS cataract surgery pathway. Medication is administered during the surgery, so you don’t need to worry about administering post-operative eye drops for several weeks.
Drop-free surgery may not be suitable for everyone, including some patients with certain eye conditions or more complex clinical needs. If you are not suitable for drop-free surgery, you can have traditional cataract surgery where you are required to follow a post-op drop regime of 4-6 weeks. Your clinical team will assess your eyes and confirm which approach is most appropriate for you.
Mr Steven Naylor is an experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in cataract and lens surgery. As NHS Cataract Lead Consultant at Optegra, he plays a key role in ensuring high quality, accessible cataract care for patients across our hospitals and clinics.
Medically Reviewed Date: 15th September 2026
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