Choosing Between NHS and Private Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most widely performed procedures worldwide, with over half a million people undergoing it every year in the UK.

It involves removing the natural lens (which has gone cloudy) and implanting a replacement – an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is usually carried out under local anaesthetic eye drops, involving a small incision and placement of a very small (6mm optic) lens inside the eye.

Waiting Times

Following referral by your optician or GP for NHS treatment you will be assessed, and if you meet NHS criteria, you will be listed for your surgery. Usually both eyes will be treated separately with a typical period of 6-8 weeks between eyes. The whole process typically takes around 18 weeks although this can vary depending on where you live. If you choose private surgery, things can move much more quickly, with both procedures often carried out on the same day.

Type of Lens

Patients undergoing treatment on the NHS will have a single focus lens (monofocal) fitted. Most patients achieve an excellent level of vision after their cataract surgery but will still need glasses for near tasks or if they have astigmatism (where the front of the eye is rugby ball shaped).

If you decide to pursue private treatment, you will have a wider range of lens options available to you. These lenses will allow you to be much less dependent on glasses after your surgery or even full freedom from them!*

*95% of patients achieve glasses-free vision with the Rayner Galaxy lens.

So how does private cataract surgery differ?

At Freedom Vision we provide all our patients with:

A Comprehensive Consultation
All patients attending Freedom Vision will have an in-depth consultation with one of our expert clinicians. Once all the advanced diagnostic tests have been completed, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss what treatments are available and which is best suited to you and your lifestyle.

Premium Lens Options
At Freedom Vision, we have a number of different lenses available to help our patients achieve the best level of vision to suit their visual requirements.

Depending on the patients’ needs there are several lens options:

• Monofocal - Designed to focus at one fixed distance, typically providing excellent distance vision.
• Multifocal - Designed to focus at multiple distances, offering clearer vision across all ranges.
• Enhanced Mono Vision (EMV) - EMV lenses provide exceptional high-quality vision and are designed to significantly reduce halos and glare.
• Mono Toric - Mono toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism while providing clearer distance vision.
• Enhanced Mono Vision Toric - EMV toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism while enhancing distance and intermediate vision
• Multifocal Toric - Multifocal toric lenses correct astigmatism while also giving vision across multiple distances.
• RayOne Galaxy - The RayOne Galaxy is designed to provide a continuous, full range of clearer vision. Its unique, non-diffractive spiral optic, created with AI, helps to minimise halos and glare.
• RayOne Galaxy Toric - The RayOne Galaxy Toric offers all the benefits of the standard Galaxy lens, with the added advantage of correcting astigmatism.

Don’t worry – our clinicians will go over everything when you come to see us for your free consultation!

Consultation
After seeing our clinical team, you’ll meet your consultant prior to your day of surgery. We’ll go over all of your test results and carefully talk you through your surgery and chosen lens option to ensure you are fully confident in your treatment plan. Once you’re happy, we’ll list you for your surgery.

Surgery Day
Our experienced theatre team are experts in preparing you for your surgery. Your consultant will meet you again for that all-important final discussion before your procedure. Our dedicated nursing team will then go over the final checks and send you home once you’re comfortable.

Aftercare
We’ll monitor you very closely after your cataract surgery. While complications are rare, should you have any concerns we will always accommodate you right away. We also have a 24-hour helpline, staffed by our team of dedicated clinicians to help reassure you and answer any questions.

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