NHS-funded care
1. An NHS hospital
Local options include Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, part of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.
Cataract care
Cataract care.
Choices and support.
Guidance on your surgery options and care after treatment.
Before surgery
Your cataract surgery options.
When cataracts affect your everyday vision, we’ll discuss whether a referral is appropriate and explain the three routes below.
NHS-funded care
2. An independent provider
Independent providers such as SpaMedica and CHEC also provide cataract surgery under NHS contracts. If your referral is accepted for NHS-funded treatment, you do not pay privately for that treatment.
Privately funded care
3. Private cataract surgery
You can choose to pay for treatment yourself or use private medical insurance where your policy covers it. We can discuss a private referral; your chosen provider will explain the costs and treatment options. Check any insurance authorisation before proceeding.
We’ll help you consider your eye health, preferences, travel and aftercare. NHS eligibility, clinical suitability and current referral arrangements determine which options are available to you.
Your follow-up, explained.
After cataract surgery, a follow-up checks your vision and how your eye is healing. We can also discuss your glasses and any questions about your recovery.
If your hospital has asked you to arrange a check with a local optometrist, call us with your discharge letter to hand. We’ll confirm the appointment arrangements and any fees before you book.
Getting ready for your visit.
When to attend
Follow the timing and location given by your surgical team. Keep any hospital appointments already arranged, even if your vision seems better.
What to bring
Bring your discharge letter, current glasses, details of your eye drops and any questions you would like to discuss.
Looking after your eyes.
Follow your hospital’s advice
Use prescribed drops as directed and follow your discharge instructions about eye protection, washing, activity and driving. Contact your surgical team if anything is unclear.
Glasses after surgery
Your prescription may change. We’ll advise when to update your glasses, taking account of healing and any planned surgery on your other eye.
Worried after surgery?
Severe pain, worsening vision or increasing redness after surgery needs urgent advice. Contact your hospital’s eye team immediately using the number on your discharge paperwork. Do not wait for your routine follow-up.
Sudden flashes, new or increasing floaters, a dark curtain or suddenly blurred vision also need urgent assessment. If you cannot reach the eye team, call NHS 111 for urgent help.
Urgent eye care information →Optimum Vision Clinic
The Falcon Garage, Burghfield Road
Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 4QY
Stay in touchEmergency eye care information