Ophthalmology UK
How much does a private ophthalmologist cost in the UK? (2026)
Private ophthalmology pricing in the UK is opaque by convention, not by necessity. Here are realistic 2026 figures so you can judge any quote you are given.
Consultation fees
A new private ophthalmology consultation in the UK typically costs £200–£300; ours starts at £250 and includes basic diagnostics. A follow-up is usually £150–£200. Any additional imaging is quoted before it is performed.
Diagnostic scans
- Macular OCT: £100–£200
- Visual field testing: £80–£150
- Corneal topography / tomography: £100–£200
- Optical biometry for lens planning: usually included in a surgical package
Surgical fees
- Cataract surgery, monofocal lens: £2,800–£3,500 per eye
- Premium lens (EDOF / trifocal / toric): £3,200–£4,500 per eye — see premium lens cataract surgery
- Refractive lens exchange: from £3,200 per eye — see lens replacement surgery in London and UK lens replacement costs
- LASIK / LASEK: from £2,000 per eye — see laser eye surgery costs in the UK
- YAG laser capsulotomy: from £450 per eye
Our complete fixed price list is published here, and every quote is valid for 60 days.
What a fair quote must include
The named consultant, the specific lens, theatre and anaesthetic, all follow-up appointments for at least 12 months, and the terms for a laser enhancement if the refractive result needs fine-tuning. If any of those are missing, the price is not the price.
Insurance
Ms Pearsall is recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, Vitality and Healix. Medical cataract surgery is usually covered; purely refractive procedures (laser, RLE for spectacle independence) generally are not. Bring your policy number and pre-authorisation code.
Is private worth it?
The honest answer depends on your NHS wait and your visual demands. If you are driving at night with glare, or waiting more than a few months, fast-track private cataract surgery usually pays for itself in quality of life. Ask for a written quote or call 020 3137 3237.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is a private eye consultation in the UK?
- Typically £200–£300 for a new appointment. Ours is £250 and includes basic diagnostics, with any further imaging quoted in advance.
- Does private health insurance cover an ophthalmologist?
- Most major insurers cover medically necessary ophthalmology, including cataract surgery. Refractive procedures done purely to reduce spectacle dependence are usually excluded.
- Why is private cataract surgery cheaper at some clinics?
- Usually because the package omits premium lens options, consultant-delivered follow-up, or full pre-operative imaging — or because a non-consultant grade performs the surgery. Compare the inclusions, not the headline.
- Can I pay monthly?
- Interest-free and extended finance options are available on surgical packages at most of our UK sites. Ask when you request your written quote.
Explore more on Ophthalmology UK
Related reading
- How to choose a private ophthalmologist in the UK
A consultant's nine-point checklist for choosing a private ophthalmologist in the UK — registration, personal caseload, audited outcomes, aftercare and honest pricing.
- Ophthalmologist vs optometrist vs optician — who should you see?
The three eye professions in the UK are routinely confused. Here is what each one is trained to do, what they can and cannot treat, and who you should book with.
- When should you see an ophthalmologist? 12 warning signs
A UK consultant ophthalmic surgeon on the symptoms that need same-day assessment, the ones that need an appointment this month, and the ones that can safely wait.
Ready to discuss your options?
Book a private consultation with Ms Tahmina Pearsall, or call our secretary directly — mention this article and we'll pull up the treatment details for you.
Prefer to read first? 10 questions to ask your cataract surgeon
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