Can I get cataract surgery sooner if I go private?
If your vision is becoming cloudy, blurry, or dim, and you’ve been told you need cataract surgery, the waiting game can be frustrating.
While the NHS provides excellent care, long waiting times are becoming more common. Many people are now asking: Can I get cataract surgery sooner if I go private?
The short answer is yes.
In this blog, we’ll explain how private cataract surgery compares to NHS wait times—and what to expect if you decide to go private.
NHS wait times for cataract surgery
On the NHS, you often need to meet certain thresholds, before being referred for cataract surgery. This might mean:
- Your vision has to drop below a certain level depending on your psotcode
- You must show that it’s interfering with your daily life
- Your GP or optician must refer you, which can take time.
Even after referral, NHS waiting times can be several months or longer, depending on where you live and current demand.
For many people, this delay affects work, driving, hobbies, and quality of life.
Private cataract surgery: What to expect
Going private gives you control over your timing. At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic, most patients are seen and treated within weeks—not months.
Here’s how it works:
- You self-refer (no need to wait for an NHS referral) by just calling us.
- We book your consultation quickly
- Surgery can usually be performed within 10 days of your assessment at Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic.
- There will be options to use premium intraocular lenses instead of the standard NHS intraocular lens.
If you're struggling with your vision and don't want to wait, private treatment is often the faster, more flexible option.
Why is private surgery faster?
- You don’t need to wait for NHS approval
- You can choose your surgery date
- Clinics have dedicated time slots for private patients
- Appointments are longer and more personalised.
Private clinics are designed around efficiency and comfort—so you can get back to seeing clearly, sooner.
Benefits of private cataract surgery
- Fast access to surgery
- At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic your entire care will be carried out by your surgeon Sharmina Khan.
- Access to premium lenses (multifocal, trifocal, toric)
- Personalised care in a calm, private setting
- Same-day treatment for both eyes (if suitable)
Can I still use the NHS later?
Yes. Choosing private surgery for one eye doesn’t affect your NHS rights. You can still use the NHS for future care if needed.
Is it worth going private just to save time?
For many people, yes. Vision affects almost everything—work, reading, walking safely, driving. Waiting months while your eyesight worsens can feel like putting your life on hold.
Fast access to cataract surgery means:
- You stay active and independent
- You avoid accidents or falls
- You protect your mental wellbeing.
How do I know if I'm suitable?
Take our free self-test. It helps you understand your options and whether private cataract surgery is right for you.
Are you suitable for vision treatments?
They aren’t suitable for everyone.
Find out if you could benefit from this life-changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
Our most popular procedures
What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Had cataract surgery on both eyes simultaneously last week and, 7 days later, the vision is brilliant. I can see to read as well, including small print smaller than I expected! I can see car number plates at the end of the road. Everything was excellent, and I could not have wished for anything better.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“My cataract surgery was a great experience. My vision is now brighter; overall, I felt informed and secure throughout, and I am glad I did it and definitely recommend Sharmina Khan. Everyone at the hospital was great, very professional, friendly, and treated me very nicely. During the surgery, I didn’t feel any pain at any time. The recovery was very easy and smooth.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I was very nervous about having cataract surgery, as I have other medical conditions in both eyes. Ms. Khan allayed all of my fears and explained everything in detail to me. Now that both surgeries are completed, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I’m seeing things I’ve not been able to see properly in years. Amazing!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Ms. Sharmina Khan is an outstanding eye consultant. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and provided thoughtful, easy-to-understand explanations. Her depth of knowledge and ability to address my questions left me thoroughly satisfied with her services. I highly recommend Ms. Sharmina Khan to anyone seeking expert eye care and guidance.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I had cataract surgery in both eyes. The procedure was painless, easy to understand, and swift. My anxiety levels were very low, and recovery was quick and easy. I was just so relaxed. My vision was like being Wonder Woman. It was so clear, and it was like someone had cleaned a window. Now, my vision is fine for reading, computer use, and using a sewing machine.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Extremely happy with vision following cataract surgery. I wish I had it done sooner. The colors I am experiencing, I didn’t know existed. The experience was really good; it wasn’t much painful. I really enjoyed the sandwiches afterward. When I got home, I saw every little mark on the walls and now am cleaning up!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“6/5. Incredibly impressed with Miss Khan’s bedside manner and operation and consultation. I have had the Synergy toric lens and have experienced a dramatic increase in distance vision. Now, I am able to read stuff on the television perfectly, and reading small print, I can now read the back of a tin of beans!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Miss Khan was very professional, and both my eyes had trifocal intra-ocular lens implants (toric in the left). The risks and benefits were explained to my satisfaction, and I was very nervous. However, the procedure and the recovery were painless. I now have perfect unaided vision in both eyes and would recommend Miss Khan, 10 out of 10.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I’m so pleased I sought Sharmina Khan’s help. My dry eye problem was debilitating. I turned up to my appointment in a very worried state and left reassured. My eyes are now vastly better. I feel in good hands. Thank you!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I have had Lipiflow a few times now, and I couldn’t do without it because it really gets rid of my gritty and sore eyes for months at a time. Lipiflow has helped me go back to doing normal things without getting frustrated, like driving, tolerating air conditioning, generally tolerating different humidity levels, and not feeling like I need to use eye drops all the time. I would highly recommend it.”
Verified patient on DoctifyWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Sharmina Khan
MBBS(Lond) MSc FHEA FRCOphth DipCRS CertLRS, Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hi, I’m Sharmina Khan
I am a specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London.
I have carried out over 7000+ cataract/lens procedures in the last 10 years across both my private and NHS practices.
In my private clinic I offer my clients bespoke Premium Cataract Care Pathways. There are options so that you can achieve your dreams of better vision and more, according to your lifestyle needs.
