Cross-Border Cataract Surgery – Cathedral Eye Clinic

Fast-Track Cataract Surgery for Irish Residents

Skip long waits. Get treated in Belfast within days — we’ll guide you through every step.

Book your consultation today!

No delays. No stress. Just clear sight.

No waiting times

Claim €1,300 of cost back

World class local surgeons

Travel Arranged for You

Testimonials

Hear some of the stories from our cataract surgery patients.

“Nothing but first class all the way. Very happy with the outcome after my first eye surgery and with the way I was cared for. I really look forward to returning to Cathedral Eye Clinic for my second eye surgery as soon as possible. I really appreciated being accompanied to and from the hotel.”

– Ian; Co Kerry

“It was a great experience from start to finish – absolutely no complaints. I’m so glad I decided to make the journey to Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast.”

– Timothy; Co Cork

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is a common eye condition where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. It often develops gradually with age and can make everyday activities like reading or driving more difficult. Colors may appear faded, and you might notice increased sensitivity to light or glare. While cataracts can affect your quality of life, they are highly treatable. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can restore clear vision and significantly improve daily functioning.

The Procedure

Pre-Surgery Assessment

An eye specialist performs a thorough exam to confirm the cataract and determine the best replacement lens for your needs.

Cataract Removal and Lens Implant

During a quick, outpatient procedure (usually under local anesthesia), the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens.

Recovery and Improved Vision

Vision typically begins improving within a few days, with most patients experiencing clearer, brighter eyesight and minimal downtime.

Why Patients Choose Cathedral for Cross-Border Cataract Surgery?

Transport from Your Local Area: We provide organised, comfortable transport from your local area straight to our clinic — no need for public transport or driving.
3-Min Walk from Hotel: Our central location in Belfast is just a 3–4 minute walk from the Ramada Hotel.
Ireland’s Leading Cataract Experts: Led by Prof. Moore, our surgical team delivers specialist cataract care with trusted results and a fast recovery time.
Local Aftercare — Nationwide: You can attend post-op appointments at Cathedral Eye Clinic or with your local optician. We coordinate everything.

Treatment journey

Your 5 step journey to visual excellence.

Stage 1

Speak With Our Team

Fill in our form or call our team — we’ll talk you through how everything works in plain language. No confusing paperwork. No pressure. Just clear answers and support from day one.

Stage 2

Get a GP or Optician Referral

You’ll need a referral from your GP or optician. Don’t worry — we’ll help you with exactly what to ask for and how to get it quickly. We can even provide sample wording to take with you.

Stage 3

Attend Your Consultation

Arrive at Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast for your in-person assessment. This is usually scheduled within 7 days, and we’ll organise private transport from your local area if needed.

Stage 4

Cataract Surgery – As Soon as the Next Day

In most cases, your cataract surgery is performed the day after your consultation — all under one roof, by expert surgeons, in our state-of-the-art facility.

Stage 5

Aftercare & Claiming Your HSE Refund

You’ll receive local post-op care near your home, or return to our clinic if preferred. We’ll walk you through how to submit receipts to the HSE for your refund of up to €1,300 — step by step.

Who’s Eligible for the Cross Border Cataract Scheme?

You Can Apply if….

You’re entitled to public healthcare in Ireland You must be a resident of the Republic of Ireland and eligible for public healthcare services under the HSE.
You’ve been recommended for cataract surgery A registered GP or optician has advised that cataract surgery is clinically necessary and has provided you with a referral.
You submit invoices to the HSE within 60 days of surgery (we’ll assist) After your procedure, you’ll send the required paperwork to the HSE to claim your refund — and we’ll guide you through the entire process.

World-Class Cataract Surgeons and Practitioners

Our team of specialised Consultant Ophthalmologists and Surgeons offer world-class patient experiences and outcomes for Cataract Surgery.

Profile

Professor Johnny Moore is a renowned Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in cataract surgery and advanced intraocular procedures, with over 25,000 successful treatments to his name. As Clinical Director of Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast, Prof. Moore combines his extensive surgical expertise with a passion for teaching and innovation. He has been pivotal in advancing cataract surgery techniques, including the development of precise intraocular lens (IOL) power prediction methods and the integration of cutting-edge laser technologies. Prof. Moore also spearheads global cataract surgery education through online training platforms and partnerships with organizations in underserved regions, ensuring access to high-quality surgical knowledge worldwide.

Profile

Mr. Mandal, an esteemed ophthalmic surgeon, has performed over 3,000 eye procedures and consulted with more than 8,000 patients, specialising in cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. With advanced training from institutions like Moorfields Eye Hospital and the University of British Columbia, he brings a wealth of expertise in complex corneal and cataract cases. A Fellow of both the European and Royal Colleges of Ophthalmology, he combines precision surgical skills with a passion for innovation, evident through his global contributions and research in ocular health. Patients benefit from his exceptional care and commitment to improving vision worldwide.

Profile

Mr Stephen Stewart, MBBS MA PgDipCRS CertLRS FRCOphth, is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in cataract surgery, including complex cases and astigmatism correction. A graduate of Cambridge and UCL, he trained in Northern Ireland and completed advanced fellowships in Belfast and Singapore. A Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Cataract Surgery and actively contributes to the National Ophthalmology Database Audit. Stephen is also involved in research on machine learning for cataract outcomes and has provided cataract surgery in resource-limited settings with the Khmer Sight Foundation.

Common questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about our cross border cataract scheme.

When should I consider cataract surgery at Cathedral Eye Clinic?

Cataract surgery is recommended when your vision impairment affects your daily life and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

How long does cataract surgery at Cathedral Eye Clinic take?

The surgical procedure typically takes around 15-30 minutes per eye.

The types of Cataract Surgery available at Cathedral Eye Clinic

We provide various advanced techniques, including traditional phacoemulsification and state-of-the-art laser-assisted cataract surgery. The specific type of surgery utilised will be patient-centric and discussed during your initial consultation.

What should I expect before the surgery at Cathedral Eye Clinic?

Before surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive eye examination and receive preoperative instructions. You’ll also discuss lens implant options with our experts.

Are there any complications with Cataract Surgery?

While cataract surgery is generally safe and it’s very rare any complications occur, like any surgery there are potential risks such as infection or retinal detachment. Our experienced surgeons will explain these in detail during your consultation.

We are travelling quite a distance and would like to stay in a local hotel, is there somewhere close by?

Yes, the Ramada Hotel, St Annes Square is 2-minute walking distance from our Clinic.

Can I bring a companion or family member for support on the day of my cataract surgery?

Yes, we encourage patients to have a companion or family member accompany them for support, to both their Consultation and Surgery. During surgery, your companion or family member can wait in our relaxed reception area, or take advantage of the many cafes, shops and local sites within walking distance of our Clinic.

Is cataract surgery painful?

No, the procedure is typically painless. Local anesthesia is used, and you may experience minimal discomfort.

Do I need to stay in the hospital after cataract surgery?

No, our cataract surgeries are outpatient procedures, allowing you to return home the same day.

How soon after cataract surgery at Cathedral Eye Clinic can I return to my normal activities?

Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but please adhere to our post-operative guidelines to ensure a full recovery.