Meet the Consultant: Mr Pedro Muel-Gonzalez

With a lifelong dedication to ophthalmology and over 15 years’ of international experience, Mr Pedro Muel-Gonzalez brings surgical precision and patient-centred care to his role as a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Optegra. In this edition of our Meet the Consultant Series, he shares his unique journey into the speciality and details the practical benefits Optegra offers to patients, including our commitment to high-quality NHS cataract surgery.

A Family Legacy: From Childhood Observation to Consultant

For Mr Muel-Gonzalez, the journey into eye health isn’t just a career path – it’s a lifelong passion sparked in childhood.

“I’ve been surrounded by ophthalmology since I was a baby,” Mr Muel-Gonzalez reveals. “My father is an ophthalmologist, and he sparked my passion for the speciality at a very young age. I still remember accompanying him to his private practice (both to clinic and to theatre), so in many ways, my interest in eye health goes all the way back to the 1980s!”

This early exposure cemented a dedication that led him to start his residency in Bilbao, Spain, in 2009, before completing a sub-specialist Fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery in Dublin. While gaining extensive experience in both oculoplastics and complex cataract surgery, he found a profound appreciation for the life-changing impact of vision restoration.

After moving to the UK in 2014, Mr Muel-Gonzalez chose to join Optegra in 2023, drawn specifically by a shared ethos. “I was immediately drawn by Optegra’s strong focus on delivering truly personalised, patient-centred care,” he explains. “That commitment to the individual, combined with the focus on improving efficiency in NHS cataract services, felt like the perfect opportunity for the next chapter in my career.”

Optegra’s Benefits for NHS Patients

While NHS cataract waiting times can stretch anywhere from 8 to 18+ weeks, Optegra actively works to offer quicker, more comfortable access to care.

“Choosing an independent provider like Optegra offers several clear advantages for NHS patients. Waiting times are often significantly shorter, allowing you to have your surgery sooner while still receiving the same NHS-funded care,” Mr Muel-Gonzalez advises.

He notes that Optegra clinics are dedicated exclusively to eye surgery, offering a streamlined experience, modern facilities, and teams highly focused on performing cataract procedures daily. Crucially, by choosing Optegra, patients also help reduce pressure on local NHS hospitals.

Phacoemulsification for Cataract Precision

A great surgeon needs great tools, and Mr Muel-Gonzalez’s favourite equipment is central to his craft: the phacoemulsification system.

“It’s difficult to choose just one piece of technology, because we really do have state-of-the-art equipment. But if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the phacoemulsification system and the operating microscope,” he confirms. “These instruments allow us to work with extraordinary precision. Performing cataract surgery has become more than just a profession for me; it’s almost a hobby that I genuinely enjoy.”

This technology is the gold standard, allowing the surgeon to remove the cloudy lens through a minimally invasive incision, resulting in quicker healing and better visual outcomes for the patient.

Cataract Prevention: How Long Do Surgery Results Last?

Cataracts are a natural part of ageing, but Mr Muel-Gonzalez is clear that prevention is possible to delay their onset. His advice is practical and holistic:

• Stop smoking
• Protect your eyes from UV light (wear quality sunglasses)
• Maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Regarding the longevity of the results, patients can find confidence in the permanence of the procedure: “The results of cataract surgery are designed to last a lifetime. Once the cloudy lens has been removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, it does not grow back.” Any cloudiness that develops years later is a separate, easily treated issue.

What is the Success Rate of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful operations in modern medicine. At Optegra, this commitment to safety is constantly tracked against national standards.

“We follow the outcomes reported in the latest National Ophthalmology Database (NOD) audit, which tracks complication rates across the UK”, Mr Muel-Gonzalez stresses. “Optegra consistently performs well, with very low PCR rates. In my own most recent audit, my Posterior Capsule Rupture (PCR) rate was a minimal 0.13%, compared with the national average of around 0.7%.”

This low figure is a powerful indicator that patients can feel confident their surgery is carried out to a very high standard, with excellent safety and clinical outcomes.

Recovery Timeline and Optegra’s Drop-Free Technique

Recovery after cataract surgery is typically fast, with most patients noticing clearer vision within the first 24–48 hours, but Optegra works hard to make the aftercare even simpler.

“One huge advantage we offer is a drop-free technique,” Mr Muel-Gonzalez explains. “The necessary anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications are delivered during the procedure itself. This means most patients do not need to use the traditional four-week eye drop regimen after surgery, which makes the recovery process much simpler and more comfortable.”

The operation is gentle, and discomfort is usually minimal, allowing most people to return to their normal daily activities surprisingly quickly.

NHS vs Private Cataract Care: The Standard is the Same at Optegra

Mr Muel-Gonzalez confirms Optegra’s commitment to equal care: “NHS patients receive the same standard of care and the same level of surgical expertise as private patients. We treat every person with the same attention, compassion, and clinical standards, and we use the very same state-of-the-art equipment for all procedures.”

The only difference lies in the type of intraocular lens (IOL) offered. NHS patients receive high-quality monofocal lenses that provide excellent clarity, while private patients have access to advanced lens options (like multifocal or toric) that can further reduce or eliminate the need for glasses for all distances.

Ready to See Life in High Definition?

If Mr Pedro Muel-Gonzalez’s passion for precision and patient-centred approach has inspired you to take the next step, Optegra is here to make your journey to a clearer vision simple and stress-free. For NHS services, simply request a referral from your Optom or GP. For private vision correction, book your free consultation with one of our experts today.