Laser cataract surgery in Essex

Setting a new standard with the first and only laser for cataract surgery in Essex.

Southend Private Private Hospital is proud to announce the arrival of the Victus Femtosecond laser for cataract surgery - the first in Essex. Using bladeless technology our surgeons are able to perform a more accurate and predicable procedure than that of the more traditional method.

In traditional cataract surgery, your surgeon uses a blade and then sound waves, suction, and irrigation to break up and remove the cloudy lens and prepare the eye for the new clear lens.

In laser cataract surgery, our surgeons use a precision laser beam to effectively remove the cloudy lens in preparation for the new clear lens to be inserted. The surgeon’s skills are complemented by the computer-guided accuracy and consistency of the laser.

Designed with the patients in mind, your surgeon can provide a precise and customised procedure.

Experience the future in cataract care today at Southend Private Hospital.

A cataract occurs when the lens of your eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy resulting in blurred vision. The lens on the inside of your eye is a small transparent disc behind your iris. It helps you focus light, or an image, onto your retina, allowing you to see clearly.  

Cataract surgery corrects the problem by replacing the cloudy lens with a clear one. It is a common and very effective surgery that restores full vision in most cases. The operation tends to be quite quick. 

Private cataract surgery is a treatment option that falls under the medical specialism of ophthalmology. Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery that deals with the treatment of disorders of your eye. Ophthalmologists are specially trained doctors who help treat people with short-term and long-term eye conditions. 

You don't have to live with cataracts. We have a large network of specialist ophthalmologist consultants who can help you manage and treat your vision problems. 

Cataract removal surgery for one eye starts from £3,165*  

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately. 

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over 10 months to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 14.9% APR. 

If you have private health insurance, cataract surgery will usually be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out. 

*This is a guide price for patients who are paying for their own treatment. The actual cost of your treatment will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.

You might need cataract removal surgery if you’re struggling with the following cataract symptoms: 

• Cloudy or blurred vision 
• Increased sensitivity to light or glare 
• Colours may look faded 
• Circles of light around bright lights 
• Double vision 

Cataract symptoms will vary from person to person.  

Giselle Franklin is a 57-year-old registered nurse from Little Baddow.

She underwent cataract surgery performed by Professor Rajesh Aggarwal at Southend Private Hospital in Essex. Giselle's surgeon, Mr Rajesh Aggarwal, has an established reputation as one of the leading ophthalmic surgeons in the UK. Giselle's story shines a spotlight on the importance of regular eye tests and how cataract surgery can help transform your life.

Giselle's symptoms were taking over her life

Giselle, a lively and enthusiastic individual who enjoys observing local wildlife, travelling, and riding horses, began experiencing difficulties with close-up vision and a persistent haze in 2018. As her symptoms worsened over the next three years, she had to rely on varifocal lenses to see properly. Giselle's optician quickly diagnosed her with cataracts during a routine eye check. The condition now had a huge impact on Giselle's everyday life, making it challenging for her to keep up with her usual routine.

Giselle had lost confidence with driving at night and needed certain lighting to read - even with glasses. Giselle's nursing colleague recommended Professor Aggarwal based on his excellent reputation. Professor Aggarwal assured Giselle of the benefits of cataract surgery and that it was the best treatment option for her.

Getting treatment at Southend Private Hospital:

At Southend Private Hospital, our dedicated teams perform cataract surgery with precision and expertise. By removing the clouded lens through a 'keyhole' incision and replacing it with a customised IOL (intraocular lens), we can improve near, intermediate, and distance vision - eliminating the need for glasses.

Under the care of Professor Rajesh Aggarwal, Giselle underwent cataract surgery using a multifocal lens. Professor Aggarwal's extensive experience in using multifocal implants for cataract and refractive lens surgery instantly put Giselle at ease. Professor Aggarwal has a vast amount of experience with multifocal implants for use in cataract and refractive lens, which meant Giselle "felt immediately at ease".

The procedure was a resounding success. Giselle says: "Everything is crystal clear and colours so bright, like high definition". The impact of undergoing cataract surgery is dramatic. Foggy, blurred vision becomes sharp and pellucid. Vision starts to improve within a few hours after surgery, although a complete recovery may take a few weeks. 

To read more about Giselle's incredible story click here.

In most people, cataracts are a natural symptom of ageing. According to The National Eye Institute, most cataracts are age-related. 

However, the condition can also be caused by other factors, including: 

• Genetics (a family history of cataracts) 
• Regularly drinking excessive alcohol 
• A diet lacking in essential vitamins 
• An eye injury 
• Taking steroid medication for a long time 
• Smoking

Your risk of developing cataracts increases as you age, but can also increase if: 

• You have spent a lot of time in the sun 
• You have had an eye injury, surgery or radiation treatment on your upper body 
• You have existing health problems like diabetes