Cataract Surgery in London: NHS vs Private in 2025
Compare NHS waiting times with private surgery options in London. Updated 24 November 2025.
Last updated: 5 November 2025 • Data refreshed biweekly
ℹ️Independent comparison: We don't receive payment from any clinic listed below.
Official vs Reality: The Waiting Times Gap
NHS targets don't always match what patients actually experience. See the real difference between official targets and patient-reported wait times.
About Surgery Cancellations
Patients tell us:
- 45% experience at least one cancellation
- Each cancellation adds approximately 8 weeks
- Some patients experience multiple cancellations (average: 1.5 per patient)
Common reasons:
- Staff shortages
- Operating theatre unavailability
- Medical complications during pre-op assessment
- Hospital system issues
What you can do:
- Confirm your pre-op assessment is complete
- Know your priority status
- Keep hospital contact details handy
Private alternative:
- Zero cancellation rate
- Date guaranteed weeks in advance
This is normal and happens across the NHS. Cancellations are usually due to system-wide pressures, not individual hospital performance. Being prepared can help reduce the impact.
Your Potential Time Savings
By choosing private surgery instead of the NHS waiting list in London.
Cataract Surgery in London
Based on data from local NHS trusts and private clinics in London.
🏥 NHS Route
Estimated Wait
42 weeks
Often longer than the 18-week target
Cost to you
£0
Funded by taxpayers
Things to consider:
- • Wait times can increase unexpectedly
- • You may not choose your specific surgeon
- • Cancellations are possible
⚡ Private Route
Estimated Wait
3 Weeks
Consultation usually within days
Typical Cost Range
£2,500 - £3,200
Includes surgery & aftercare
Benefits:
- • Choose your own consultant
- • Private room & better amenities
- • Plan surgery around your life
No obligation to book.
About Cataract Surgery
Removal and replacement of cloudy lens
In London, the demand for this procedure has led to significant variations in waiting times. While the NHS provides excellent care, the backlog means that patients often wait months in pain or discomfort. Private options in the London area can bypass this queue completely.
Data sources: NHS My Planned Care, PHIN consultant registry, clinic websites. Updated every 2 weeks. This is informational only—consult your doctor before deciding.
💰 SAVINGS CALCULATOR
If you go private instead of NHS:
TIME SAVED: 39 weeks
(42 weeks wait → 3 weeks wait)
That's 9.8 months shorter!
COST: £3,500 (average private)
Annual cost: £3,500
That's £292/month
Or £67/week
Is it worth it?
- Getting treatment 39 weeks sooner (from 42 weeks to 3 weeks)
- Returning to normal activities 39 weeks sooner
- Peace of mind & known timeline
Everyone's different—only you can decide if private is right for you.
5 Private Clinics Offering Cataract Surgery in London
These are 5 clinics we found offering cataract surgery in London in 2025. Prices updated every 2 weeks. Clinic order is by lowest to highest cost.
About surgery cancellations
Patients tell us 45% experience at least one cancellation, adding approximately 8 weeks each time.Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Procedure
Recovery & Aftercare
Risks & Longevity
General Questions
Other Questions
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Important: This website provides informational comparisons only. The data shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect your personal situation. This is not medical advice—always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making decisions about surgery.