MEASURE
Plan the lens power
Biometry measures the eye’s length and the curvature of the cornea. These measurements inform the calculation of the replacement lens power and the intended focus after surgery.
Premium cataract surgery in London
Cataract surgery
in London.
Shaped around you.
Personalised cataract and lens surgery with George Voyatzis at Moorfields Private, London. Explore cataract treatment, refractive lens exchange and presbyopia correction to reduce reliance on glasses, with a plan shaped around your eyes and lifestyle.
George VoyatzisConsultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Moorfields Eye Hospital & Moorfields Private
Moorfields Eye Hospital & Moorfields Private
Moorfields consultant since 2018Specialist fellowship training in CambridgeCataract & lens-based surgeryConsultations in English & Greek
Explore your care
Cataract surgery.
Presbyopia and lens correction.
A personal approach to your vision
An opportunity to restore clarity.
And reduce reliance on glasses.
Cataracts can make everyday life feel less clear: reading becomes harder, colours lose their vibrancy and headlights can feel more dazzling. Surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens.
Cataract surgery also offers the possibility of greater independence from spectacles. Your choice of lens can help reduce reliance on glasses for everyday activities, depending on your eyes and the option selected. We will discuss how you would like to use your vision afterwards: reading, working at a screen and driving at night can each influence the recommendation.
Premium care begins with careful assessment and an honest conversation. The aim is to find a suitable option for your eyes, with a clear understanding of what surgery can achieve.
Explore presbyopia correction and refractive lens exchange →
A premium lens may reduce your reliance on glasses, but no lens can guarantee glasses-free vision. A monofocal lens may be the best choice for some patients.
Beyond cataract
Presbyopia correction.
Options beyond reading glasses.
Understand your options
Compare cataract lenses.
Find your personal balance.
Compare the main lens families, then discuss their suitability with your surgeon. These are general differences, not a recommendation for your eyes.
Three lens choices. How much would you like to rely on glasses?
Click or tap any card to view its details below.
No lens guarantees freedom from glasses. Wider-range lenses involve trade-offs, including possible halos and glare. Suitability depends on your eyes and visual priorities.
Read the full lens comparison, with diagrams →
Retinal or corneal conditions, dry eye, previous laser eye surgery and your tolerance of visual effects can influence the recommendation. Lens selection follows an individual assessment.
Astigmatism correction
Astigmatism correction
A toric lens can help correct suitable regular astigmatism during cataract surgery. Toric options are available for monofocal, EDOF and trifocal lenses. Astigmatism correction is a separate consideration from the lens’s range of focus. Measurements and corneal health determine suitability.
Another approach to focus
Mini-monovision
Mini-monovision targets one eye for distance and the other slightly nearer. In this practice it is offered directly only to suitable patients who already routinely use monovision with glasses or contact lenses. Anyone else needs a special contact-lens trial first, at an additional cost. Monovision with natural lenses differs from mini-monovision with implants: previous results and satisfaction cannot always be replicated. Glasses may still be needed. Read the eligibility and trial policy →
Precision begins before surgery
Your cataract assessment.
A plan for your eyes.
The lens choice and its power are separate decisions. Both depend on understanding your eye measurements and the vision you want to achieve.
ASSESS
Look beyond the cataract
Further examination checks the cornea with specialist tomography mapping and an endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure, and the health of your retina and optic nerve.
PERSONALISE
Define your priorities
Bring your current glasses and consider the activities you most want to improve. Your occupation, reading habits, screen use, night driving and previous eye surgery all help shape the discussion.
Before biometry, leave soft contact lenses out for 1 week and hard/rigid gas-permeable lenses out for at least 2 weeks, unless advised otherwise. Some rigid-lens wearers may need longer periods without contact lenses or may need repeat measurements. Tell the team about all previous eye surgery, especially LASIK, PRK or SMILE, even many years ago. Dilating drops will blur vision; plan transport.
Your patient journey
Thoughtful planning.
Clear guidance at every stage.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Your consultation
Discuss your symptoms and what matters to you. An eye examination and measurements help establish whether cataract surgery is appropriate and which lens options are suitable.
02 / PLAN
A considered choice
Explore the intended vision, likely need for glasses, lens trade-offs and surgical risks. Discuss treatment of each eye, anaesthesia and the proposed costs before deciding.
03 / RECOVER
Support after surgery
Receive instructions about drops, daily activities and follow-up. Recovery varies between patients, and you will be told how to seek help if symptoms cause concern.
Patient information library
Understand the choices.
Prepare with confidence.
Illustrated guides from George Voyatzis, with balanced information about surgery, lens options, visual adaptation and recovery.
Surgery & recovery
What the operation involves, preparation, topical and intracameral anaesthesia, sub-Tenon’s block, sedation and care at home.
Read about surgery in London →Download cataract surgery leaflet (PDF)
Choosing your lens
Monofocal, EDOF and trifocal focus, toric astigmatism correction, mini-monovision eligibility and illustrated visual phenomena.
Compare the options →Download lens options leaflet (PDF)
Clareon Vivity
Distance and intermediate vision, the expectation of reading glasses, and the contrast-sensitivity and night-driving trade-offs.
Understand Vivity →Download Vivity leaflet (PDF)
Clareon PanOptix
Three main focal ranges, realistic reading expectations, halos and glare, adaptation and the possibility of further treatment.
Understand PanOptix →Download PanOptix leaflet (PDF)
Realistic expectations
Most people are very happy with their vision following surgery. Although every effort is made to achieve the best possible visual outcome, I cannot guarantee that you will be satisfied with your vision following surgery.
Most people are very happy with their vision following surgery. Although every effort is made to achieve the best possible visual outcome, I cannot guarantee that you will be satisfied with your vision following surgery.
Meet your surgeon
George Voyatzis
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
FRCOphth
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Moorfields Private
Specialist experience.
A personal conversation.
George Voyatzis is a highly experienced cataract and lens surgeon with more than 20 years in ophthalmology and an excellent surgical safety record.
A First Class Honours graduate of Athens Medical School, he trained as an ophthalmologist in London and Cambridge, followed by two years of advanced training in complex cataract and corneal surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
As cataract service lead at Peterborough & Stamford NHS Foundation Trust, he received a clinical excellence award for improving the service. He joined Moorfields Eye Hospital in 2018, bringing specialist surgical expertise and a thoughtful, personalised approach to each patient’s care.
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Former cataract service clinical lead, North West Anglia
- Consultations available in English and Greek
Patient experiences
What our patients say.
Read patients’ experiences of their care with George Voyatzis on Doctify and Google.
Google reviews
5.0 out of 5 ★★★★★
Based on 40 Google reviews
Rating checked 2 November 2026. This is a snapshot; see Google for the latest reviews.Patient experiences are individual. Reviews do not guarantee a particular outcome from treatment.
Meet the team
People who make
your care personal.
Clinical support and practical guidance, working alongside George throughout your patient journey.
Optometry
Janice Oster
Janice is a specialist optometrist who, after qualifying from City University, London, has gained extensive experience in the hospital sector by working at The Royal London, Whipps Cross and for the past 25 years, Moorfields Eye Hospital. She has broad optometric experience having worked in many specialist clinics across the hospital, with a particular focus and considerable expertise in refractive surgery and cataract procedures.
She has been running the NHS Shared Care Cataract Scheme at Potters Bar Outreach Clinic for the past 6 years and has a close working relationship with many community optometrists in Hertfordshire, providing them with important training and support.
Janice has a highly personable approach, with strong communication and compassion, which helps the patient feel at ease prior to surgery and makes for an excellent patient experience.
Practice Manager
Elizabeth Legg
Elizabeth is a registered nurse and the practice’s manager, bringing clinical understanding and a warm, personal approach to the coordination of your care. As George’s PA and your principal point of contact, she oversees appointment arrangements, helps organise each stage of your visits and ensures clinical enquiries reach the appropriate member of the team. Her approachable manner, attention to detail and clear, thoughtful communication help you feel informed, supported and at ease throughout your experience with the practice.
Contact the practice →The reassurance of Moorfields
Personal care.
Specialist hospital support.
Moorfields provides an ecosystem of excellence. When you have your cataract surgery consultation and treatment with Mr George Voyatzis, you have access to world-leading specialist eye-care teams and hospital facilities. Expertise from other ophthalmic specialists can be sought whenever needed to support your individual care.
Moorfields also offers the opportunity to have the support of a consultant anaesthetist during your operation. Where appropriate, they can provide sedation to help you feel relaxed and make your surgical experience as calm and comfortable as possible. They will monitor you throughout and can manage any anaesthetic issues that may arise. Your anaesthetic and sedation options will be discussed and tailored to your needs.
Discuss your care and anaesthetic options →An informed decision
Know the benefits.
Understand the trade-offs.
Cataract surgery aims to improve vision affected by a cloudy lens. Premium lenses may offer a wider range of focus, but the potential benefits depend on your eye health and the lens selected.
All lens categories, monofocal, EDOF and trifocal, including toric versions, can cause visual phenomena. Bright arcs, halos or streaks are positive dysphotopsias; a peripheral dark crescent can be negative dysphotopsia. The brain needs time to adjust to a different optical system, but persistent symptoms need assessment. See diagrams and learn about adaptation →
What to expect from surgery
Surgery is usually a day-case procedure, commonly under local anaesthesia. Most patients notice a quick improvement in their vision. For some individuals, this may take longer.
Possible complications include infection, bleeding, pressure changes, inflammation, corneal or retinal swelling, retinal detachment, capsule damage, implant movement, an unexpected prescription and the need for further treatment. This list is not exhaustive. Rarely, sight may be severely and permanently reduced. Your individual risks will be discussed before consent.
After surgery, increasing pain, worsening vision, increasing redness, new flashes, a sudden increase in floaters or a curtain/shadow require urgent eye assessment. Do not wait for adaptation or a routine visit. Use the emergency details in your discharge paperwork.
Your questions, answered
Feel informed
before you decide.
What does “premium cataract surgery” mean?
It describes a personalised approach with access to a wider range of lens implants, including lenses designed to reduce glasses dependence or correct astigmatism. A more expensive lens is not automatically more suitable. Your surgeon will explain the options for your eyes.
When is the right time to consider surgery?
The decision is usually guided by the effect of cataract on everyday life, alongside the examination findings. Difficulty reading, glare when driving or reduced confidence with daily activities can prompt an assessment. You do not need to wait until the cataract is “ripe”; the timing should reflect your needs and clinical circumstances.
How long does surgery take?
Many routine operations take around 15–20 minutes per eye, but complex cases can take longer. Allow additional time for admission, preparation and recovery; a hospital visit commonly takes a few hours. You will be provided with detailed information about the arrangements for your procedure.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
This may be an option for selected patients after individual assessment. It can mean one hospital admission and a combined recovery period. Separate-day surgery may be preferable in other circumstances. Discuss the benefits, risks and suitability with your surgeon.
Will I still need glasses?
Possibly. Monofocal lenses generally require glasses. EDOF lenses generally favour distance and intermediate vision; computer glasses are sometimes needed and reading glasses are almost always needed. Trifocal lenses aim to reduce glasses dependence across distance, intermediate and near vision. Glasses may still be needed for demanding tasks, such as reading small print, in dim light or when increased clarity is needed.
Can everyone have a multifocal lens?
No. The health of the cornea and retina, previous surgery, your prescription and visual priorities all matter. A lens with a narrower range of focus may provide a more suitable balance of vision and optical quality.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No, cataract surgery is not painful. Anaesthesia is used to minimise discomfort. You may be aware of light, movement or pressure during surgery. Tell the team if you feel uncomfortable so they can respond. Anaesthetic options are discussed before the procedure.
How long will recovery take?
Most patients notice improved vision within the first few days, but full settling can take several weeks. Follow the prescribed drop schedule and activity advice. Timing for work and driving depends on your recovery, the demands of your activities and meeting the applicable driving vision standards.
How much does private surgery cost?
Please contact the practice for current fees. Ask for a written quotation explaining the consultation, lens, hospital and surgeon fees, follow-up arrangements and any exclusions. The final recommendation and cost depend on the assessment and selected treatment.
Does premium surgery always involve a laser?
No. Premium lens selection and laser-assisted surgery are different choices. Conventional small-incision surgery uses ultrasound to remove the cataract. Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery automates some preparatory steps, with the operation then completed by the surgeon. Current evidence shows comparable visual results and safety outcomes for conventional and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Ask your surgeon which technique is proposed for you and why.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Follow your own team’s instructions on medication, food and drink, and any prescribed drops. Arrange transport home. Do not change regular medication unless instructed by the clinician responsible for your care.
Could I need YAG laser treatment later?
The membrane behind the implant can become cloudy months or years after surgery, causing blurred vision. This is called posterior capsule opacification; it is not the cataract returning. If it affects vision, YAG laser capsulotomy may be recommended after assessment. Assessment and YAG laser treatment will incur an additional fee.
What if I do not have a cataract yet?
Refractive lens exchange uses a similar procedure to replace a clear natural lens for vision correction. It is a separate elective decision with benefits and risks that need careful discussion. It may not be appropriate for you; alternatives should be considered at consultation. Read the refractive lens exchange guide →
Fees & insurance
Clarity before
you commit.
A clear guide to assessment, surgery and aftercare. Your personalised written quotation will confirm the treatment and fees proposed for your eyes.
Your personalised quotation
Surgery and YAG treatment fees are shown below. The consultation fee includes all ancillary tests. Surgical package inclusions remain subject to confirmation. Please request a written quotation before booking treatment.
Surgery and YAG treatment fees are shown below. The consultation fee includes all ancillary tests. Surgical package inclusions remain subject to confirmation. Please request a written quotation before booking treatment.
Your first step
Cataract consultation
Includes all ancillary tests
£300Initial consultation
| Treatment | One eye | Both eyes Same-day surgery* |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal lensStandard, non-toric implant | £3,646 | £6,946 |
| Advanced lens optionsToric monofocal, EDOF or trifocal; fee depends on the implant chosen | £4,446–£4,996 | £7,746–£8,296 |
| YAG laser capsulotomyCharged separately from cataract surgery | £925 | £1,450 |
*Same-day surgery for both eyes is offered only after individual assessment. Toric astigmatism correction is available within monofocal, EDOF and trifocal lens families; the quotation will specify your selected implant.
What the proposed cataract package includes
- Surgeon’s fee and hospital facilities
- Consultant anaesthetist’s fee, including sedation where appropriate
- Your selected intraocular lens implant
- Initial eye drops to take home on the day
- One postoperative follow-up appointment
Package inclusions are provisional and will be confirmed in your written quotation.
Additional appointments and treatment
Follow-up consultations outside the surgical package: £250. YAG assessment and laser treatment incur additional fees; your quotation will confirm whether assessment is included in the displayed YAG treatment fee. A special mini-monovision contact-lens trial is charged separately; please contact the practice for the trial fee.
Private medical insurance
Obtain authorisation and confirm the extent of cover before treatment. Premium lens upgrades and refractive elements may not be covered. The practice will explain the proposed treatment and any fees you would need to pay.
Every eye is different. Your recommendation will be based on suitability and your visual priorities.
Request a personalised quotation ↗Surgery and YAG fees updated 2 November 2026. Your written quotation will confirm the applicable fees.
Private consultations in London
Specialist care.
Two convenient locations.
Please confirm the location of your consultation with the practice when booking.
Marylebone
Moorfields Private
New Cavendish Street
50–52 New Cavendish Street
London W1G 8TL
City Road area
Moorfields Private
Outpatient Centre
9–11 Bath Street
London EC1V 9LF
Take the next step
Let’s talk about
your vision.
Contact the practice to arrange a consultation, ask about availability or request current fees. A careful assessment is the starting point for a personal recommendation.