Cataract surgery is a very common procedure that helps to restore vision by replacing the natural cloudy lens in the eye with a clear artificial implant.
At Moorfields, you have the choice to have your cataract surgery at any of our ten NHS cataract centres or pay for your surgery privately in our private cataract surgery suites.
While both options would give you access to world-renowned Moorfields surgeons and clinical teams, there are a few differences you may wish to consider when making a decision for yourself or your loved ones.
As a specialist centre of eyecare, research and education, we treat a greater proportion of complex cases where patients may have additional health conditions that affects their surgery.
We can offer cataract surgery for young people and children, and can operate on cataracts on both eyes on the same day, one after other, if appropriate. We offer you monofocal lenses as standard but can also offer toric lenses to correct astigmatism.
The NHS provides a comprehensive service, available to all, based on clinical need. We endeavour to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism that puts you at the heart of everything we do.
Moorfields Eye Hospital is a network offering eyecare services at over 20 locations across London and Bedford, with surgical care offered at 10 different sites. Many of our ophthalmic surgeons based at our City Road hospital are the same you would see at our network sites.
We aim to see you for cataract surgery within 8 weeks from referral, with historically low waiting times at surgical sites at Moorfields at St Ann’s and Moorfields at Stratford.
To ensure you don’t need to travel in needlessly, we have designed streamlined appointments to reduce most patient journeys to three visits at the hospital – with one pre-operation appointment, the day of surgery itself, and a post-operation check-in.
Risk of complications are low (0.88% at Moorfields*) but with specialists across every eyecare subspeciality and access to a 24/7 A&E, you are assured if anything goes wrong, the best possible clinicians are available to resolve it. Also, if you have any trouble following your appointments, you are able to access an ophthalmic nurse-led helpline and our virtual A&E for eye care advice or emergency support respectively.
To access NHS cataract surgery at Moorfields, please make an appointment with your local or regular GP or optometrist who can refer you to Moorfields Eye Hospital if you request it.
As a patient you are entitled to choose what provider you would like to receive care from.
From your initial consultation to your surgery and aftercare, you will see your consultant at every appointment and they will personally perform your surgery. You will have a personalised care plan based on your eye health assessment, your lifestyle and vision needs, and your consultant’s recommendations. Meet our private cataract surgeons
Private cataract surgery can offer a wide range of lens replacement options which can correct short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia) while treating your cataract in the same procedure. The more advanced lens implants can help reduce or remove your reliance on glasses and contact lenses after your cataract surgery. Your consultant will discuss the best premium lens options or their combinations with you as part of your personalised care plan. Learn more about lens replacement options.
For cataract treatment, we offer cost-effective package pricing that is a good value, and it gives you peace of mind with no hidden costs. The self-pay patients can apply for 0% finance to split the cost over 3, 6, 9 or 10 months.
Our profits are reinvested into our NHS services and research programmes for the benefit of all patients.
You can choose to have an increased sedation for your cataract surgery and this private service requires the presence of a dedicated consultant anaesthetist who will administer the sedation and monitor your health and comfort throughout your procedure. Find out more about your anaesthesia options at Moorfields Private
Private cataract treatment is available at both our City Road and New Cavendish Street sites, located in central London with good transport links. We offer the latest technology and expertise in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. View our locations.
You can choose to have your cataract treatment when it best suits you. We can normally book your initial consultation within a week and your surgery will usually be 2-4 weeks later.
Risk of complications are low (0.88% at Moorfields*) but with specialists across every eyecare subspeciality and access to a 24/7 A&E, you are assured if anything goes wrong, the best possible clinicians are available to resolve it. Also, if you have any trouble following your appointments, you are able to access an ophthalmic nurse-led helpline and our virtual A&E for eye care advice or emergency support respectively.
We are the only private eye hospital in the southern England with a 24/7 specialist eye A&E available to all patients experiencing eye emergencies.
Contact directly our new patient enquiry team to book your initial consultation. There is no need to ask your GP for a referral. We will give you the booking details and explain what to expect at your appointment. Contact us.
Learn more about our private cataract service. Speak with our New Patient Team now on 0800 328 3421 or send us a web enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within one working day.
Being referred to Moorfields NHS in three easy steps
No need to see your GP or Optometrist, contact our enquiry team today to book your appointment
Everything you need to know about cataract surgery at Moorfields