Why should I choose private cataract surgery?
Mr Tariq Ayoub - 25 Nov 2022
While the NHS offers a high-quality service, it has its limits: cost restrictions, time, and an ever-growing waiting list. You may decide to see a private surgeon for fast cataract removal and simultaneous vision correction.
Privately, we also offer advanced technology lenses that can offer freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Read our blog to learn the benefits of choosing private cataract surgery.
NHS vs private cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures on the NHS with good outcomes. However, there are several benefits of having surgery done privately rather than on the NHS. We discuss these in detail below. If you are unsure whether you need cataract surgery, you may find our blog useful: What are my treatment options for cataracts?
No long waiting lists
The NHS provides a tool to check the waiting times of your local NHS treatment centres. By submitting your location and clicking “Cataract Treatment”, the tool will tell you the average waiting time for surgery. Currently, the average NHS waiting time appears to be 26 weeks minimum. In 2021, NHS patients waited nine months or more on average for surgery.
One distinct advantage of private surgery is that you do not have to wait for months. At Oculase, you can book your procedure at a date and time that suits you. This makes it possible to have your treatment and recover in time for a special occasion, such as a wedding.
Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
You might want to be able to swim, drive, and do all sorts of activities without using your glasses or contact lenses. However, the purpose of NHS treatment is to remove your cataract only. The procedure does not include vision improvement.
Private surgeons can achieve this with premium lens implants, available privately but not offered on the NHS. Private surgeons could also correct refractive errors (long-sightedness, short-sightedness, and astigmatism) with refractive cataract surgery.
Advanced technology lens implant
The NHS offers a standard monofocal (single-focus) lens only, due to cost restrictions. At Oculase, we use premium lenses with advanced lens technology to give our patients the best visual outcome.
A range of lens implants is available for private surgery: extended depth of focus, trifocal, and enhanced monofocal lenses. You can find out more here: Types of lens implants used in cataract surgery.
We will use the most suitable lens for your eye health, advanced diagnostic scan results, visual needs, and circumstances.
Both eyes are done on the same day
Privately, you can have surgery on both eyes on the same day. The advantages of this include one visit to the hospital on the day of surgery and less time spent recovering. It also allows you to return to work and day-to-day activities sooner, with significantly reduced downtime.
Consultant care
In the NHS, trainees regularly perform supervised procedures. You may feel more comfortable knowing a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon will perform your cataract surgery when you have treatment privately.
At Oculase, your surgery will be performed by our highly-experienced cataract surgeon, Mr Ayoub. Our specialists tailor your treatment to give you optimal vision after your procedure. To prepare for your consultation, you may wish to write a list of questions to ask about cataract surgery.
Get to know your surgeon
Most people won’t meet their NHS surgeon until the day of the procedure, making it hard to instil trust. Private surgeons have more time to dedicate to their patients and answer any questions to alleviate anxiety. Your consultant is also much more involved in your cataract journey, from your initial consultation to treatment.
Another benefit of private treatment is that you have all the power to choose who you see. You can take the time to research your surgeon beforehand and make an informed decision. We’ve come up with some considerations and questions to help you decide: Choosing the best cataract surgeon for you.
Cataract surgery after previous laser eye surgery or ICL
We offer refractive surgery, including LASIK, PRK and ICL implants, to suitable patients. This means we have specialist knowledge to treat such patients if they develop a cataract.
Lens calculations can be unpredictable in patients with prior laser eye or ICL surgery; this gives us an important advantage. At Oculase, we can perform top-up laser eye surgery to achieve optimal results after surgery.
Why choose Oculase – The Eye Clinic for your Cataract Surgery?
Our award-winning Lead Surgeon and Medical Director, Mr Ayoub, is a high-volume cataract surgeon. He has performed thousands of procedures with excellent outcomes, as witnessed by the numerous 5* reviews he continues to receive.
Watch our video below to learn what separates Oculase from other private cataract surgeons.
Read our blog if you are unsure of what happens during cataract surgery.
Cost
We work with all major insurance providers and treat people with insurance as well as self-payers. Cataract surgery prices vary depending on the complexity of your condition, but costs start from £2,250 per eye.
Complex cataracts require specialist surgical intervention. At Oculase, we specialise in complex cataract surgery, for people with problems such as Fuchs, keratoconus, corneal transplants, glaucoma and retinal conditions.
