Lens Treatments

Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a misting up of the natural lens, which sits just behind the pupil and helps to focus light on the retina. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear synthetic implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). The focusing power of the IOL is chosen by your surgeon to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.

VHI Approved 
Cataract Surgery

No Waiting List
If you're a VHI member and have been told you need cataract surgery, you may not have to wait months for treatment. As a VHI-approved provider, Optilase offers fast access to consultant-led cataract surgery with appointments available without the lengthy waiting lists often experienced elsewhere.

Benefits for VHI Patients

No waiting list for eligible patients
Rapid consultation and surgery scheduling
Consultant-led cataract surgery
State-of-the-art technology
Convenient nationwide consultation locations
VHI cover available  for eligible procedures. Coverage subject to your individual VHI policy and pre-authorisation requirements.

Why Choose Optilase

See how Optilase compares to traditional hospital waiting lists
Traditional Hospital Waiting List Optilase Specialist Care
Wait Times
Wait weeks or months for an initial consultation
Rapid access to consultation appointments
Surgery Scheduling
Extended waiting times for surgery
Surgery scheduled without lengthy delays
Patient Journey
Multiple appointments spread over several months
Streamlined patient journey from consultation to treatment
Treatment Outcomes
Vision may continue to deteriorate while waiting
Earlier treatment and faster visual improvement
Flexibility
Limited flexibility in appointment scheduling
Convenient appointment options across multiple locations
Transparency
Uncertainty about when treatment will take place
Clear treatment timeline from the outset
Availability
High demand can result in ongoing delays
No waiting list for eligible patients
Environment
Hospital-based environment
Dedicated specialist eye care clinics
Book Your Consultation

Vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:

Having blurry vision.
Seeing bright colours as faded or yellow instead.
Being extra sensitive to light
Seeing double (when you see two images instead of one).
Having trouble seeing well at night, or needing more light when you read.
Stronger glasses don’t improve your vision.

What are the Benefits?

The majority of patients are completely free of glasses after lens implant surgery using multifocal IOLS.
Clearer vision
Reduced dependency on glasses
Lens surgery is an option for those unsuitable for laser surgery

Find out more about our treatments

Lens Replacement

Lens replacement surgery is identical to modern cataract surgery. Both involve replacing the natural lens with an intra ocular lens (IOL). A lens replacement surgery is primarily performed to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
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Cataracts

A cataract is a misting up of the natural lens, which sits just behind the pupil and helps to focus light on the retina. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear synthetic implant called an intraocular lens (IOL).
See More

Phakic (IOLs)

Phakic IOLs are clear implantable lenses that are surgically placed either between the cornea and the iris (the coloured portion of your eye) or just behind the iris. Phakic lenses are an option for those who may have been previously deemed unsuitable for laser eye surgery.
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Types of lens

There are two main types of lens implanted into the eye

Monofocal IOLs
These lenses have on specific focal point. Most patients target good distance vision and wear reading glasses. This lens can also be set to give good reading vision with the patient wearing distance glasses post-surgery.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal lenses aim to reduce spectacle dependence for a wider range of activities, including intermediate (computer screens) and near (reading) vision. If you are suitable for Refractive lens exchange, your surgeon will discuss which IOL type is the best option for you.

Book a Free Consultation Today!

At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
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Patient Reviews

Carl Thorne
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Carl Thorne
July 28, 2026

Life changing. From the initial consultation to the aftercare, Optilase have been friendly, professional and caring every step of the way. No worry or concern was too small for a detailed discussion and helpful response. 3 months after my phakic lens surgery my vision is as good as it ever was with glasses without the hassle. Would recommend the Optilase Carrickmines team to anyone.

Colm Smith
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Colm Smith
July 28, 2026

Very happy with the operation, results and the aftercare

Gerard Mcphillips
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Gerard Mcphillips
July 24, 2026

Very professional and appointments on time

D
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D
July 24, 2026

Great team, great experience. Anyone thinking about doing it, do it. Always on the end of the phone if there was any issues. Highly recommend!

jason farrell
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jason farrell
July 23, 2026

The entire process was smooth professional and completely stress free, I couldn't be happier with my outcome

Tara Dowds
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Tara Dowds
July 22, 2026

Excellent experience in the Cork clinic. Dan O'brien explained everything so throughly. I really appreciated the consultation.

Michael Britton
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Michael Britton
July 22, 2026

Absolutely brilliant service from consultation through to surgery and aftercare. The whole team are really friendly and efficient. Would recommend to anyone thinking about getting corrective surgery.

Majella Murphy
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Majella Murphy
July 22, 2026

Excellent service and care. Laser eye surgery went well and have had no issues. Highly recommend Sinead and the team in Optilase Cork

Saidhbhe OShea
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Saidhbhe OShea
July 21, 2026

Highly recommended the team in the cork clinic. Very professional and friendly throughout the whole process.

wiktoria szmerdt
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wiktoria szmerdt
July 21, 2026

Lovely staff, very knowledgeable, made me feel calm and comfortable during my consultation

Emma Mc Donald
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Emma Mc Donald
July 18, 2026

I wore glasses since 6th class. At fifteen I begged my mother to get me contact lenses ,she told me to go get a job !! I wore contact lenses for 20 years. It was very expensive. I promised myself one day I would get laser eye surgery . For my 30th birthday I treated myself 🥰 Without doubt it was the best money I ever spent. It was life changing for me . Do it! You will not regret it! Being able to see first thing in the morning without looking for your glasses is priceless . The team were fantastic and the follow up care was great . Thanks again Optilase cork .

Michelle Buckley
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Michelle Buckley
July 8, 2026

My experience in Optilase Cork has been nothing short of fantastic. I am an extremely nervous patient be it doctors,hospitals or dentists I dread them! From the starting consultations to the day of the surgery I was treated as an individual case. I felt valued and respected by each member of staff I encountered. I have been wanting to get this surgery done for years I just wish I had done it sooner. On the day of the surgery, the receptionists, the nurses and the surgeon himself were extremely uplifting and helped to put my mind at ease. The surgery itself was super quick! It is not at all painful with minimal discomfort. The staff throughly explain the aftercare and all drops are provided as part of the package which means there’s no trip to the pharmacy post surgery. There are 4 check ups post surgery (1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 month) so you are not left wondering how the recovery is coming along! Overall I can’t recommend the surgery enough it has allowed me to go about my day to day routine with ease!

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