Being referred to Optegra

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    Drop-free cataract surgery is now part of the NHS treatment service that we offer to patients at Optegra. This means you don’t have to worry about weeks’ worth of drops after your surgery. With drop-free cataract surgery at Optegra, you can look forward to clear, comfortable aftercare with less hassle and the same exceptional results.

    Drop

    … the inconvenience of daily drops.

    … the worry of using daily drops incorrectly.

    … the hassle of relying on friends and family for help.

    … the pressure of getting every dose right.

    … the potential risk of poorer outcomes from daily drops.

    “I couldn’t be happier” with drop-free cataract surgery at Optegra

    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 full story

    At Optegra, we’re always looking for ways to make our treatment smoother and more comfortable for our patients. That’s why we’ve introduced drop-free cataract surgery to our NHS patients; a simpler alternative to using weeks of post-operative eye drops.

    What are the benefits of drop-free cataract surgery?

    At Optegra, we’re thrilled to be the first to offer patients nationwide drop-free cataract surgery. For patients, dropping the drops will make the experience of cataract treatment more effective and smoother than ever.

    • It eliminates the inconvenience of an often extensive after care regime lasting 4 weeks or more.
    • Patients will no longer need to physically struggle administering their drops.

    A UK First for Nationwide Drop-Free Cataract Treatment on the NHS

    Our Patients Love Drop-Free

    5 Stars

    I recently underwent drop-free cataract surgery at Optegra, and I’m thrilled with the results! The procedure was quick, painless, and hassle-free. I didn’t need to use any eye drops post-op, which made recovery a breeze. […] I highly recommend Optegra’s drop-free cataract surgery to anyone considering it. The benefits far outweigh any concerns, and the team will guide you every step of the way.”

    HK, treated at our North London Eye Hospital

    November 2025

     

    Excellent flow of information prior to surgery. The dropless cataract operation is a very welcome introduction compared with the previous regime (only heard about that from friends as both of my eyes were done with the new procedure). It was nice that the surgeon came to the waiting area to greet the next set of patients. In the theatre he also named the team as part of the prelude, which was a great way to provide reassurance. Altogether a courteous and professional service.”

    Richard Hemingway, treated at our Manchester Eye Hospital

    November 2025

     

    “Putting the drops in after my first eye surgery was very inconvenient, especially while at work. I tried to space them out over the day but usually forgot the midday one so had to fit it in later. I also found that putting the drops in could be awkward, sometimes I would miss my eye or put too much in. […] The recovery period after my second eye has been much shorter and easier – not having to remember the drops was a bonus! My vision now is really good, everything is so bright and colourful. I wear sunglasses if the day is sunny as it’s too bright for me, and I do still wear glasses to read but I don’t need my glasses for driving anymore. […] I would definitely recommend the drop-free surgery as it’s so convenient and hassle free without the drops to do religiously. My recovery after my second eye has been a lot quicker and it’s just been amazing. I cannot thank Optegra enough”

    Susan Wilson, treated at our Bradford Eye Hospital

    September 2025

     

    “I had cataracts done in both eyes, the last eye was done on Sept 25 at the Newcastle clinic. First my left eye and was given drops for post-op care, 4 weeks later my right eye was done but this time medication was injected into my eye during surgery eliminating the need for post-op drops. Both times the staff at the Newcastle clinic were outstanding, compassionate and caring. Thank you Optegra for giving me back my sight and brightening my world.

    Mark, treated at our Newcastle Eye Clinic

    September 2025

     

    “The drop free cataract operation adapts far better than the traditional operation. My experience after the operation is far better than the first operation by the traditional method. The Doctor chose the most effective treatment without asking me to choose. This is professionalism.”

    Chan May, treated at our Manchester Eye Hospital

    July 2025

     

    “I was worrying about the drops because my friend was complaining so much about them. He used to say it is a pain trying to get all these drops in, having to wait a certain time between each one, and especially if you live on your own and have nobody to help you, it is really difficult. But with Optegra, I did not need to do even a single drop afterwards, it has been brilliant. I am really happy with my vision now, and so glad I had it done.”

    Linda Dukes, treated at our Hampshire Eye Hospital

    July 2025

     

    “I was very fortunate to not only have a very short wait for treatment – just a few weeks – but also find out that both eyes could be treated with a new element to the procedure which mean I did not have to apply any drops. A friend of mine had recently had cataract surgery and told me that the four weeks of drops were such a hassle. […] When I had the treatment, I must admit I burst into tears! Very happy tears! I could see everyone and everything so clearly and honestly have never had vision like this in my life. My world has been a blur, and I have had to wear strong glasses since I was just seven years old, so this is incredible. I would recommend this drop-free treatment to anyone!”

    Susan Moore, treated at our Surrey Eye Hospital

    July 2025

    How to get referred to Optegra for NHS Cataract treatment

    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.

    I have an enquiry about my referral or appointment
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    Speak to your Optometrist or GP to request your referral letter to Optegra

    You have the 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.

    For more information, please speak to your clinician or contact Optegra directly. Treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by qualified professionals.

    Alastair Stuart, Medical Direct and Cataract & Refractive Surgeon at Optegra

    By Author: Alastair Stuart

    Dr Alastair Stuart is Medical Director at Optegra, and has extensive experience in both Laser eye surgery and Cataract Surgery.

    Medically Reviewed Date: 12th November 2025