Guide

A guide to cataract surgery costs

For most of us, the power of sight is one of our most prized possessions. Although we may take them for granted, we use our eyes on a constant basis every single day. So, when our sight is threatened, it’s only natural to be worried.

If you’re suffering from cataracts, you’ll likely want to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Read on for important information on cataract surgery costs, payment options, and why you should choose Practise Plus Group for your eye care treatment.

Close up of an eye

How much does cataract surgery cost in the UK?

The average cost for cataract surgery in the UK currently stands between £3,000-4,000 per eye. The price of cataract surgery is specific to your needs and will depend on a number of factors such as:

  • your existing prescription
  • the type of corrective lens you’ll receive.

Those with a higher prescription will likely pay more for the same cataract removal procedure. This is because they require a stronger corrective lens.

The average cost of cataract removal

The average cost is usually between £3,000-4,000 per eye. As the needs differ from patient to patient, there are different types of cataract lenses, each available at a fixed price. For example, monofocal lenses are cheaper than multifocal lenses. Both are available with Practice Plus Group.

How much does a private cataract operation cost?

As the NHS waiting lists for cataract treatment increase, it’s only natural to consider private health options. The cost of private cataract surgery options does differ. As mentioned previously, a private cataract operation in the UK costs on average between £3,000-4,000 per eye.

How much does a single cataract surgery cost?

Cataract surgery on the NHS is, of course, free. However, with waiting times increasing over the last two years, it’s only natural for patients to explore other options. And while private healthcare may be expensive, many people would struggle to put a price on their eyesight.

At Practice Plus Group, the surgery itself costs £1,995 per eye. This is over £1,000 cheaper than the UK average. Patients will also need to pay £95 for the initial consultation.

How much does the best cataract surgery cost?

Cataract surgery costs vary from clinic-to-clinic and it’s almost impossible to single out which offers the best treatment. You can expect to pay anything between £1,500-4,500 depending on the clinic. The most expensive cataract surgery costs around £4,500 for a multifocal lens at Centre for Sight.

Cataract lens price list

The cost of cataract surgery differs depending on the type of lens implant. For example, a multifocal lens is more expensive than a monofocal lens. The type of lens you need will be determined by your doctor.

If you choose private hospital treatment with Practice Plus Group, you’ll need to consider the following costs:

ProcedurePrice
Initial consultation (2-4 weeks before surgery)£95
Cataract surgery (per eye)£1,995
Premium lenses cataract surgery (per eye)£2,445
YAG laser capsulotomy£610
YAG laser capsulotomy – bilateral£770
Oculoplastics£3,165

Comparing NHS v private cataract surgery costs

If cataracts and eye health are affecting your sight, surgery is usually available free on the NHS. Waiting times can be up to nine months depending on where you live in the UK, and there are occasions when people might not qualify for surgery.

Whereas private cataract surgery costs more, the waiting list is typically just a few weeks. At Practice Plus Group, you’ll need to pay £95 for an initial consultation, with the main treatment starting from £1,995 per eye.

Benefits of private cataract surgery

As previously mentioned, the main benefit of cataract surgery is the greatly reduced waiting time. We rely on our sight for all sorts of daily activities, so it’s naturally a concern to think of losing it due to cataracts. Put off by the long NHS waiting times, lots of people consider taking the private healthcare option. This is so they can make a quick return to life’s everyday activities.

What’s included in the cataract surgery price?

At Practice Plus Group, cataract surgery prices start from £1,995. This is for the surgery itself. The initial consultation takes place between two and four months before surgery and costs £95.

Other procedures such as Oculoplastics and YAG laser treatment are available at Practice Plus Group. The prices for these are detailed in the table above.

Are there any additional costs in cataract surgery?

There are no additional costs for straightforward cataract surgery. If you’re receiving premium lenses, the procedure will cost more. Additional costs may also be incurred if you require oculoplastics or YAG laser treatment. Prices for these procedures can be found in the table above.

Finance and payment options

If you are exploring different finance options, we offer the opportunity to pay for yourself via self-pay. This is an alternative solution. It allows you to quickly access high quality treatments without the need for private insurance.

There are also a number of different payment plans and loans available through our partner Chrysalis Medical Finance. You will need to have an agreement in place with Chrysalis Medical Finance two weeks before the planned date of your surgery.

Why choose Practice Plus Group for your cataract surgery?

At Practice Plus Group, we provide high quality, fast assessment and treatment at an eye hospital that’s convenient for you. We use the latest advanced technologies from the world of vision correction. This cutting edge treatment will get you back to your daily activities and ultimately improve your quality of life.

We also offer the following:

  • low cost £95 appointment with highly experienced consultants. These appointments feature tests to help diagnose your problem and decide the best options available for you
  • shorter waiting times
  • dedicated customer care to provide support and answer any questions you may have
  • access to experienced consultant surgeons who work for us at an eye hospital near convenient to you
  • specialist nursing teams so you feel better faster.

How to get started

To receive a clinical assessment or treatment from us, you’ll first need to be referred by your Optician/Optometrist or GP.

For more information on booking a consultation with Practice Plus Group, take a look at our Patient Referral page or explore our payment options.