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10 questions to ask before cataract surgery

Whether you're comparing surgeons or deciding between the NHS and going private, these are the questions Ms Tahmina Pearsall FRCOphth would want her own family to ask — before booking a single operation.

1. 1

   Are you an FRCOphth consultant ophthalmic surgeon, and can I see your GMC number?

   Look for FRCOphth (Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists) and a specialist registration on the GMC website. Chain clinics sometimes use non-consultant surgeons.

2. 2

   How many cataract operations do you personally do each year?

   High-volume consultants typically do 500+ cases a year. Complication rates fall with volume — ask specifically about the surgeon, not the clinic.

3. 3

   What is your posterior capsule rupture / complication rate?

   The Royal College benchmark is under 2%. A confident consultant will give you a number.

4. 4

   Which lens options do you offer, and which do you recommend for my eyes?

   Monofocal, toric (for astigmatism), multifocal, EDOF, or trifocal — each has trade-offs for reading, driving and night vision. The recommendation should be tied to your scans, not a menu.

5. 5

   What is included in the price, and are there any add-ons?

   Confirm surgeon fee, anaesthetist, theatre, lens, drops and all follow-ups are included. Ask what happens if you need a YAG capsulotomy later.

6. 6

   Who will see me if there is a problem out of hours?

   You should have a direct number for the consultant or on-call team — not a call centre.

7. 7

   Is the same surgeon doing both eyes, and how long between them?

   Continuity matters. Ask whether the second-eye surgery is booked with the same consultant, and how the interval is chosen.

8. 8

   How many follow-up appointments are included and for how long?

   A typical private package includes 12 months of aftercare. Confirm this in writing.

9. 9

   Will you accept my insurance, or can you help me claim?

   Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, Allianz and SAGA all cover cataract surgery for eligible patients. Fee-assured consultants bill your insurer directly.

10. 10

    What happens if the outcome isn't what I hoped for?

    Ask about touch-up policy (laser enhancement, IOL exchange) and what it costs. A serious consultant will give you a candid answer.

© Ms Tahmina Pearsall FRCOphth · tahminapearsall.com · 020 3137 3237