How soon can I be seen?

We can usually offer a consultation within a few days. Most patients have their assessment and all necessary scans completed during the same visit. This allows your treatment plan to move forward without unnecessary delays.

Can everyone have same-week surgery?

Not all patients are suitable for same-week treatment. Suitability depends on your eye health, measurements and overall medical history. Your consultant will explain clearly whether immediate surgery is appropriate for you.

Do I need a GP referral to use the Fast-Track service?

No referral is required, and you can book directly with us at any time. If you already have referral letters or reports, you are welcome to bring them. They can help speed up the assessment, but they are not essential.

What if I want more time to decide?

There is no obligation to proceed straight away. Fast-Track simply gives you the option of rapid treatment if you choose it. You are free to take as long as you need before making any decisions.

Can both eyes be treated quickly?

Yes, many patients have their second eye treated soon after the first. The timing depends on your visual needs and clinical suitability. Your surgeon will recommend the safest and most effective approach for your situation.

Is fast-track cataract surgery safe?

Yes, it is just as safe as standard cataract surgery. The process is faster, but the safety checks, planning and consultant oversight remain the same. You receive the same meticulous level of care throughout your treatment.

Book a Consultation Tel: 0208 138 8988

Cataract Surgery with Diabetes

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Cataract Surgery in Patients with Diabetes

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Specialist care designed to protect both vision and long-term eye health

If you have diabetes and are developing cataracts, it’s natural to have additional questions. Diabetes can affect the eyes in several ways, and cataract surgery needs to be planned carefully to achieve the best possible visual outcome while minimising risk.

At London Cataract Centre, we regularly treat patients with diabetes. Our approach focuses on thorough pre-operative assessment, precise surgical planning and close post-operative monitoring, so you can proceed with confidence.

How Diabetes Can Affect Cataract Surgery

Diabetes does not prevent cataract surgery, but it can influence how surgery is planned and managed. Depending on your eye health and diabetes control, there may be additional considerations before, during and after the procedure.

These can include:

A higher likelihood of diabetic changes in the retina
Increased risk of post-operative inflammation
Slower visual recovery in some cases
Greater importance of careful timing and monitoring

With specialist assessment, cataract surgery is generally safe and highly successful for patients with diabetes.

The Importance of Retinal Assessment

Before proceeding with cataract surgery, it is essential to assess the health of the retina. Diabetes can cause conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or macular oedema, which may affect vision independently of the cataract.

During your consultation, we will assess:

Whether diabetic retinopathy is present
The condition of the macula
Whether any retinal treatment is required before surgery
How retinal health may influence visual expectations

Addressing these factors early helps optimise both safety and outcomes.

Timing Cataract Surgery with Diabetes

Good timing plays an important role in diabetic cataract surgery. In many cases, surgery is best performed when blood sugar levels are stable and any retinal issues are under control.

Your consultant will consider:

Overall diabetes control
Recent changes in vision
Retinal findings on imaging
Any ongoing eye or medical treatments

This ensures surgery is carried out at the safest and most appropriate time for your eyes.

Lens Choice in Patients with Diabetes

Lens selection is personalised for every patient, and diabetes is one of the factors that influences this decision. The aim is to choose a lens that provides clear, stable vision without increasing visual side effects.

Depending on your eye health, options may include:

Monofocal lenses, often preferred for their predictability
Toric lenses if astigmatism is present
EDOF lenses in selected cases
Carefully chosen multifocal lenses, only where appropriate

Your surgeon will explain which options are suitable and which may be less advisable based on retinal health and visual priorities.

Meet Your Premium Cataract Surgeons

Mr Tariq Ayoub - Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Mr Tariq Ayoub is an experienced cataract and refractive surgeon with a strong focus on safety and outcome predictability in patients with diabetes. He regularly treats individuals with diabetic eye changes and understands the importance of timing, monitoring and lens selection in these cases. His calm, methodical approach helps patients feel reassured throughout the surgical process.

Mr Samer Hamada - Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Mr Samer Hamada is a highly experienced cataract and corneal surgeon with extensive expertise in managing cataract surgery in patients with diabetes. He takes a meticulous approach to pre-operative retinal assessment and surgical planning, recognising the additional considerations diabetes can introduce. Patients value his clear, balanced guidance when protecting long-term eye health is as important as improving vision.

What to Expect from the Consultation

Consultant-Led Assessment

You’ll be seen directly by a cataract specialist experienced in managing diabetic patients.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

This may include OCT imaging, retinal assessment, biometry and corneal analysis.

Clear Discussion of Risks and Expectations

Your consultant will explain how diabetes may influence recovery and visual results.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Every aspect of the procedure is tailored to your eye health and medical background.

Benefits of Specialist Diabetic Cataract Care

Careful coordination with retinal findings
Reduced risk of post-operative complications
Clear understanding of realistic outcomes
Consultant oversight at every stage
Access to advanced diagnostics and lens options

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Procedures

Consultants

Why Choose London Cataract Centre?

At London Cataract Centre, we combine world-class expertise with state-of-the-art technology to provide exceptional care.

Dedicated cataract-only clinic

Focused expertise in lens and cataract surgery

Experience with diabetic patients

Regular management of diabetes-related eye considerations

Advanced retinal and lens diagnostics

Precision planning for safer outcomes

Consultant-led care

No handovers, no shortcuts

Honest, pressure-free advice

Clear guidance tailored to your situation

Outcomes consistently exceed national benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cataract surgery safe if I have diabetes?

Yes, cataract surgery is generally very safe for patients with diabetes. Careful assessment and planning help manage any additional risks.

Will cataract surgery worsen diabetic eye disease?

In some cases, diabetic eye conditions can change after surgery. This is why close retinal assessment and follow-up are important.

Can cataract surgery improve my vision if I have diabetic retinopathy?

Cataract removal can improve clarity, but vision may still be limited by retinal disease. Your consultant will explain what improvement is realistically achievable.

Do I need retinal treatment before cataract surgery?

Some patients do, while others do not. This depends on the findings during your retinal assessment.

Is recovery different for patients with diabetes?

Recovery is often similar to non-diabetic patients, though healing can be slightly slower in some cases. Regular follow-up helps ensure any issues are addressed early.

Book a Consultation for Cataract Surgery with Diabetes

If you have diabetes and are considering cataract surgery, specialist advice is essential.

At London Cataract Centre, we provide consultant-led care designed to protect your eye health while restoring clearer vision.

Book a Consultation

Insurance Options for Your Eye Care Needs

At London Cataract Centre, we believe that exceptional eye care should be accessible to all. We are happy to accept a range of insurance plans to ensure your journey toward optimal eye health is as seamless as possible. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in navigating the insurance process, so you can focus on what truly matters – your vision and well-being.

Affiliations and Memberships

Our surgeons are proud to be associated with the following organisations

Testimonials

A very friendly experience from beginning to end. The staff were great and the consultant Mr Hamada was excellent at easing any fears I had. Surgery was painless and quick, staff were very reassuring. Would certainly recommend this clinic to anyone who has cataracts and decides on RLE treatment.

Ruth Thomas

Cataract Surgery - Both Eyes

Just had my lens surgery with Dr Hamada. I was very nervous on the day of surgery as I was having both my eyes done on the same day. But there was no need it went very smoothly and very happy with my new eyes.

HK

RLE Surgery - Both Eyes

All I can say is WOW, WOW WOW. I am writing this overwhelming endorsement 48 hours after having RLE in both eyes, pain-free with better than 20/20 vision. For those of you doing your research, I can absolutely confirm the RLE procedure is pain-free in Mr Samer Hamada’s miracle hands… THANK YOU SO MUCH…

John Sugrue

Lens Surgery - Both Eyes

Technology Partners

London Cataract Centre has partnered with the world’s leading ophthalmic technology companies to bring you the very best in surgical equipment, such as the Carl Zeiss Lumera microscope, a gold-standard scope in our speciality.

Our Location

Address: 29a Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8GP

The London Cataract Centre is situated at 29a Wimpole Street, in the heart of Marylebone's renowned Harley Medical District. Our prime location ensures convenient access for patients seeking exceptional eye care, whether you're traveling from within London, across the UK, or internationally.

For those using public transport, the clinic is just a 7-minute walk from Bond Street Station or a 10-minute walk from Oxford Circus and Baker Street stations. Additionally, street parking is available for those arriving by car, making your visit hassle-free.