Spalton D

David Spalton's Cataract Surgery is sited in the centre of London, UK, in Harley Street and within easy reach of Underground stations at Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Baker Street and Regent's Park. If you have any difficulty in finding us, please telephone for assistance from the Practice Manager on 020 7935 6174.

We ask you to come in about two hours before surgery, so that we have the time to make the preparations smoothly and without hurry. Virtually all of my patients have their surgery under local anaesthetic. This means that you can, if you wish, have a light meal before you leave home. Please take any medicine or tablets as you would normally, but bring a list with you so that we know what you are taking. It will help if you bring a dressing gown and slippers, but otherwise you don't need to bring anything special unless you want something to read.

You will be escorted back to your room where you can get dressed and have a cup of tea or coffee, and a sandwich. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home; or the Hospital can arrange a taxi for you upon request. In the first day after the operation patients usually notice blurred vision and haloes around lights.

The NHS provides excellent cataract surgery totally free - why, then 'go private'? There are three major reasons. Private treatment offers more convenience as well as personal choice of surgeon. Not all surgery goes according to plan and when the unexpected happens it helps to have a very experienced surgeon.

A cataract operation can be performed under local anaesthesia (awake) or general anaesthesia (unconsciousness). Techniques of local anaesthesia have improved dramatically in recent years and, unless there are specific medical reasons, all of my patients will have their operation under local anaesthesia.