Cataract surgery in Bracknell

Surgery is the only available treatment for cataracts at present, and it can greatly improve your vision. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens. This only takes around 15 minutes, and many people see better than before they developed cataracts. 

Our Bracknell eye clinic has state-of-the-art facilities, and we have a focus on patient experience to help us deliver the best possible care.

Bracknell Cataract surgery: what to expect at Newmedica

Our team will be there to care for you and support you before, during and after your cataract surgery. 

Pre-surgery: 

Before your surgery, we’ll assess your current vision and carry out a biometry test that takes measurements of your eye. This helps your consultant to make sure your replacement lens is the right one for you. Our clinical assistants will conduct relevant health checks and explain the procedure in more detail. Your consultant will then check your eyes to ensure there isn’t anything which could affect your surgery. They will discuss the different lens options and address any questions you may have.

During surgery: 

Most cataract surgeries are carried out using a local anaesthetic, which won't involve a needle. Instead, the anaesthetic will be applied around your eye or with eye drops. You'll remain awake during the procedure and might notice some movement around your eye, but you won't feel a thing. A tiny incision will be made in your eye to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with your new lens. Our Bracknell theatre team will be there to make sure you feel comfortable, talk you through everything they’re doing, and hold your hand if you’re anxious. 

Post-surgery: 

After your surgery, we might recommend placing a small plastic shield over your eye to protect it from accidental damage. You’ll need to use eye drops for around three weeks post-surgery, which will be prescribed by your consultant. Before you leave the clinic, we’ll explain exactly when and how to use them. You’ll be able to go home on the same day, but won’t be able to drive, so alternate transport will need to be arranged. We’ll call you the next day to make sure you’re happy with everything and check in on you. We’ll also organise follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery is all on track.

Why choose Newmedica for your cataract surgery in Bracknell?

When coming to us for cataract surgery in Bracknell, our team will make sure to understand your needs so they can provide you with the best possible experience. We know that this personalised approach results in measurably better outcomes. To further help our patients get the best clinic results possible, we provide the highest quality lenses. This includes some which can lessen how much you rely on your glasses. 

At Newmedica, we have short waiting times, which means you’ll attend your first appointment within a couple of weeks. On arrival, our whole team will help you feel comfortable by giving you the warmest welcome. Our hospitals are owned and led by consult doctors who understand that you may be feeling anxious about your cataract surgery. They’ll explain everything to you and do what they can to help you feel at ease if you’re nervous. We aim to complete your treatment within only eight weeks of your referral.

How much does cataract surgery cost in Bracknell at Newmedica?

If you’re getting private cataract surgery, then there are different specialist lens types to choose from, and we’ll explain how much each one costs. This will start from £2,295 for each eye for a monofocal lens replacement. To simplify everything, you’ll be given a single fixed price so that there aren’t any hidden fees to surprise you. This means you’ll pay one price for surgery, your replacement lens, all medication, and all pre- and post-operative appointments. 

If you’re receiving treatment from us through the NHS, then the cost of your treatment with Newmedica will be fully covered, with no additional cost to you.

Perks of private cataract surgery

There are multiple reasons why some of our patients decide that going private is the option for them.

One reason is that you may have to wait longer to get cataract surgery through the NHS. This is due to the NHS having certain thresholds, usually linked to impact on vision, to qualify for NHS cataract treatment. When getting private treatment, you don’t necessarily have to meet the local NHS guidelines. You can have the surgery when you feel like your vision is affecting your lifestyle. 

Your cloudy lens will be removed during surgery and replaced with a lens implant. On the NHS, the standard replacement is a monofocal lens, which can improve your vision for a certain distance (such as far or close-up). Another reason for going private is that as well as the choice for a monofocal lens, you’ll have specialist lens options to choose from. The one you pick will determine how well you see after surgery when you aren’t wearing your glasses. This could also reduce your dependency on glasses (at an additional cost). These options include: 

• A multifocal option: useful for seeing close-up, intermediate, or long-distance. 

• An extended focus option: which provides a continuous focus over a range of distances.

Astigmatism is where the cornea at the front of the eye is more like a rugby ball shape than a football. If you have this, then you can get the right correction incorporated into any of these specialist lenses. This corrective lens is called a toric, which you might sound familiar if you wear contact lenses.

Can I get cataract surgery through the NHS?

You’ll be entitled to receive NHS-funded treatment with us at our Bracknell eye clinic if you usually (and lawfully) live in England, which means you’re known as ‘ordinarily resident.’ 

To help you make the best choices for your circumstances, the NHS offers you a choice of where you’d like to receive your NHS-funded treatment. At Newmedica, we are providers of NHS-funded services across England, including NHS IBCs, as well as NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts. We work in partnership with the NHS to give patients specialist treatment and high-quality care for a range of eye conditions. If you need help with cataracts or another eye condition, we’re here to give you the service you deserve.