Premium Lenses

The NHS has announced changes to the specification of intra-ocular lenses (IOL) eligible for NHS-funded cataract surgery.

These amendments require us to remove the EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lens for NHS patients, effective from Monday, 31st March 2025. This is a commissioner-led decision, and we need to adhere to these new guidelines as an Independent Healthcare provider working on behalf of the NHS.

The EDOF lenses have not been removed due to any clinical or safety concerns. Demand was high for this premium lens option and the NHS patients that have received EDOF lenses from CHEC have been very satisfied with the visual outcomes.

We are able to continue to offer cataract surgery with EDOF lenses to those patients who have already undergone cataract surgery with an EDOF lens in their first eye, and any patients that are waiting for surgery following consultation.

CHEC remains committed to offering high quality standard monofocal IOL to our NHS patients. Our standard monofocal lens provides a reliable solution for optimal post-cataract surgery vision. The aberration-free design preserves natural depth of field without introducing additional distortions, ensuring consistent optical performance regardless of pupil size or lens decentration. The Square-Edge Technology and 360° posterior barrier help reduce posterior capsule opacification. Additionally, compatibility with a single-use injector system allows for precise implantation through micro-incision, promoting quicker recovery and excellent visual outcomes.

We introduced the EDOF lens option to offer our patients more choice, and it is disappointing we now need to remove this. As a patient-focused community healthcare provider, we continually strive to drive excellence and innovation in care and clinical outcomes. We are relentless in our pursuit of innovative solutions, seeking new and better ways to enhance our services, improve outcomes and offer more choice for our NHS patients, and we will continue to do so across our full healthcare offering.

EDOF lenses will continue to be available as a paid-for option for patients choosing private healthcare through Clarity, allowing us to offer this option for patients seeking it outside of the NHS framework. Optometrists and patients can find out more information about Clarity and the range of premium lenses available here.