Cataract surgery

[absentblinded]

If you (or a relative) has had cataract surgery via the NHS, was an approximate time given for the surgery or was it a time slot of several hours?

I had to be there at a certain time, but then had to wait, see the surgeon, wait, have the op and then recover. DH went home and they called him when I was ready for collection.

I went in at 12.30 and was home for tea.

Thanks @NorthernDancer.

I'll be having both my eyes done (on 2 separate dates). Just dreading the whole experience and the travel (2-3 hours round trip) because I have ME/CFS.

I was taken in straight away to have antibiotic and numbing drops. Surgeon drew an arrow to mark the correct eye. About 15 minutes later went in and sat in the chair and had more drops. The procedure was so easy and took around 15 minutes. Then sat with a nurse to get aftercare instructions for another 10 minutes and then home. Same for both eyes six weeks apart. Easy, painless and so worthwhile. I don't need glasses except for reading. I drive without them. Probably the easiest procedure ever.

The way they do it at my local hospital is morning or afternoon. You go in at 8am or 12pm and then everyone’s taken in one after the other like a production line. If you’re lucky you are top of the list and out by 9.30am, if not you’ll need snacks and an audio book.

Thanks, you've put my mind at ease.

That was exactly what happened when I had glaucoma surgery (twice) years ago at Moorfields. I was very lucky - first in line the first time and second in line the second time!

At my local hospital they do 'morning's (have to be there about 8.00, from about 8 years ago) and 'afternoon's (be there at 12.30). So if you are lucky you'll be first in, and out by 11.00 or about 3.30). Either way they are generally lovely people who are used to dealing with nervous patients. Absolutely nothing to worry about. My hubby (ex roughie-toughie soldier and rugby) was scared silly, but said (afterwards) he didn't know what he was worried about.

If you have other health conditions could that help you move up the queue so not waiting around too long

That's a good idea @sittingonabeach. I'll mention that to my consultant.

I had cataracts in both eyes and was referred to Optegra. They are a private company who carry out cataract procedures under contract to the NHS. I had my first one removed last Monday and this is what happened. I will say from the beginning that although it is a strange experience, it was painless.

i had an 8.00am appointment. At about 8.20am they called two of us who were waiting and we were taken into a room that was divided into open cubicles. A nurse administered three or four sets of drops over about 30 minutes. This included a numbing agent. By this time there were others being prepared in the same room. The surgeon came in and spoke to each of us individually. He marked above the eye and impressed on us the importance of following the lights in the microscope once the procedure was underway.

i was taken into the operating room and had to lay down on a tilted table. The surgeon covered my face and made a hole above the relevant eye. They put more drops in and I had to follow the lights. The surgeon explained what was happening eg I am removing the cataract. You feel some pulling. It was then finished and I went back to my cubicle. I had to stay there for about 20 minutes, during which a nurse took my blood pressure. I was free to go at about 9.50am.

just to,add that