Consultant-led, day-case surgery. The bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery available as a routine option.
Private cataract surgery in Plymouth and Torbay. Cataract surgery removes the eye's clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear implant, restoring sharp vision. It is performed as a day case under topical anaesthetic — eye drops only, no injections — and takes around 8 to 10 minutes per eye. Most patients notice a dramatic improvement within 24 hours. Mr Sam Evans FRCOphth offers private cataract surgery at Nuffield Health Plymouth and Mount Stuart Hospital, Torbay. Most patients are seen and treated within two weeks of referral.
Cataracts are a natural part of ageing. As the eye's lens gradually clouds over, vision becomes hazy, colours dull, and glare from headlights worsens. The only effective treatment is surgical — but there is no need to wait until your vision is severely affected. If a cataract is causing you a problem, that is reason enough to consider surgery.
Modern cataract surgery is one of the most refined procedures in medicine. Mr Evans performs phacoemulsification — a small-incision, ultrasound technique — under topical anaesthetic. That means eye drops only; he has not used injections around the eye for over ten years. There are no stitches. The operation takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Most patients go home the same morning.
Vision typically improves within 24 hours. One patient described it like this: “24 hours later my eyesight was as clear as a bell. For anyone with this condition and considering having treatment I would just say don’t mess about, get on with it — it’s truly life-changing.”
Mr Evans’ approach is straightforward: keep things as simple as possible, avoid overcomplicating matters, and get patients back to a full and fulfilled life as simply, safely and quickly as possible. That philosophy shapes every aspect of the Devon Eyes cataract pathway.
NHS context: NHS waiting times for planned care in South Devon are currently running beyond the 18-week target for around 1 in 3 patients (Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, March 2026). Devon Eyes patients are typically seen within one week and can have surgery within two to four weeks. (NHS England South West, May 2026)
Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. The clouded lens is removed using phacoemulsification (ultrasound) and a clear intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place.
Both eyes can be treated in a single visit for patients who prefer it. This is safe when selected appropriately, halves total recovery time, and means only one period off driving.
Telephone pre-operative appointments mean that for straightforward cases, the surgery visit may be the only hospital attendance required — saving time and reducing the disruption to daily life.
Cataract surgery may be suitable if you experience any of the following:
There is no need to wait until your vision becomes severely impaired. If a cataract is causing you difficulty — however mild — Mr Evans is happy to discuss surgery. Suitability is confirmed at a consultation including biometry measurements, and he will advise on the most appropriate lens for your lifestyle.
Colours after surgery: Many patients notice that colours appear noticeably brighter and bluer after cataract surgery. This is normal — it reflects how yellow the cataract had made vision appear. Most patients adapt within a few weeks and find the clarity remarkable.
Mr Evans will advise on the best option at your consultation based on your lifestyle, prescription, and ocular health.
From £2,700 / eye
Optimised for distance vision. Most patients still need glasses for reading. The standard choice and the most proven option.
From £3,000 / eye
Suitable for patients who want to reduce dependence on glasses for distance, with an increased range of spectacle independence compared with a standard monofocal lens.
From £3,300 / eye
Consultation billed separately
Corrects astigmatism as well as cataracts, reducing dependence on glasses for distance. Ideal if you have a measurable degree of astigmatism.
From £3,800 / eye
Extended depth of focus lens. Provides good vision at distance and intermediate range. Reduces but may not eliminate need for reading glasses.
All prices include consultation, surgery, lens implant, and all post-operative care. The initial consultation is billed separately. Full fee schedule →
Free 10-minute phone call. We confirm whether you are likely suitable and answer your questions before you commit to anything.
Full examination, biometry measurements, lens selection, and consent. Typically within one week of referral.
Day-case procedure under local anaesthetic. Most patients go home within a couple of hours. Typically within two to four weeks of consultation.
Post-operative review the following day, then at four to six weeks. Eye drops provided. Shared care with your optometrist as appropriate.
Devon Eyes charges from £2,700 per eye for monofocal cataract surgery, from £3,000 for advanced monofocal, from £3,300 for toric advanced monofocal (astigmatism-correcting), and from £3,800 for EDOF lenses. Surgical fees include the lens implant, theatre fees, and all post-operative care. The initial consultation is billed separately. View the full fee schedule.
Yes. Bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery is available as a routine option at Devon Eyes. Not every patient is suitable; this is assessed at consultation. When appropriate, it halves recovery time and reduces the number of visits required.
Devon Eyes patients are typically seen at consultation within one week and can proceed to surgery within two to four weeks of their first appointment. NHS waiting times in South Devon are currently running beyond the 18-week target for around 1 in 3 patients.
No GP referral is required for self-pay patients. If you have private medical insurance, a referral letter from your GP or optometrist is usually required by your insurer. Your optometrist can also refer directly to Devon Eyes.
This depends on the lens chosen. Most patients with a monofocal lens are glasses-free for distance but still need reading glasses. EDOF lenses reduce but may not eliminate spectacle dependence. Mr Evans will advise you on realistic expectations at consultation.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed operation in the UK and is generally very safe. Mr Evans' posterior capsule rupture (PCR) rate is 0%, compared to a national average of 0.69%. As with any operation, there are small risks which will be explained fully at your consultation.
Use the form or call us directly. A free 10-minute discovery call is available before you commit to an appointment.