By Author: Amir Hamid
Mr. Amir Hamid is Chief Medical Officer at Optegra and an expert refractive surgeon, based in London.
Medically Reviewed Date: 19th August 2025
Who Can Have Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures in the UK, restoring clearer vision for thousands of people each year. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and your sight is affecting daily activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces, you may be eligible for treatment. At Optegra, we provide consultant-led care for both NHS and private patients, helping you understand whether surgery is right for you and which treatment pathway best suits your needs.
Am I Eligible for Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is suitable for most adults who have been diagnosed with cataracts, especially if the condition is affecting daily life. At Optegra, we assess your eligibility by looking at your overall eye health, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences for vision correction.
If you have noticed cloudy or blurred vision, problems with glare, or difficulty reading, driving, or recognising faces, you may benefit from surgery. Our consultants will carry out a detailed eye examination to check the severity of your cataracts and rule out any other eye conditions that may need treatment first.
For NHS patients, eligibility is based on specific criteria, usually whether your cataracts are significantly impacting your vision and daily activities . For private patients, there are no strict thresholds, meaning you can choose to have surgery at an earlier stage, with the added option of advanced lenses for vision correction to reduce or remove the need for glasses and/or contact lenses.
Whether you choose NHS or private treatment, we will make sure you understand every option available to you, including our drop-free cataract surgery pathway for a simpler recovery.
What Is The Average Age For Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is often associated with older patients, as cataracts most commonly develop in people over 60. However, the procedure is available for adults of all ages. Cataracts can appear earlier in life due to factors such as genetics, previous eye injury, long-term medication use, or medical conditions like diabetes.
At Optegra, we have extensive experience treating patients from young adulthood through to their 90s, with care tailored to each individual’s needs and health profile. The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, making it safe and well-tolerated. Our goal is always the same, to restore clear vision and help you get back to living life without the limitations cataracts can cause.
Luke Hubbard was just 37 when he got cataracts, experiencing a rapid decline in his vision over the course of just 2 weeks. It is believed that the steroids he had taken for a chest infection a few months prior may have been the cause, as he is otherwise healthy and doesn’t smoke. He was referred to Optegra Eye Clinic Leicester where he had a thorough eye assessment and following the expert care of our staff and successful cataract surgery, Luke now has clearer vision. Read his full story.
Who Cannot Have Cataract Surgery?
While cataract surgery is suitable for most people, there are a few circumstances where it may not be recommended. These include:
- Severe eye disease where replacing the lens would not improve vision.
- Uncontrolled eye conditions, such as unstable eye pressure due to glaucoma.
- Medical reasons where surgery may pose significant risks.
Your consultant will explain if any additional treatment is needed before surgery, or if cataract removal is unlikely to help your vision.
NHS vs Private Eligibility
NHS cataract surgery is available if your vision is affecting daily life, and you meet the referral criteria set by your local NHS provider. Waiting times can vary, but at Optegra, NHS patients can often be treated in as little as 4–6 weeks.
Private cataract surgery is available without the same eligibility restrictions, meaning you can have treatment at any stage once cataracts are diagnosed. You will also have a wider choice of premium lens options, designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses, and access to our drop-free cataract surgery pathway for a simpler recovery.
If you think you may be ready for cataract surgery, the first step is to have a diagnosis from your GP or optician. Once you have this, you can be referred directly to Optegra for either NHS or private treatment. Our experienced team will guide you through every stage, ensuring you have clear information and feel confident in your decision.
