Cataract surgery is available through both the NHS and private providers, but there are important differences that can affect your experience, options, and outcomes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the approach that best meets your needs.
In brief, NHS cataract surgery focuses primarily on removing the cataract to restore clear vision, but it will not fully correct vision for distance, intermediate, or near tasks, meaning you will still need glasses afterward. In contrast, private cataract surgery often offers a wider range of lens options, including premium lenses, which may help reduce your dependence on glasses.
What are the choices for my vision after private cataract surgery compared to NHS?
Most NHS hospitals use only one type of intraocular lens implant due to cost restrictions, this being their standard monofocal lens, such as the Alcon AU00T0. With a monofocal lens the lens power is usually chosen to give good distance vision without glasses after surgery, with glasses being needed for intermediate vision (computer work) and all near tasks such as reading.
Privately, there is a much larger range of intraocular lens available, such as premium monofocal lens (which give excellent distance and clearer intermediate vision, and glasses are still needed for all near tasks), or enhanced depth of focus (EDOF) and multifocal lens which aim to give good distance, intermediate, and some near vision; so greatly reducing spectacle dependence. Most patients with multifocal intraocular lenses are spectacle free.
At the same time, any astigmatism is corrected to achieve the best possible vision after surgery without glasses. Astigmatism correcting lens (toric lens) are sometimes available on the NHS, but they are usually only used for patients with very high astigmatism (>2 diopters) and vary by NHS centre.
Who will do my surgery if I go privately compared to on the NHS?
If you choose to have your cataract surgery privately, you get to choose who your surgeon is, and only they will do your surgery. Mr Alex Day, for example, personally performs each cataract procedure, providing continuity of care and reassurance throughout your surgery and recovery.
On the NHS, operating lists are often pooled to help reduce waiting times. This means you may not meet your cataract surgeon until the day of your procedure, sometimes only minutes before surgery begins. NHS cataract operations are usually performed by Specialist Trainees or Fellows under the supervision of a Consultant, with the Consultant stepping in for more complex cases. The NHS plays a vital role in training future cataract surgeons, which is why operations may be carried out by trained surgeons rather than exclusively by the Consultant.
What are waiting list times like for private cataract surgery compared to NHS cataract surgery?
Waiting times for cataract surgery can vary significantly depending on whether you choose the NHS or private care.
NHS Cataract Surgery
On the NHS, waiting times are influenced by local demand, surgeon availability, and hospital resources. In many areas, patients may wait many months for their procedure. Urgent cases are prioritised, but non-urgent cataract surgery often involves longer waits.
Private Cataract Surgery
Private surgery typically offers much shorter waiting times, often within a couple of weeks, depending on your surgeon’s schedule and clinic availability. This allows you to plan your surgery at a convenient time and reduces the time you spend waiting with impaired vision.
Why the Difference?
The NHS prioritises equitable access and efficient use of resources across the population, which can extend waiting times. Private clinics, on the other hand, offer flexibility and personalised scheduling, allowing patients to choose their surgeon and procedure date.
Who will I see after my private cataract surgery for follow-up?
You will see Mr Alex Day at 2-3 weeks after your surgery for follow up before you are discharged to your optician. This is to ensure the health of your eye and that all has healed well.
It is also important as your final focus and vision will be measured, which allows for continuous audit of Mr Alex Day’s outcomes to ensure the best possible care is being delivered. You will also be given Mr Alex Day’s emergency mobile number if you have any issues, meaning access to your surgeon 24 hours a day.
On the NHS, most patients are now discharged to an Optometrist for followup, so they do not see their surgeon again unless there is some sort of complication. NHS cataract surgery patients need to attend A&E if they have any postoperative issues.
Other than lens choices, are there any other differences in surgical technology between NHS and private cataract surgery?
Beyond lens choices, private cataract surgery can offer access to advanced surgical technologies not always available on the NHS. For example, Mr Alex Day can offer femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), and laser refinement for the best vision possible. Laser refinement, such as by LASIK, is a second step, if needed, to ensure you get the very best vision possible after your cataract surgery.
To explore your options and see if these advanced techniques are right for you, contact our cataract surgery clinic at Moorfields today.
