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Cataract treatment is one of the most common surgery types performed in the UK. Patients who require the surgery can opt to have it done via the NHS, or privately at their own expense. Each option has its own benefits – for example, basic cataract surgery on the NHS is free of charge for the patient but going private means having more options on lens choice and freedom from spectacles post-surgery with advanced options available to reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
Thousands of NHS patients use Optegra to have their NHS cataract surgery at one of our five-star clinics and hospitals. This means patients can use one of our many renowned NHS cataract surgeons who have a track record of delivering high volumes of cataract treatments with excellent outcomes.
The NHS has selected Optegra as a partner to deliver first-class cataract surgery for their patients for several reasons. We have several clinics and eye hospitals nationwide that are ideally equipped to carry out treatment. Our top five surgeons alone have conducted over a hundred thousand cataract surgeries to date, and patients benefit from short waiting times (typically between 4 to 6 weeks).
Discover our full range of treatment options here.
Drop-free cataract surgery is an advanced option that eliminates the need for post-operative eye drops after your procedure. During the surgery, a small, slow-releasing steroid is carefully (and painlessly) injected into the lower part of your eye. This provides all the anti-inflammatory support you would normally get from eye drops. This means you don’t need to worry about remembering which eye drop to take at which time of day for the 4 weeks post-surgery.Â
Your surgical day will feel just like a regular cataract procedure. You will still receive numbing eye drops before surgery and benefit from our usual first class consultant-led care. The only difference is that once the surgery is complete, there is no drop regimen to follow afterwards. Drop-free cataract surgery simplifies your recovery. However, if you have certain eye conditions, like glaucoma, your consultant may recommend the standard post-op drops instead.
With drop-free cataract surgery at Optegra, you can look forward to clear, comfortable healing with less hassle and the same exceptional results.
After drop-free cataract surgery, you can go home knowing there are no eye drops to manage. You’ll still come in for your regular follow-up appointments so your optometrist can check on your progress and make sure your eye is healing as expected. The recovery is simple and stress-free, and most patients value the convenience of not having to use drops at home.
I understand that previously drops were always administered to keep the eye free from bacteria. And it has all been explained to me that they do a steroid injection in the eye. So that is amazing. It saves about four weeks of drops and remembering to do them. It avoids all that inconvenience, so I couldn’t be happier.Maria Walmsey, 78 Read the full story
Drop-free cataract surgery is suitable for most patients, but if you have certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, or if your surgery is more complex, your consultant may recommend the standard post-op drop routine instead. In either case, you’ll receive expert guidance and care every step of the way.
Drop-free 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.
At Optegra, we’re proud to offer drop-free cataract surgery at our Hampshire, Surrey, and Manchester eye hospitals, with more of our hospitals offering this treatment soon.Â
Our experienced consultants will take you through what to expect at every stage. If you’re looking for a quicker, easier recovery with the same outstanding results, our specialist clinics are here to help. Get in touch to learn more and arrange a free consultation.
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 Rehman
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Optegra
A cataract develops when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Signs of cataracts include blurred vision and loss of vision, fading of colours, light sensitivity (glare), and difficulty with night vision. Cataract sufferers may also experience symptoms like headaches, prescription changes, and poor depth perception. Â
Our NHS referral system is simple to use. Patients require only a referral from their GP or optician. Once Optegra receives the referral, we will email or letter you with your appointment details, an important health questionnaire, a registration form, and directions to your nearest clinic.
The NHS allows you the right to be treated where you like – it means that if you have a long waiting time for your NHS cataract surgery elsewhere, you can opt to be treated at Optegra and reduce your waiting time. Learn more about preparing for your cataract surgery.
The NHS cataract surgery waiting lists have grown significantly in recent years. Patients can wait several weeks to months to have their cataract surgery. Of course, it can be very difficult to wait so long for surgery, which means getting an NHS referral to one of our clinics for treatment can be very beneficial. Alternatively, some patients may want to explore private cataract treatment.
The NHS provides cataract surgery to patients whose conditions impact eyesight and quality of life. Cataracts usually worsen over time, and corrective surgery is the only option for treatment.
Optegra offers NHS cataract surgery at several locations nationwide. These locations include:
NHS patients who live in these areas can be referred to Optegra for their cataract surgery.
Optegra also has additional diagnostic centres available for patients to have NHS cataract treatments available locally. These locations include:
There are many reasons why patients opt for Optegra to have their NHS cataract surgery:
Learn more about our world-renowned cataract surgeons.
Yes, cataract surgery is free on the NHS and with a GP or Optometrist referral to Optegra.
The waiting time on the NHS depends on the area in which the patient resides. Patients can expect to wait from several weeks to several months or more in areas where waiting lists are growing.
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 usually get a monofocal lens. These lenses have a single point of focus, which means they are fixed for either near or distance vision. Optegra offers additional lens choices for patients who may want different vision options.
Mr. Amir Hamid is Chief Medical Officer at Optegra and an expert refractive surgeon, based in London.
Medically Reviewed Date: 2nd July 2025
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