0%
Loading ...
Book a Consultation
Tel: 0208 138 8988
Book a Consultation
Tel: 0203 807 5603

Cataract Surgery and Legal Disclosure: What You Must Tell Insurers and Employers

Nov 3, 2025

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cataracts or undergone cataract surgery, it’s completely normal to wonder what you legally need to tell others — especially your insurer, your travel provider, or your employer. After all, cataracts can affect vision, and in the UK, vision standards are closely linked with both driving laws and workplace safety. But what exactly has to be disclosed, when, and to whom?

Let’s unpack this clearly. In this guide, we’ll look at the practical and legal side of disclosure after cataract diagnosis or surgery — including your obligations under UK law, the potential consequences of not telling the right people, and how to handle these conversations confidently.

Understanding Why Disclosure Matters

When we talk about “disclosure”, we’re really talking about transparency — making sure that those responsible for assessing risk or safety (like insurers or employers) have accurate information about your eyesight. Cataracts affect the clarity of the eye’s natural lens, which in turn can reduce contrast sensitivity, make night vision harder, and cause glare or blurriness.

From a legal perspective, failing to disclose a visual impairment that could affect driving, travel insurance claims, or occupational duties can lead to serious issues. Insurers could refuse to pay out a claim. Employers might question your fitness for specific roles if safety is involved. And if a road accident occurs, you could even face criminal penalties if you’re found to have driven without meeting the required vision standards.

But don’t panic — this doesn’t mean every cataract or every surgery has to be reported in every situation. The key lies in understanding which disclosures are mandatory, which are advisable, and how to do them properly.

1. Disclosing Cataracts to Car Insurers

If you hold a driving licence in the UK, your vision must meet the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) standards. For most drivers, that means you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres and have a visual acuity of at least 6/12 on the Snellen scale. Cataracts can sometimes reduce your ability to meet these requirements, especially before surgery.

When You Must Tell Your Insurer

You’re legally required to tell your insurer about any medical condition or treatment that could affect your ability to drive safely. That includes cataracts if your optometrist or ophthalmologist advises that your vision doesn’t meet DVLA standards.

Even if your cataracts are mild and you’re still legal to drive, it’s generally wise to inform your insurer once you’ve been diagnosed or are awaiting surgery. This protects you from accusations of non-disclosure later, especially if you were ever involved in an accident.

After Cataract Surgery

Once your cataract surgery is complete and your vision meets the driving standard again, most insurers won’t need ongoing updates — though it’s still good practice to confirm this. Many drivers actually find that their vision improves after surgery, so it often strengthens rather than weakens their insurance position.

Failing to disclose could invalidate your policy if an insurer later argues that undisclosed vision issues contributed to an incident. So transparency really does serve your best interest.

2. Reporting Cataracts to the DVLA

Before worrying about insurers, your first responsibility is to the DVLA. You must tell the DVLA if you have cataracts in both eyes and they affect your ability to meet the minimum visual standard for driving.

If you have cataracts in only one eye and your vision in the other meets the required standard, you usually don’t have to report it. However, your optician or ophthalmologist can advise you if your specific situation meets the threshold.

If you do need to report it, the DVLA will typically contact your eye specialist for further information, and they may request a vision test. Failure to report when required can lead to fines and, more seriously, invalidation of your licence if you’re involved in a collision.

3. Informing Travel Insurance Providers

Travel insurance is another area where disclosure is critical. Cataracts count as a pre-existing medical condition under most policies, even if you’ve already had surgery to correct them.

When applying for or renewing travel insurance, you’ll typically be asked to list all ongoing or previous medical conditions. This includes any eye condition that required surgery, even if you now have perfect vision.

Why It Matters

If you fail to disclose a cataract diagnosis or surgery, the insurer could refuse to cover related claims — for example, if you had a post-operative complication while abroad, or if you were unable to travel because of a sudden deterioration in vision.

How to Handle It

Be specific when filling in medical questionnaires. Note the diagnosis date, whether you’ve had surgery, and whether your vision is now stable. Many insurers will simply record it and charge no extra premium if your ophthalmologist confirms recovery. Others may impose a short exclusion period after surgery.

It’s always safer to over-disclose than under-disclose — travel insurers often check medical history databases if a claim is made, and discrepancies can void your policy altogether.

4. Informing Your Employer

If your job involves driving, operating machinery, or performing visually demanding tasks, your employer has a legal duty to ensure you can do so safely under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

When You Must Disclose

You’re not legally obliged to inform your employer about every health condition, but if your cataracts or recovery from cataract surgery could affect safety — your own or others’ — disclosure is essential. This helps the employer make reasonable adjustments and comply with the Equality Act 2010, which protects workers with health conditions or disabilities.

Reasonable Adjustments

These might include allowing time off for surgery and recovery, temporary reassignment of tasks, or adjusted working hours while your vision stabilises. For office workers, larger screen displays or better lighting might suffice.

Importantly, disclosing cataracts doesn’t mean you’ll lose your job. The Equality Act specifically prevents discrimination against employees with long-term visual impairments. Most employers will appreciate the honesty and respond constructively.

5. Occupational Health Assessments

Some employers — particularly in sectors like aviation, rail, logistics, or construction — require occupational health assessments. If your role falls under this category, your cataract diagnosis or surgery will almost certainly need to be declared during these checks.

The occupational health doctor may request an ophthalmology report or vision test to confirm whether you meet safety standards for your position. If temporary adjustments are needed, these can be reviewed after surgery.

Failing to disclose cataracts in such safety-critical jobs could be viewed as gross misconduct, since it may compromise workplace safety.

6. Private Health and Life Insurance Disclosure

Private health insurance and life insurance both rely on utmost good faith. This means you must disclose all relevant medical history when applying for or updating policies.

Cataracts as a Pre-existing Condition

If you’re diagnosed with cataracts or have had cataract surgery, it’s classed as a pre-existing condition. You’ll need to declare it when applying for new cover or renewing an existing policy.

Failure to disclose could lead to claim refusals later — for instance, if a related eye condition develops and the insurer finds undisclosed cataract surgery in your medical records.

That said, most insurers view cataract surgery as a routine, fully correctable condition. It rarely increases premiums or affects life insurance unless there are additional complications, like diabetes-related cataracts.

7. What Happens If You Don’t Disclose

Failing to disclose a cataract diagnosis or surgery when you’re legally or contractually required to can have significant consequences.

Insurance Implications

Insurers may refuse to pay out claims or even cancel your policy. In the case of car insurance, your cover could be voided retrospectively if it’s found that an undisclosed visual impairment contributed to an accident.

Employment Consequences

If you work in a safety-critical role and conceal a vision problem that later causes an incident, your employer could take disciplinary action or terminate employment.

Legal Repercussions

Driving without meeting the DVLA’s eyesight standards can lead to fines, penalty points, or even prosecution — especially if it results in an accident.

So while disclosure may feel inconvenient, it’s always the safer, wiser option.

8. After Surgery: When Are You Fit to Resume Normal Activities?

Following cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will tell you when it’s safe to resume driving, working, or flying. Most people recover functional vision within 24–48 hours, but it can take several weeks for full visual stability.

Before resuming driving, make sure your optometrist confirms you meet DVLA standards again. Once confirmed, you generally don’t need to re-declare to insurers or employers unless vision complications persist.

For travel, some insurers ask you to wait 4–6 weeks after eye surgery before flying, as pressure changes can affect healing. Always check your policy wording before booking a trip.

9. Best Practices for Disclosure

To avoid confusion or conflict, follow these simple steps:

  • Document everything: Keep records of your diagnosis, surgery date, and post-operative results.
  • Ask your ophthalmologist: They can confirm whether your vision currently meets legal standards.
  • Be proactive with insurers: Declare early, even if your condition seems minor.
  • Follow up in writing: When notifying insurers or employers, written confirmation (email or letter) creates a paper trail.
  • Review policies annually: Conditions and treatments can change — so can insurance terms.

Taking these steps ensures transparency and peace of mind.

10. Your Rights Under the Equality Act

If your cataract diagnosis or surgery results in lasting visual impairment, you may qualify for protection under the Equality Act 2010. This means your employer must make reasonable adjustments and cannot treat you unfairly because of your condition.

Even if your impairment is temporary, the principle of fair treatment applies. If you feel your employer has acted unreasonably — for instance, denying time off for surgery — you can raise the matter formally or seek advice from ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).

Remember: disclosing your condition isn’t just about fulfilling obligations; it’s about securing your rights and ensuring your safety.

FAQ: Cataract Surgery and Legal Disclosure in the UK

1. Do I have to tell my car insurer that I have cataracts?
Yes, if your cataracts affect your vision or ability to drive safely, you’re legally required to tell your car insurer. UK insurers expect full disclosure of any medical condition that could influence your driving, and cataracts fall into this category if they cause glare, blurriness, or difficulty with night vision. Even if your eyesight currently meets DVLA standards, it’s always safer to declare the diagnosis or surgery. If you don’t, and later make a claim after an accident, the insurer could argue that your vision was a contributing factor and refuse to pay out. In most cases, honest disclosure doesn’t affect your premium, but it does ensure your cover remains valid.

2. Do I need to inform the DVLA about my cataracts?
You must inform the DVLA if cataracts in both eyes stop you from meeting the required eyesight standard for driving — meaning you can’t read a car number plate from 20 metres or your visual acuity drops below 6/12. If only one eye is affected and the other meets the standard, you usually don’t need to report it. However, it’s wise to double-check with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, as they can confirm whether your condition affects your eligibility to drive. Not informing the DVLA when required can result in a fine and potentially invalidate your licence if you’re involved in an accident.

3. Should I tell my travel insurer that I’ve had cataract surgery?
Yes, cataract surgery counts as a pre-existing medical condition, so you must disclose it when applying for travel insurance or renewing a policy. Insurers need to know about any diagnosis or operation that might impact your health while abroad, even if your eyesight has fully recovered. If you fail to disclose it and later make a claim for a complication or cancelled trip, the insurer could reject it entirely. In most cases, as long as your eye has healed and your doctor confirms stability, your premium won’t increase — but you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re fully covered.

4. How long after cataract surgery can I start driving again?
Most people can start driving again once their vision meets DVLA standards, which typically happens within a few days to a week after surgery. Your surgeon or optometrist will confirm when it’s safe, based on how well your eye has healed and whether you can comfortably read a number plate at the required distance. Never assume you’re fit to drive straight away — light sensitivity and depth perception can take a little time to normalise. Letting your insurer know that you’ve resumed driving after surgery is also a good idea, as it keeps your record consistent and transparent.

5. Does my employer need to know about my cataracts?
If your job involves driving, machinery, or other safety-critical duties, yes, you should tell your employer. They have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure you can perform your role safely, and disclosing cataracts or recovery from surgery helps them make reasonable adjustments if needed. For example, you might need extra lighting, temporary task changes, or time off for appointments. If your work is office-based and your vision isn’t affected, you don’t have to disclose it — but if you ever feel your eyesight is impacting your performance, honesty allows your employer to support you rather than penalise you.

6. Can I lose my job because I have cataracts?
No, you can’t be dismissed simply for having cataracts. The Equality Act 2010 protects anyone with a health condition or visual impairment that could be classed as a disability, meaning your employer must make reasonable adjustments so you can continue working. Most employers are cooperative once they understand your situation, especially since cataract surgery is a routine, highly successful procedure that usually restores full sight. As long as you communicate openly and provide medical confirmation when necessary, your position and employment rights remain protected.

7. What happens if I don’t tell my insurer about my cataract surgery?
If you don’t disclose your cataract surgery when required, your insurer could cancel your policy or refuse to pay out on future claims. This applies to all types of insurance — car, travel, health, and life. Non-disclosure is viewed as a breach of contract because insurers rely on accurate medical information to assess risk. Even if your vision is now perfect, you should still report that you’ve had surgery. Being transparent prevents any complications later if you ever need to claim, and it often makes no difference to your premium once your vision is stable and fully corrected.

8. Do I have to inform my life or health insurer about cataract surgery?
Yes, you should always mention cataract surgery when applying for or renewing any life or health insurance. Insurers expect you to disclose any past or current medical conditions, including eye operations. Cataracts themselves rarely increase your premiums since they’re considered common and treatable, but failing to disclose surgery could give the insurer grounds to deny a future claim. Once your vision has recovered, most insurers simply record it as resolved, so being honest about your medical history protects your policy and ensures smooth claim processing if needed.

9. How can I check if I meet the DVLA eyesight standard after surgery?
Your optician or ophthalmologist can easily test whether you meet the DVLA standard. You must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away and have a visual acuity of at least 6/12 using both eyes or your better eye if one is affected. It’s a simple test but an important one — you shouldn’t assume you’re legally fit to drive just because you feel your sight has improved. Having this confirmed by a professional provides written reassurance for both your peace of mind and your insurer’s records.

10. Can I travel abroad soon after cataract surgery?
You can usually travel abroad within a few weeks of cataract surgery, once your ophthalmologist confirms your eyes have fully healed. Some insurers impose a short waiting period after any surgery — typically around four to six weeks — before your policy covers travel again. This helps ensure you’re medically fit to fly and reduces the risk of complications from cabin pressure or infection. Always check your policy terms and get written clearance from your surgeon before booking, so you remain fully insured and comfortable throughout your trip.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the bottom line? If you have cataracts — or you’ve had cataract surgery — be upfront with the organisations that need to know. Tell your insurer, notify the DVLA if your vision dips below standard, and inform your employer if it affects your work.

Transparency protects you. It prevents claim disputes, legal complications, and workplace misunderstandings. Most importantly, it ensures you stay on the right side of UK law.

At London Cataract Centre, we understand that vision care doesn’t stop at the operating theatre. Our team not only restores sight through advanced cataract surgery but also guides patients on practical matters like driving standards, insurance disclosure, and recovery timelines. If you’re uncertain about what to report or when, we’re always happy to help you navigate it confidently.

References