Private Cataract Surgery in Birmingham

Cataracts are a common cause of blurred vision, and highly treatable. Our cataract surgeons in Birmingham assess your eyes, explain your lens options, and talk through exactly what your cataract surgery will involve.
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What is a Cataract?

The lens in your eye is normally clear and helps to focus the light entering your eye. It can become cloudy and cause your sight to become blurred, when we call it a ‘cataract’.

A cataract is NOT a film or growth that occurs in the eye, it is clouding within the lens that sits just behind your iris, the coloured part of your eye.
Cataracts are treated with surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, also called an intraocular lens.

Over 400,000 cataract operations are performed in the UK each year. Most of these leave the patient with distance vision and no reading vision. Edgbaston Eye Consultants has a broader range of lenses that will give you both distance and reading vision according to your lifestyle.

Cataract Symptoms

  • Decreased vision that can’t be corrected with glasses
  • Faded or washed out colours appear, often with a yellow haze
  • Light sensitivity, glare, and halos around lights especially in sunlight and when driving at night
  • Frequent changing spectacle prescriptions, usually becoming more short-sighted
Cataract Simulation

Services

GMC Accredited Diagnostics and Treatment

Diagnosis & Assessment

A cataract is usually diagnosed by a doctor or optometrist during routine eye checks. You may be referred to Edgbaston Eye Consultants, or you can contact our cataract eye surgeons directly and refer yourself for treatment. We will assess to find the best treatment for you.

Cataract Surgery

We use advanced cataract techniques and modern lenses to give you distance and near vision. Our state-of-the-art anaesthetics allow you to have your surgery in comfort and with minimal after-effects. All you need to do is to look up at the light and relax.

Vision Correction

We understand that vision correction after cataract surgery is crucial. Whether you have had cataract surgery elsewhere or here, we are committed to optimising your vision. Our team will assess your vision and provide personalised solutions.

About the Cataract Removal Operation

With a success rate over 95%, cataract operations are among the safest and most frequently performed surgical procedures in the UK.

Cataract removal usually uses a small, self-sealing incision, a technique called phacoemulsification. Some patients are also suitable for femtosecond laser-assisted surgery, which your consultant will discuss with you if it applies to you.

Surgery is normally carried out under local anaesthetic, sometimes with light sedation, and typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, plus time for preparation and recovery on the day. 

Patients go home the same day. Depending on your circumstances, your consultant may also discuss having both eyes treated on the same day, which is known as “immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery”, or ISBCS.

Cataracts Surgery at Edgbaston Eye Consultants clinic in Birmingham

Choosing Your Lens

When your cataract is removed, it’s replaced with an artificial lens.

There are several types of intraocular lenses to choose from, depending on your eyesight and lifestyle.

Your consultant will talk you through which lenses may suit you, what each one can and cannot correct, and whether you’re likely to still need glasses afterwards.

Lens type Purpose
Monofocal Corrects vision at one distance, usually for distance vision; glasses are typically still needed for reading.
Enhanced monofocal A newer monofocal design intended to extend your range of clear vision.
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) Designed to give a continuous range of vision from a distance, which may reduce your need for glasses.
Multifocal Designed to correct vision at more than one distance, which may reduce your need for glasses.
Toric A Toric lens can be combined with all lens types to correct astigmatism as well as short- or long-sightedness.

Testimonials

What People Are Saying

Testimonials

What People Are Saying

Mr Masood was excellent as was Mr Williams during my initial consultation. Both were clear about treatment options, potential risks and expected outcomes. Surgery was stress free as any worries or concerns were cleared prior to surgery. Everyone did their utmost to ensure that you felt comfortable throughout the whole process.

Mr Masood was excellent as was Mr Williams during my initial consultation. Both were clear about treatment options, potential risks and expected outcomes. Surgery was stress free as any worries or concerns were cleared prior to surgery. Everyone did their utmost to ensure that you felt comfortable throughout the whole process.

Really pleased with the outcome of my procedure. and the attention and work of Professor Scott. I will always recommend him. He is a brilliant man and very caring.

Prof. Scott explained the injury and that it was worse than first thought. At this present time this has left me partially sighted in my right eye. Unsure as to what the future outcome will be. Professional and courteous at all times. Hospital facilities superb.

This was no nowhere near as traumatic an experience as I was expecting. Everyone who looked after me was exceedingly kind and considerate. I would like to say a special word of thanks to reception, especially Hawa. People arrive for eye surgery very apprehensive and nervous. The staff in Reception are cheerful, reassuring, helpful and kind.

I am thrilled with the treatment carried out on my eye by Rob and his team - just not happy fully with the outcome as not what I expected but that is in no way reflective of treatment received here.

About Edgbaston Eye Consultants

Edgbaston Eye Consultants is a consultant-owned eye clinic founded with the aim of supporting patients with advanced clinical techniques and a supportive environment.

We assess, explain, and treat cataracts and a wide range of eye conditions, so you understand what’s happening with your eyes and what your options are, in plain terms, before you decide on treatment.

You can access flexible appointments and consultations, including Saturday clinics and online options for the most convenient care.

We are CQC-registered, and our consultants also work within the NHS alongside treating patients privately at our George Road clinic in Birmingham.

Waiting room at Edgbaston Eye Consultants private clinic in Birmingham

Meet Your Cataract Surgeons

Robert Scott

Robert Scott

Professor Robert Scott trained at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, and holds a doctorate from the University of Nottingham. He spent 26 years as a Consultant Ophthalmologist in the Royal Air Force and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers.
Balasubramaniam Ilango

Balasubramaniam Ilango

Mr Balasubramaniam Ilango trained in ophthalmology in South India before specialist training at St Paul’s Eye Unit, Liverpool, and Leicester Royal Infirmary, followed by a corneal fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. He is based at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton.
Dilraj Sahota

Dilraj Sahota

Mr Dilraj Sahota studied medicine at the University of Oxford and University of London, trained in ophthalmology at the West Midlands Deanery, and completed a fellowship in medical retina and uveitis at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
Li Jiang

Li Jiang

Ms Li Jiang graduated with Honours in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Birmingham, trained at the West Midlands School of Ophthalmology, and completed a corneal fellowship at Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary. She holds the FRCOphth and is a Consultant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
Imran Masood

Imran Masood

Mr Imran Masood completed specialist ophthalmic training at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, and holds Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. He specialises in complex cataract surgery and is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Birmingham.
Andrej Kidess

Andrej Kidess

Mr Andrej Kidess trained at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and Western Eye Hospital, London, and is a Consultant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. He is a member of the European Board of Ophthalmology and EURETINA, and has published in peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals.

Cost of Cataract Surgery

The cost of your cataract surgery depends on the lens you choose and your individual treatment plan.

As a guide, patients can expect a cataract surgery cost in the region of £2,500–£4,500 per eye, covering your consultation, surgery, and aftercare.

We offer several ways to pay, including self-pay, payment plans, and treatment through medical insurance where your policy allows.

£2,500–£4,500 Per Eye

Including consultation, surgery, aftercare

Your Procedure

What to Expect from Cataract Surgery

Before Your Surgery

You’ll have an initial consultation and eye tests, including measurements and a pre-operative assessment. We’ll discuss the different lens choices and help you understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of the operation.

This is also your chance to ask about your consultant’s experience and qualifications.

On the Day

We’ll let you know what to bring and what happens when you arrive. Your consultant talks you through each step before it begins.

The cataract operation typically takes 15-30 minutes, and takes place under local anaesthetic.

After the Operation

You’ll be discharged shortly after the operation, and our discharge nurse will explain what to expect and how to look after your eyes following the procedure.

Your vision should return within one to two days, though full recovery takes around 4 weeks.

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations, but as with all procedures carries a small risk of complications.

These include discomfort, a red eye, a raised pressure in the eye, temporary swelling of the macula and, rarely, infection and retinal issues.

Finding Us

Our Edgbaston clinic is close to Five Ways Railway Station, with bus links and a short walk from Birmingham City Centre. Limited on-site parking is available, as well as on-street parking for up to 1 hour during weekdays.

Address:
22 George Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 1PJ

Phone: 0121 314 4490

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cataract surgery painful?
Most patients feel little to no pain, as the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, sometimes with light sedation.
How much does private cataract surgery cost?
Cost depends on the lens you choose, with a typical range of £2,500–£4,500 per eye.
Will I need glasses after surgery?
This depends on the lens you choose. Your consultant will talk you through which lens options may reduce your need for glasses.
How long is recovery?
Many symptoms settle within days, with full recovery typically taking four to six weeks.
Is there a waiting list for cataract surgery in Birmingham?
The waiting list for cataract surgery at our clinic is between 2 and 4 weeks.
Is an intraocular lens the same as an ICL?

The replacement lens used in cataract surgery is different from an implantable contact lens. The implantable lens is used when there is no cataract and is placed in front of the natural lens within the eye.

Group photo of the Consultant Ophthalmology team at Edgbaston Eye Consultants Birmingham

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