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.