Private Cataract Surgery....roughly How Much.

[Postdog]

My eyes (actually eye because one is lazy) have deteriorated quite badly over the last six months or so. I have been to the opticians and an NHS eye doctor at various times. I have worsening diabetes and also a brain tumour, so I was actually concerened one or the other was causing it.

the last time I visited an optician she said I have a cataract developing (NHS Doctor missed it) and from what I have since read it seems likely that IT IS a cataract causing my problem.

I am going for another eye test specifically regarding this, and chasing up another NHS visit, but if a cataract is the culprit, any idea on the cost of private treatment to avoid lengthy waiting times?

[Buenchico]

Quote 1:
"I made some inquiries about making a private appointment. Two weeks later, I paid £50 to see a consultant at a private hospital in Sheffield and was told an operation under local anaesthetic would cost £1,600.

If I wanted it under a general anaesthetic, which meant I would be asleep during the procedure, plus an overnight stay, it would cost £2,900"

Source (regrettably undated):
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-102172/Why-man-went-overseas-cataract-operation.html

Quotes 2 & 3:
"Cataract surgery in a private UK clinic can cost anywhere from £1,800-£3,000 including the doctor's and hospital fees"
and
"Prices for cataract surgery abroad start from as little as £440 in Bulgaria and £526 in the Czech Republic. These prices will usually include hospital and doctor's charges"

Source:
http://lasereyesurgery.cliniccompare.co.uk/private-cataract-surgery-clinics

[black_cat51]

the waiting list for cataract surgery is really quick on the NHS

[Postdog]

Cheers muchly...I guessed it might be near that. I shall have to see if that is the cause.

[Postdog]

I wondered black cat, but I checked on here and one post said they had been waiting 18 months. I just wanted to check options in case that was the norm.

[slaney]

Worth checking with your local hospital as not all have long waiting times...
http://www.nhs.uk/Services/hospitals/Services/Service/Treatment/DefaultView.aspx?id=2776&spid=89769

[Linotype]

Hi there: After reading the replies it may be worth putting in my 'pennyworth. I'm 66 and opticians were unable to offer me suitable reading glasses anymore due to a cataract in my right eye. I decided to have the op (I live in Cape Town) and having no medical aid (your National Health) had to stump up R18,000. That's a thousand pounds in your money right now. It occurred to me you could fly into Cape Town, have the op, a fortnight's hol (one recovers nicely in 24 hours from the procedure) and you'd still be quids in on prices quoted privately over there. Just a thought ...

[Sqad]

Linotype.....surely you are not suggesting that our OP should leave this "royal throne of Kings, this sceptred Isle" to receive medical care in (I hardly dare say this) in another COUNTRY.

I think that your idea is a good one, but the average Brit is not quite ready for that yet.

The other factor is that Postdog has quite a complicated medical history and it is not at all clear that a cataract operation is the answer.

Great idea of yours though.

[smoneybags]

The advantage of going private is that you can have lenses inserted that mean you will probably not need to wear glasses afterwards (they're like multifocal contact lenses inside your eyes). They aren't available on the NHS. They cost about £5000 .

[Postdog]

Going abroad is not an easy option as to all intents and purposes I am disabled by the tumour making me very weak.

[starone]

I have just had the operation, two weeks ago. I waited only a couple of months and the procedure was quite simple. It only took about 15 minutes. I was sent home with a dressing on my eye which I was told I could remove the next day. I then had to wear the shield at night for two weeks, to protect my eye while I slept. Drops four times a day for one month and I can consult my optician after this time for new glasses. They will then send for me for a check-up after six weeks. I have had excellent treatment and the operation was successful - such a difference. So is it really worth paying that huge amount of money - I don't think so!

[smoneybags]

It was worth it to me. I had worn glasses since I was 16. I no longer have to do so, and I got rid of the cataracts at the same time!

[ladyalex]

I think the NHS does the 'inserting the lenses' thing when you have the op.

[starone]

They take your useless lens out and put a new one in. I don't know who developed the method, but it is marvellous. Hope he got a medal - now he or she deserves it.

[EDDIE51]

Cataract surgery in India is well established, they do 100,000s of them every year and the top clinics are 'World Class'
It can be cheaper than private treatment in the UK
http://www.whatclinic.com/eye-clinics/india/cataract
You can get 'package deals' with the flights,surgery, after care and accommodation for less than staying in the UK.
The doctor treating you here is likely to be Indian trained anyway!

[237SJ]

The OP isn`t well enough to travel though..

[Sqad]

starone...intra ocular surgery was first developed by a guy called Harold Ridley at Sr Thomas.s in London just after the 2nd World War, but was then taken up by Dr.Binkhorst ( American I think...not sure) who took it to the level that we see today. There is a Binkhorst medal awarded to the outstanding Ophthalmologist and a lecture named after him in recognition.

Ladyalex...yes, a lens is implanted by the NHS, but you can have a multi focal lens inserted which is more costly and not available on the NHS only privately.

[ladyalex]

Thanks for the info, sqad.
I'll bear that in mind for when my time comes ....as it surely shall...all the ancient rellies had cataracts so I'm sure they're coming my way.

[slaney]

Yes - the NHS only implant monofocal lenses.
I had taken note of the multifocal type (just in case for the future) as they sound ideal, but was a bit disappointed to find with them there is reduced visual quality and a 1 in 20 chance of a further operation.
Glare seems a particular problem.

[Postdog]

Just a follow up. There is the makings of a cataract but they seem to think my problems stem from a change in my diabetes medication causing my blood sugar levels to wildy fluctuate, and apparently this affects vision. Could explain why sometimes I read fine and other times it is a struggle. Anyway a mention is being made to my doctor so it's wait and see until medication stabilises.