Concierge ophthalmic surgery · London
Cataract surgery, the modern day-case procedure — phacoemulsification with monofocal, toric and multifocal IOLs.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed operation in the UK. Modern phacoemulsification (~15 minutes per eye) removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a personalised intraocular lens (IOL) — monofocal, toric, multifocal or extended depth-of-focus.
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who performs high-volume phacoemulsification and personalises the IOL choice to your eye.
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Often answers same-day
Findings from biometry and pre-op assessment can frequently be discussed immediately, with the written plan to follow.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private cataract surgery costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL in our network: £2,400–£3,500 per eye, with same-day discharge.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cataract surgery — monofocal IOL | £2,400–£3,500 | ~15 min per eye | Same-day discharge |
| Toric IOL (astigmatism correction) | £2,800–£4,200 | ~15 min per eye | Same-day discharge |
| Multifocal or EDOF IOL | £3,500–£5,500 | ~15 min per eye | Same-day discharge |
| Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery | £3,800–£6,000 | ~20 min per eye | Same-day discharge |
| Combined cataract + MIGS (glaucoma) | £4,000–£6,500 | ~30 min per eye | Same-day discharge |
| YAG capsulotomy (posterior capsule opacification) | £400–£900 | 5–10 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, IOL choice (monofocal, toric, multifocal, EDOF) and whether femtosecond laser assistance is added. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Cataract surgery is only as good as the surgeon and the lens choice.
The refractive outcome is planned before the operation starts — with biometry, IOL choice and surgeon volume. We route you to a high-volume consultant ophthalmic surgeon, not a generalist.
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Vision cloudy or glare on driving?
We arrange an ophthalmology consultation and, if indicated, book cataract surgery.
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Want spectacle independence?
We match you to a surgeon who implants multifocal and EDOF IOLs with published outcomes.
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Coexisting glaucoma or astigmatism?
We plan combined MIGS or toric IOLs so both are addressed in a single anaesthetic.
The journey
From consultation to clear vision — what happens, in order.
One consultant surgeon from first consultation through to post-op follow-up.
Phase 1 · Before surgery
Consultation, biometry, IOL choice
Phase 2 · On the day
~15 minutes per eye, day-case
Phase 3 · After
Drops and 1-week review
- 01
Before
Ophthalmology consultation
A consultant ophthalmologist reviews symptoms, examines the lens and confirms whether cataract surgery is the right step.
- 02
Before
Pre-op biometry and refraction
IOLMaster or Lenstar measurements plan the exact IOL power for your eye.
- 03
Before
IOL choice discussion
Monofocal, toric or multifocal — we talk through spectacle independence, night-driving trade-offs and cost.
- 04
On the day
Dilating and anaesthetic drops on day
Topical or peribulbar local anaesthesia — no general anaesthetic needed for most patients.
- 05
On the day
15–20 minute phacoemulsification
A small corneal incision, ultrasound removal of the cloudy lens and implantation of your personalised IOL.
- 06
On the day
Discharge same day with eye shield
You go home within an hour or two, wearing a protective shield over the operated eye.
- 07
After
Post-op drops and follow-up at 1 week
Antibiotic and steroid drops for four weeks, with a 1-week review — most patients see well the next day.
Typical first eye to clear vision: 1–7 days. Second eye: 2–4 weeks later.
What it covers
The techniques and lens choices that shape your outcome.
Cataract surgery is standardised, but the IOL and technique are personalised. These are the options your surgeon will discuss.
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Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation
The modern day-case operation — ultrasound removes the cloudy lens and an intraocular lens takes its place.
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Monofocal IOL (distance vision, glasses for reading)
A single fixed focal point — the standard, most predictable choice.
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Toric IOL (corrects astigmatism)
Custom-oriented lens that corrects corneal astigmatism at the same operation.
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Multifocal IOL (glasses-free vision)
Distance, intermediate and near vision from a single implant — with defined night-vision trade-offs.
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Extended depth-of-focus IOL (intermediate + distance)
EDOF lenses give a continuous range of vision with fewer haloes than classic multifocals.
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Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery
A femtosecond laser performs the corneal incisions, capsulotomy and lens fragmentation with sub-millimetre precision.
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Combined trabeculectomy / MIGS
Cataract surgery combined with a glaucoma procedure in a single anaesthetic when both are indicated.
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Red flag: sudden painful red eye + reduced vision post-op — same-day ophthalmology (endophthalmitis)
Do not wait. Post-op pain with reduced vision needs same-day ophthalmology review.
Next steps
After surgery — what happens next.
The plan from operating theatre to full recovery, and the fall-back options if refraction or the posterior capsule needs a second look.
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Post-op dexamethasone + antibiotic drops
A standardised drop regimen for four weeks to prevent infection and control inflammation.
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Sunglasses and eye shield at night for 1 week
Protects the healing cornea and reduces light sensitivity in the first week.
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Avoid heavy lifting for 2 weeks
No lifting above shoulder height and no swimming until your surgeon confirms healing.
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Second-eye surgery at 2–4 weeks
Sequential bilateral surgery — the fellow eye is typically operated 2–4 weeks later.
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YAG capsulotomy for PCO
A quick outpatient laser for posterior capsule opacification if vision blurs months or years later.
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Refractive top-up (LASIK / PRK)
A small refractive procedure if residual short- or long-sightedness remains after healing.
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Structured post-op follow-up
1-day, 1-week and 4-week reviews to check pressure, refraction and healing.
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Multi-disciplinary team review for complications
Retinal, glaucoma and corneal colleagues on hand if any complication needs escalation.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant ophthalmic surgeons with high annual phacoemulsification volume
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IOLMaster / Lenstar biometry with modern IOL power formulae (Barrett, Hill-RBF)
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Same-day discharge with structured 1-day and 1-week follow-up
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On-site retinal, glaucoma and corneal support if complications arise
Safety and red flags
One of the most predictable operations in medicine.
Cataract surgery is exceptionally safe and effective — the practical points are the known trade-offs, the small chance of complications, and the red flags that need same-day ophthalmology.
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Day-case under local anaesthesia
Topical or peribulbar block — no general anaesthetic for the vast majority of patients.
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Over 95% see well the next day
Most patients notice a clear improvement in vision within 24 hours of surgery.
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Endophthalmitis is rare but urgent
Post-op infection is roughly 1 in 1,000 — sudden pain with reduced vision needs same-day ophthalmology.
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Posterior capsule rupture
A recognised intra-operative complication — most cases are managed successfully at the same sitting.
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Refractive outcome is a target, not a promise
Biometry aims for your chosen refraction — a small residual error is common and correctable.
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Multifocal night-vision trade-offs
Haloes and glare are a known trade-off with multifocal IOLs and improve for most patients over months.
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YAG capsulotomy may be needed later
Posterior capsule opacification affects up to 20% of patients and is treated with a quick laser.
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Bring prior imaging and refraction records
Previous refractive surgery, retinal scans and glasses prescriptions materially sharpen IOL planning.
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Second-eye surgery is usually staged
The fellow eye is normally operated 2–4 weeks after the first — same-day bilateral is less common in the UK.
Recognised complications to be aware of
- Endophthalmitis (post-op)
- Posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss
- Retinal detachment
- Corneal decompensation
- Cystoid macular oedema
- IOL dislocation
- Toxic anterior segment syndrome
- Persistent uveitis
- IOL power calculation error post-refractive surgery
Reading your operation note
A cataract operation note can look technical. It isn’t.
Whatever the details, the note keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The note is written for your optometrist and GP, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and ocular history
Your details, the reason for surgery, and the ocular history that shapes IOL choice.
- 02 Technique
Biometry, IOL and anaesthetic
Which biometry device, which IOL model and power, and the anaesthetic technique used.
- 03 Findings
Intra-operative course and IOL placement
Description of the phacoemulsification, capsulotomy, IOL implantation and any complications.
- 04 Impression
Post-op plan: read this first
Refractive target, drop regimen, activity advice and follow-up schedule — read this first.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cataract surgery.
Quick answers on cost, IOL choice, referrals, recovery and when to seek urgent help.
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What does cataract surgery involve?
A day-case operation under local anaesthesia in which the cloudy natural lens is removed by ultrasound (phacoemulsification) through a small corneal incision, and an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place. Each eye takes about 15 minutes and you go home the same day.
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What IOL should I choose — monofocal, toric or multifocal?
Monofocal gives excellent distance vision with reading glasses. Toric corrects astigmatism. Multifocal or EDOF lenses aim for spectacle independence but carry night-vision trade-offs. Your surgeon will match the lens to your eye, lifestyle and expectations.
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How much does private cataract surgery cost in London?
Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal IOL is typically £2,400–£3,500 per eye in our network. Toric, multifocal, EDOF or femtosecond laser-assisted surgery adds cost. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
Most clinics accept self-referral for cataract surgery. We can arrange a fast-track private GP or optometrist letter if a formal referral is needed for insurance.
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How quickly will I see well after surgery?
Over 95% of patients see well the next day. Full refractive stabilisation and final glasses prescription typically take 4–6 weeks.
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When should I seek urgent help after cataract surgery?
A sudden painful red eye with reduced vision after cataract surgery is a red flag for endophthalmitis — call your surgeon or attend an eye A&E the same day.
Sources
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Cataract surgery guidelines.
- NICE. Cataracts in adults: management (NG77).
- European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS). Clinical guidelines.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract in the adult eye — Preferred Practice Pattern.
Published 2026-07-30 · Next review 2027-07-30 · 7 min read
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In practice, in London
Getting cataract surgery sorted in London, without the guesswork
With cataract surgery, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. Public provision for cataract surgery is competent but constrained by capacity. Private London clinics tend to have shorter diaries and longer appointment slots, so you get the same specialists with more time. For people who’ve been going round in circles with primary care, that first proper conversation is often what shifts things.
A private cataract surgery pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For cataract surgery specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Fit matters more than people expect. For cataract surgery, the right consultant depends on what you actually need — a second opinion, a definitive diagnosis, a bridge into treatment, or reassurance that nothing’s being missed. We match on that, not on who has the biggest brochure. If a test isn’t the right next step, we’ll say so before you book anything.