Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about laser eye surgery, cataract surgery and lens replacement in the UK — written by Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Ms Tahmina Pearsall, not a marketing team.
Choosing a surgeon & clinic
Who will actually perform my surgery?+
Every consultation, scan review and surgery at our clinics is performed by Ms Tahmina Pearsall, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon. Your surgery is never delegated to a visiting optometrist or a rotating surgical team.
How do I know a laser eye clinic is safe?+
Look for three things: (1) the named consultant is GMC-registered on the Specialist Register for Ophthalmology, (2) the clinic is CQC-registered, and (3) the price you're quoted is fixed in writing — heavy same-day discounts are a red flag.
Should I get more than one consultation?+
Yes. A second opinion is always welcome. A good consultation lasts around 60 minutes, includes full scans, and ends with a written quote you take home — not a signature.
Laser eye surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PRK)
How much does laser eye surgery cost in the UK?+
From £2,000 per eye for standard LASIK or PRK; around £2,400 per eye for wavefront-guided SMILE. 0% APR finance is available from £59/month.
LASIK vs SMILE vs PRK — which is best for me?+
LASIK offers the fastest recovery for most prescriptions. SMILE is often preferred for dry-eye-prone patients and higher myopia because it uses a smaller corneal incision. PRK suits thinner corneas. Your consultation determines the right choice — not a marketing package.
Is laser eye surgery painful?+
No. Numbing drops mean the treatment itself is painless. Mild grittiness for 4–6 hours afterwards is normal and settles overnight.
How soon can I drive and return to work after LASIK?+
Most patients see well enough to drive by the next morning and return to office work within 1–2 days. Contact sports and swimming are avoided for 2–4 weeks.
Cataract surgery
How much does private cataract surgery cost?+
From £2,750 per eye with a standard monofocal lens; £3,100 with a toric lens for astigmatism; from £3,500 per eye with a premium multifocal lens.
How quickly can I have private cataract surgery?+
Our fast-track pathway means consultation, biometry and surgery within 2–3 weeks in most cases.
Which cataract lens should I choose?+
If you're happy wearing reading glasses, a standard monofocal lens is excellent. If you want to reduce or eliminate reading glasses, a premium multifocal (PanOptix, Vivity, Symfony) is the modern choice — provided your eye is suitable.
Lens replacement (RLE)
Is lens replacement better than laser eye surgery?+
For patients under 45 with healthy corneas, laser is usually the right choice. From the mid-40s onwards, RLE becomes the more future-proof option because it corrects presbyopia and prevents cataracts.
Can lens replacement eliminate reading glasses?+
Yes — with a premium multifocal or trifocal IOL around 90% of patients achieve full spectacle independence for distance, intermediate and near.
Recovery, safety & aftercare
What are the risks of eye surgery?+
Modern laser and lens surgery are among the safest elective procedures in medicine, but risks (dry eye, halos, infection, refractive surprise) are never zero. They are explained in full at consultation and printed in your quote — walk away from any clinic that skips this conversation.
How much aftercare is included?+
12 months of consultant-led aftercare is included in every quoted price. This covers all scheduled reviews plus unplanned visits related to your surgery.
Still have a question?
The secretary answers directly — no call centre, no sales script.
Ask Ms Pearsall's team