Cataract surgery is one of the most common elective operations in the UK, with nearly half a million procedures carried out every year. If you are deciding between having cataract surgery on the NHS or privately, it can be difficult to know which pathway is right for you.
While the overall results of cataract surgery on the NHS are very good, the difference between private and NHS cataract surgery is a common question. This guide will break down the pros and cons of each option, helping you make the best decision for your vision and lifestyle.
Is NHS Cataract Surgery a Good Option?
The NHS delivers cataract surgery to a consistently high clinical standard, and outcomes are generally excellent. However, there are some important differences between NHS and private pathways which patients may wish to consider.
Waiting times:
NHS surgery is typically scheduled within 4–6 weeks, but in some regions, delays can extend to over 12 months.
Surgery is performed on one eye at a time, usually with a 6–12 week interval before the second procedure.
Private care often offers treatment within a week of consultation, with the option of same-day bilateral surgery where appropriate.
Lens choice:
The NHS usually provides a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL), which is optimised for distance vision. Most patients therefore continue to require spectacles for tasks such as reading and computer use.
Private patients may have access to a wider range of lenses, including toric (for astigmatism correction) and presbyopia-correcting IOLs (reducing dependency on glasses for near/intermediate tasks).
Variability by region:
Access to NHS cataract surgery can differ significantly between areas, with longer waiting lists impacting independence, driving eligibility, and day-to-day activities.
What Makes Private Cataract Surgery Different?
Private cataract surgery offers more personalised care, shorter waiting times, and a broader range of lens options designed to reduce reliance on glasses. Patients can benefit from:
- Choice of consultant. You can select your surgeon and meet them before the procedure.
- Advanced intraocular lenses which correct all areas of vision (distance, mid-range and near), including toric lenses for astigmatism, extended depth of focus (EDOF), and multifocal lenses that provide vision at multiple distances.
- Faster treatment, with many patients having their surgery within weeks rather than months. As it’s generally recommended to have cataract surgery sooner rather than later for a shorter recovery period, reduced surgery time and operative complications, and a decreased risk of significant visual impairments, faster treatment is an important benefit of private cataract surgery.
- Bilateral same day surgery in most cases. However in some cases, you and your consultant may decide to leave a week between each eye, for example in complex cases such as glaucoma.
- Comprehensive aftercare with your consultant overseeing recovery for up to one year.
NHS Cataract Surgery vs Private Cataract Surgery: Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | NHS Cataract Surgery | Private Cataract Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free for eligible patients | From £2,895 per eye (0% finance available) |
| Lens Choice | Standard monofocal lens only (usually corrects distance vision, but glasses are required for near/intermediate) | Wide choice including enhanced monofocal, toric, EDOF, and multifocal lenses to reduce or remove the need for glasses |
| Astigmatism Correction | Not routinely corrected | Toric lenses are available to correct astigmatism |
| Surgeon Choice | Assigned surgeon, often met on the day; surgery may be performed by a trainee under supervision | Patients choose their consultant surgeon and meet them in advance |
| Waiting Times | It can take several months to years, depending on local NHS demand | Treatment is often within 2–6 weeks |
| Aftercare | Discharged back to your local optometrist, soon after surgery | Comprehensive aftercare with a consultant follow-up for up to 12 months |
| Technology & Techniques | Standard cataract removal | Enhanced and advanced techniques are available with same day bilateral surgery in most cases |
| Eligibility | NHS funding criteria must be met (vision below a certain threshold) | Open to all patients suitable for lens replacement regardless of vision level |
Understanding Standard, Enhanced, and Advanced Lens Options
At Optegra, cataract surgery is always tailored to your vision goals and lifestyle. The surgery itself is the same in every case (the cataract is removed and replaced with an artificial lens), but the type of lens implant you choose will determine your visual outcome.
Standard Cataract Surgery (Available on the NHS and Privately)
Standard cataract surgery uses a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). This aims to restore distance vision, but you will still need glasses for near and intermediate tasks, such as reading or computer work.
Enhanced Cataract Surgery (Private Only)
Enhanced cataract surgery offers more flexibility. It uses toric lenses to correct astigmatism, or enhanced monofocal lenses designed to give clearer distance and intermediate vision. This often reduces the need for glasses when driving or using a computer, though glasses are still usually needed for very small print and close-up tasks.
Advanced Cataract Surgery (Private Only)
Advanced surgery involves replacing the lens with a multifocal or extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens. These lenses are designed to provide clearer vision at distance, intermediate, and near ranges – significantly reducing dependence on, or even eliminating the need for glasses.
Having Cataract Surgery on the NHS at Optegra
If you are eligible for NHS cataract surgery, you can still choose to be treated at Optegra. Simply ask your GP or optometrist to refer you to one of our hospitals as an NHS patient.
This means your surgery remains fully funded by the NHS, but you also benefit from Optegra’s dedicated eye hospitals, advanced facilities, and highly experienced consultant surgeons. You will also have access to our new drop-free cataract surgery pathway, which makes recovery simpler and more comfortable by removing the need for weeks of post-operative drops.
For many patients, this option combines the reassurance of NHS care with the specialist expertise and environment that Optegra provides.
Which Cataract Surgery Pathway is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision between NHS and private cataract surgery comes down to what matters most to you. The NHS provides excellent outcomes for patients who are comfortable wearing glasses after treatment. Private cataract surgery, on the other hand, may be preferred if you would like more choice in lenses, faster access to surgery, and the potential for greater independence from glasses.
At Optegra, we’re proud to deliver both NHS and private cataract surgery, ensuring every patient can access safe, effective treatment tailored to their needs. Book a free consultation to explore your options or ask your GP or optometrist for an NHS referral to Optegra.
By Author: Amir Hamid
Mr. Amir Hamid is Chief Medical Officer at Optegra and an expert refractive surgeon, based in London.
Medically Reviewed Date: 9th September 2025
