Private Ophthalmologist Sutton Coldfield
Consultant ophthalmologist for cataract surgery, YAG laser capsulotomy, glaucoma assessment, dry eye disease and general eye health. From £260 consultation, cataract surgery from £2,800 per eye.
Eye care in the UK is increasingly bottlenecked — NHS cataract waits in parts of the West Midlands now exceed 24 weeks, and routine ophthalmology outpatient waits are similar. The Vesey offers consultant-led ophthalmology with same-week consultation, cataract surgery typically within 4 weeks of consent, and transparent inclusive pricing.
Conditions we treat
Our consultants assess and manage the full range of conditions in this specialty. The list below is grouped by area — most patients come with a single concern but often leave with multiple things addressed in one appointment.
- Cataract diagnosis & assessment
- Phacoemulsification with monofocal IOL
- Multifocal & toric IOL options
- Posterior capsular opacification
- YAG laser capsulotomy
- Refractive lens exchange (planning)
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Ocular hypertension monitoring
- Visual field assessment
- OCT imaging
- Glaucoma medication review
- Diabetic retinopathy screening
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Flashes and floaters
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Referral for vitreoretinal surgery
- Dry eye disease
- Blepharitis
- Pterygium assessment
- Corneal abrasion follow-up
- Keratoconus screening
- Lid lesion assessment
- Astigmatism management
- Refractive error & contact lens issues
- Headache from eye strain
- Computer vision syndrome
- Squint assessment in adults
- Driving standard eye check
- Squint in children
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Tear duct obstruction
- Childhood spectacles management
- Suspected reduced vision
Procedures & transparent pricing
Every price below is the fee charged at The Vesey, inclusive where stated. You will always receive a clear itemised quote before any procedure begins.
| Procedure | What's included | From |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant ophthalmology consultation | 30 mins · including imaging | £260 |
| Follow-up consultation | 20 mins · same consultant | £180 |
| Cataract surgery (per eye, monofocal IOL) | Phaco · day case · inclusive | From £2,800 |
| Cataract with toric IOL | For astigmatism correction | From £3,400 |
| Cataract with multifocal/EDOF IOL | Reading + distance vision | From £3,800 |
| YAG laser capsulotomy | Outpatient · 10 minutes | From £550 |
| Visual field testing (Humphrey) | Both eyes · reported | £140 |
| OCT scan with consultant review | Both eyes | £180 |
| Driving eye check & report | DVLA-compliant | £140 |
Prices accurate as of May 2026. Multi-element procedures and complex cases quoted individually. Histology, anaesthesia and laboratory costs included where listed.
What to expect
From booking to discharge, this is what happens. Most patients are surprised how quickly the whole journey moves compared with equivalent NHS pathways.
Includes vision testing, IOP, anterior segment exam, dilated fundoscopy.
OCT or visual field as needed, reviewed with you.
Written quote for surgery; honest discussion of monofocal vs premium IOL options.
Day-case procedure under local. Second eye typically 2–4 weeks later.
How we compare
Local patients regularly compare us with Spire, Nuffield Health and BMI. Here's an honest like-for-like.
- ✓ Inclusive per-eye cataract pricing
- ✓ Same consultant assessment and surgery
- ✓ Surgery typically within 4 weeks
- ✓ Monofocal, toric and multifocal IOL options
- ✓ All post-op appointments included
- ✓ No GP or optometrist referral required
- ✓ High volume — experienced surgeons
- ✓ Premium IOL menu
- ✕ Often surgeon rotation
- ✓ Multiple UK sites
- ✓ Insurance accepted
- ✓ Free initial assessment
- ✕ 12–24 week routine wait
- ✕ Only monofocal IOL
- ✓ Free at point of use
- ✕ No choice of surgeon
- ✓ Same clinical standards
- ✕ Often distant centre
Comparator prices are typical published self-pay fees as of May 2026 and vary by consultant and time of year.
From our consultant
"Cataract surgery transforms day-to-day vision more than almost any other procedure in medicine. Our job is to give the right IOL choice for each patient's lifestyle, not to push the highest-margin option. For many patients, a monofocal lens with reading glasses for close work is the right answer."
Mr Amit Patel · Consultant Ophthalmologist, The Vesey
Cataract surgery — choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL)
Cataract surgery isn't just about removing the cloudy lens — it's about replacing it with a synthetic IOL that determines what your vision will look like for the rest of your life. Three main options:
- Monofocal IOL — single focal point, usually set for distance. You'll need reading glasses for close work. Standard, predictable, NHS default. £2,800/eye.
- Toric IOL — monofocal lens with built-in astigmatism correction. Suitable for patients with pre-existing significant astigmatism. £3,400/eye.
- Multifocal / Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL — corrects both distance and near vision in many patients, potentially eliminating glasses. Not suitable for everyone — can cause halos and glare at night. £3,800/eye.
The right choice depends on your visual needs, current refraction, eye health and tolerance for visual side effects. We never recommend a premium IOL purely for cosmetic reasons; about 35% of our cataract patients choose monofocal and are entirely satisfied.
YAG laser capsulotomy — for when vision blurs again after cataract surgery
Around 20–30% of patients develop posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in the months or years after cataract surgery — a thickening of the natural membrane behind the IOL that causes vision to gradually cloud again. It's not a re-growth of the cataract.
YAG laser capsulotomy is a 10-minute outpatient procedure that uses laser pulses to create a clear opening in the membrane. Vision typically improves within hours. Done once, it's permanent. £550 per eye, no overnight stay, no eye patch.
Frequently asked questions
How much does private cataract surgery cost?
From £2,800 per eye for monofocal IOL surgery — inclusive of consultation, surgery, anaesthetic, day-case facility, IOL and all follow-up appointments. £3,400 with toric IOL (astigmatism correction). £3,800 with multifocal/EDOF IOL.
How long is the wait for cataract surgery?
From first consultation to surgery is typically 3–4 weeks. The second eye is usually operated on 2–4 weeks after the first.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The eye is anaesthetised with eye drops and a small periocular injection — you'll feel pressure but not pain. Surgery takes about 15 minutes. Some mild grittiness in the first few days afterwards is normal.
Will I need glasses afterwards?
With a monofocal IOL set for distance, yes — for reading and close work. With multifocal IOLs, around 70–85% of patients become substantially spectacle-independent, though some night glare is common. We discuss this in detail at consultation.
Do you do laser eye surgery (LASIK)?
No. We don't operate a refractive (LASIK/SMILE) laser eye surgery service. We can advise on suitability and refer to specialist refractive centres.
What about glaucoma?
We diagnose, monitor and medically manage glaucoma. Where surgery (trabeculectomy, SLT laser, MIGS) is needed, we refer to a specialist glaucoma centre with continued co-management from us.
My vision has clouded again after past cataract surgery — what is that?
Almost certainly posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Easily treated with YAG laser capsulotomy in 10 minutes outpatient — £550 per eye, results within hours.
Do you see children?
Yes — squint, amblyopia (lazy eye), tear duct obstruction, suspected reduced vision. We work alongside an orthoptist for paediatric assessment.
Can I drive after cataract surgery?
Most patients can drive 1–2 days post-operatively if vision is comfortable. The DVLA standard is visual acuity of 6/12 in the better eye — we'll confirm at your first post-op review.
Does insurance cover cataract surgery?
Bupa, Vitality, AXA Health and most insurers cover cataract surgery when visually significant. Premium IOLs may have an excess to pay. Pre-authorisation always required.
Consultant-led ophthalmologist in the West Midlands
Seen within 7–14 days. Open 7 days a week 8am–8pm. Free parking, no GP referral, insurance accepted.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your appointment · Pay per visit · CQC reg. 1-11527097165