What Can I Expect?

Risks & Complications

Why choose us for cataract?

How to Choose a Surgeon

Private Health Insurance

“I would like to express my appreciation to you and your team for two very successful cataract operations in October and November 30th. It is good to have a new pair of eyes!”

“For four years my vision had been fine but when I saw my optician for my routine check up there was some clouding in my right eye and he referred me to prof. Ayliffe for a consultation.

When I saw Prof. Ayliffe he diagnosed thickening of the capsule and performed some laser treatment to clear the clouding.

I have always been extremely pleased with the results and the attention and procedures carried out by prof. Ayliffe. The results have meant that after wearing glasses for approximately 40 years I now only use glasses for reading very small print.”

What Can I Expect?

The information below explains the steps that will occur. In brief, your pupil will be dilated with drops before going to the operating theatre. In the preparation room you will have local anaesthetic and iodine instilled. There are no needles and you will not keel any significant discomfort.

Once in theatre you will hear some music playing whilst the team checks your identity, the type of operation and which side is to be prepped. The surgeon rechecks the calculations and checks the make and power of the lens with the team.
Before you know it you will be on your way back to enjoy a well deserved snack and drink.

Risks & Complications

Cataract surgery is an amazingly safe procedure. More than 99% of cases result in safe removal of the cloudy cataract and stable positioning of the new lens.

A number of technical errors may occur and most are trivial and will be fixed by your surgeon as the procedure continues.
The most serious complication is the rarest and this is a 1:1,000-2,000 risk of infection. In the unlikely event of this occurring, within a few days, the eye will become red, swollen and painful. The vision will become cloudy and urgent attention is essential.

Retinal detachment is also rare, but people with short-sight have the highest risk. In a few cases the transparent membrane that supports the lens develops a tear, and additional measures to clear the vitreous jelly will be needed delaying the operation.

More information: Gresham College 2000 years of cataract surgery.

Why choose us for cataract?

Medical Colleagues and Optometrists choose us for their patients their families and even their own eye surgeries because we provide safe, personalized cataract surgery by an experienced surgeon whom they know and trust and who has performed many thousands of these operations.

We have looked after professional racing drivers, pilots and even major Hollywood stars. They all choose us for the reputation of excellent outcomes, ensuring peace of mind.

We use the latest equipment in dedicated operating rooms with specialist ophthalmic trained staff.

Sedation or even General Anaesthesia are available options if requested.

A wide variety of lens implants are available to customise your surgery. These include Technis ®, multifocal and symfony ® extended focus lenses. For patients who have had previous LASIK laser surgery, other bespoke options are available.

Your safety, needs and choices are the priority. You have the surgeon of your choice at a location and time most convenient for you. Your post-operative care is by the same surgeon who did the procedure.

How to Choose a Surgeon

Cataract surgery like all types of surgery is surgeon dependent. You are advised to choose a surgeon who has experience having performed hundreds or indeed thousands of cases.

You should also ensure that you will see your surgeon yourself after the procedure so any questions can be asked directly.

Private Health Insurance

All major insurance companies are accepted.

Most will cover the whole cost but a minority leave a small surcharge. Your insurance cover can be discussed by email if needed. Non-insured patients are also welcome. Please get in touch to apply for the package price.