Why Consider Private Cataract Treatment ?

What are the benefits of Private treatment for your Cataract ?

Much of what we offer at Bettersight is not routinely available on the NHS. Treatments such as Clarivu (Natural lens replacement), laser vision correction and magnifying lens implants for macular disorders are only available outside the scope of the cash strapped NHS. However for those treatments that are provided for by the NHS -such as Cataract surgery, why should anyone consider private treatment ?

Here are several reasons why private cataract treatment with Bettersight could bring real added benefits to your eye-care:

Choose your Surgeon
One of the biggest determinants of surgical outcome is the personal experience of the surgeon. Although most cataract surgeons operating in UK hospitals are perfectly competent even amongst such a skilled group of people there can be a wide range of specialist skills and experiential background.

By choosing private treatment you can take an active role in choosing your surgeon rather than have this dictated to you by the ebb and flow of NHS style “pooled waiting lists” where there is never any certainty about who will actually be doing your operation. You also have a chance to “interview” your surgeon and establish a rapport that will help see you through your journey.

Consultations at Your Pace
Having a relaxed, unhurried consultation allows you to outline your specific concerns & your personal requirements to your surgeon – bear in mind a typical NHS consultation will last less than 10 minutes – its not unusual for a full in-depth private consultation to take around 45 minutes.

This kind of time is what allows a more careful examination and thorough discussion before any surgical treatment is embarked upon.

Fully Customised Treatment
Typical NHS cataract surgery is reasonably safe but today we have such a wide range of custom options that can be employed to help eliminate the need for glasses after surgery.

Custom options include the use of advanced lens implant designs such as TORIC and MULTIFOCAL lens implants amongst other options.

No inexperienced or trainee surgeons
If you opt for private treatment there will be no possibility of junior, inexperienced surgeons or trainees being involved in your surgical procedure.

You Choose the timing of your treatment
Most patients treated at Bettersight will have the option of having their first eye cataract procedure being carried out within a two week time frame.

We normally schedule the second eye for treatment within a week or two after the first eye – this is in sharp contrast to standard NHS care which can often follow the following trajectory :

Time to be seen for initial consultation – upto 18 weeks

Waiting time for first eye operation – upto 3 months

First post op review – upto 4 weeks before being placed back onto waiting list for second eye surgery

A possible further time period of upto 3 months before second eye is treated.

This type of pathway can easily stretch the entire cataract journey up-to around 6 months or more.

In contrast many patients with Bettersight can be assessed, both eyes treated and the patient discharged on an ‘open basis’ within a 4-6 week time frame.

Continuity of Care
This is really essential because fragmented care with different clinicians and staff being involved in different parts of your care may be an efficient way to manage waiting lists but unfortunately does not result in the highest quality care.

If you opt to have treatment carried out privately then your selected surgeon will be involved in your care right from the start till the end of your journey – most doctors and patients acknowledge this level of personal and indeed personnel continuity to be an important step to help ensure the best outcomes.