Cataract—the clouding of the eye’s natural lens—remains a leading cause of reversible vision loss. Modern surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Recovery is usually quick, and when performed in established centres, outcomes are excellent. While cataracts don’t “grow back” on the artificial lens, some patients develop a treatable haze called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) months or years later; a brief laser procedure (YAG capsulotomy) restores clarity. Health
In Lagos, your best path is: (1) get a thorough evaluation, (2) discuss IOL options (monofocal, toric for astigmatism, multifocal where appropriate), (3) assess surgeon experience and equipment, and (4) confirm HMO coverage or self-pay costs.
Vision Planet Eye Clinic (start here)
Why start with Vision Planet: Vision Planet is a patient-first optometry/eye-care provider with multiple Lagos locations (Lekki, Yaba/Surulere, Ikeja). It’s particularly strong for comprehensive evaluation, cataract detection, pre-op counselling, and HMO navigation—and can coordinate your pathway to the appropriate surgical theatre if you need an operation. Their HMO page explicitly lists cataract screening among services for insured patients and provides a simple route to verify eligibility. visionplaneteyeclinic.com+1
What to expect at Vision Planet:
- Full work-up: refraction, slit-lamp exam, intraocular pressure check (glaucoma risk often coexists with cataract), and retinal screening where indicated.
- Candid talk on timing: not all cataracts need surgery immediately; your functional needs guide timing.
- Referral & co-management: if surgery is indicated, they coordinate with reputable surgical centres in Lagos and follow you closely post-op—very helpful if you’re on an HMO plan that requires pre-authorisation. visionplaneteyeclinic.com
Learn more or confirm HMO eligibility here: Vision Planet HMO Provider in Lagos (they outline covered services and how to use your plan). visionplaneteyeclinic.com
Top cataract surgery centres in Lagos (concise snapshots after Vision Planet)
Below are established facilities with documented cataract services. Always call ahead to confirm your exact plan, IOL choice, and schedule.
Eye Foundation Hospital Group (Ikeja + network)
A longstanding specialist network with laser-assisted cataract surgery capabilities and broad ophthalmic subspecialties. Their surgery pages and channels regularly feature cataract education and outcomes, reflecting the depth of experience and technology.
Skipper Eye-Q Super Speciality Eye Hospital (Lagos)
International brand with an explicit cataract programme (bladed or bladeless claims, short procedure time, no-admission pathways). Public materials emphasise quick recovery and comprehensive pre-op/post-op care.
LASUTH (Lagos State University Teaching Hospital) – Ophthalmology
A major state teaching hospital offering medical, laser and surgical eye care. Peer-reviewed Nigerian literature also references advanced lens techniques performed at LASUTH. Expect a strong training environment and a broad case mix.
LUTH (Lagos University Teaching Hospital) – Guinness Eye Centre
The Guinness Eye Centre at LUTH is a flagship academic unit providing optical, medical, laser and surgical eye services. Research from Lagos teaching centres documents cataract outcomes and continuous training, which benefits complex or comorbid cases. luth.gov.ng+1
Cathem Eye Hospital (Ikeja)
A private hospital explicitly advertising cataract surgery among other surgical services (glaucoma, retinal procedures, lasers). Their site lists a dedicated surgical theatre and outlines offerings; public provider pages also reference cataract services and price ranges. cathemeye.com
The Eye Doctor’s (Victoria Island + branches)
Multi-branch Lagos clinic with pages specific to cataract disease and general surgical offerings; useful for evaluation and coordinated care. theeyedoctors.com.ng+1
Reddington Hospital (Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja)
A multispecialty hospital network that publicises ophthalmology services across branches and has cataract education posts on official channels. For patients who prefer a full-service hospital context (co-morbid conditions, anaesthesia needs), this can be attractive. reddingtonhospital.com+1
Note: Lagoon and St. Nicholas operate strong multispecialty hospitals in Lagos; while their general pages emphasize comprehensive care (and some content references ophthalmology), always verify current cataract theater availability and scheduling at the specific branch you plan to use.
How to choose the right Lagos cataract centre (a practical checklist)
1) Surgeon experience & outcomes
Ask how many cataract procedures your surgeon performs annually, rates of intra-op complications, and approach to difficult cases (dense cataracts, small pupils, pseudoexfoliation).
2) Technology
Look for standard phacoemulsification platforms; some centres also offer femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. While lasers can refine certain steps, excellent outcomes are routine with conventional phaco in capable hands. Eye Foundation publicly notes the availability of laser-assisted surgery. eyefoundationhospital.com
3) IOL options that match your lifestyle
- Monofocal: crisp single focus (distance or near) with glasses for the other range.
- Toric: for significant astigmatism.
- Multifocal/EDOF: reduced dependence on glasses in selected patients (requires careful counselling on halos, contrast).
4) Infection control & safety
Confirm sterile protocols, post-op follow-up cadence, and contingency plans. Large centres (teaching hospitals and high-volume private hospitals) typically maintain rigorous standards. lasuth.org.ng+1
5) Co-management convenience
Many Lagos patients rely on optometrists for pre-op evaluation and post-op checks. A clinic like Vision Planet can handle screening, HMO approvals, counselling, and aftercare, while your surgery occurs at a partnering theatre—efficient and reassuring if you prefer neighbourhood access plus specialist surgeons. visionplaneteyeclinic.com
6) HMO or self-pay clarity
Bring your plan ID; ask what’s covered (consults, biometry, IOL type, drugs, YAG laser if PCO occurs later). If you’re paying cash, request a written quotation that includes biometry, theatre, professional fees, medications, and post-op reviews.
What cataract surgery involves (and why outcomes are so good)
Most modern surgeries use a small-incision, ultrasound-based technique (phacoemulsification) to remove the cloudy lens and implant a clear IOL. In straightforward cases, the operation is typically completed in minutes, and you go home the same day. Visual recovery often begins within 24–72 hours, with stabilisation over several weeks. If visual haze reappears later from PCO, the fix is a quick YAG capsulotomy in the clinic (no incisions). Health
How much does cataract care cost in Lagos? (₦ guidance)
Prices vary with facility, IOL choice, tests (biometry/OCT), and whether you’re insured.
- Public teaching hospitals (LASUTH/LUTH) may offer more affordable packages, though timelines depend on clinic load and eligibility. (Contact their ophthalmology units to confirm current fees and waiting lists.)
- Private specialist hospitals (Eye Foundation, Skipper Eye-Q, Cathem, others) typically offer faster scheduling and broader IOL menus; published references show Cathem’s private surgical pricing context and confirm cataract is a regular service there.
- HMO coverage: Many plans cover consultation and diagnostics, but IOL upgrades (toric/multifocal) and certain disposables may attract co-pays. Use Vision Planet’s HMO desk (or your chosen hospital’s billing office) to pre-authorise and avoid surprises. visionplaneteyeclinic.com
Because fee schedules change, get two written quotes: one for a standard monofocal package and one for any premium-IOL upgrade you might consider.
Who should not delay cataract surgery?
- Drivers and safety-critical workers whose night glare or reduced contrast endangers others.
- Patients with co-existing conditions (glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy) where the cataract blocks monitoring/treatment. Teaching-hospital studies from Lagos emphasise continuous improvement in surgical outcomes, but timing still matters to preserve function.
Sample care pathway (Lagos patient journey)
- Initial assessment at Vision Planet (Lekki/Yaba/Ikeja). You receive cataract grading, refraction, pressure check, and counselling. HMO verification happens here if applicable. visionplaneteyeclinic.com
- Biometry & scheduling at your chosen surgical centre (e.g., Eye Foundation or Skipper Eye-Q, or a teaching hospital list). Laser-assisted or conventional phaco is discussed alongside IOL choice.
- Day of surgery: short procedure, same-day discharge in most private centres; public centres may vary.
- Follow-ups: day 1–3, then 1–2 weeks, then as advised. If haze appears later from PCO, a YAG laser visit clears the capsule.
Quick profiles (beyond Vision Planet) — what patients usually like
- Eye Foundation Hospital Group (Ikeja & network): depth of subspecialties + laser option; efficient private-sector scheduling.
- Skipper Eye-Q: clear public commitment to advanced cataract workflows and fast turnaround; multiple Nigeria locations.
- LASUTH Ophthalmology: comprehensive state facility; complex case capability; published advanced IOL work.
- LUTH / Guinness Eye Centre: long history, surgical teaching, and a wide range of medical/laser/surgical services—good for co-morbidities. luth.gov.ng
- Cathem Eye Hospital: private surgical theatre with cataract on the menu; transparent about surgical offerings. cathemeye.com
- The Eye Doctor’s: multi-branch access in VI/Ajah/etc, with cataract pages and general surgical listings—handy for work-up and coordinated care. theeyedoctors.com.ng+1
- Reddington Hospital: multi-site private hospital; promotes ophthalmology services and cataract awareness on official channels. reddingtonhospital.com+1
FAQs Lagos patients ask (expert-style answers)
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
No. The natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL. What people call “secondary cataract” is PCO, a film on the capsule behind the IOL; a quick YAG laser treatment restores clarity.
Do I need a laser (femtosecond) cataract surgery?
Laser assistance is helpful for specific steps, but excellent outcomes are routine with conventional phaco when performed by experienced surgeons. Eye Foundation offers laser-assisted options if you and your surgeon choose it. eyefoundationhospital.com
Where is the most affordable place?
Public institutions (LASUTH/LUTH) can be less expensive; private centres offer faster scheduling and broader IOL options. Verify current fees and any HMO co-pays. lasuth.org.ng+1
Which clinic is best?
“Best” = the place that matches your needs: surgeon experience, IOL choice, access (distance from home), HMO coverage, and post-op support. Start with a thorough evaluation (e.g., Vision Planet) and get one or two surgical quotes. visionplaneteyeclinic.com
Action plan: make the safest, smartest choice
- Book an evaluation at Vision Planet Eye Clinic (Lekki, Yaba/Surulere, or Ikeja). Use their HMO desk if you’re insured; if not, they’ll still coordinate your journey efficiently. visionplaneteyeclinic.com
- Shortlist two surgical theatres (e.g., Eye Foundation and LASUTH/LUTH, or Skipper Eye-Q and Cathem). Compare IOL options, timelines, and total cost.
- Confirm co-morbid management (glaucoma, diabetes): choose a centre comfortably managing both at once. Lagos teaching hospitals and high-volume private centres are well-placed for combined issues.
- Get a written quote (standard monofocal vs premium). Ask about post-op drop costs and the price/coverage of the YAG laser if PCO occurs later.
- Schedule and stick to follow-ups. Most vision improves quickly; your team fine-tunes meds and timing for your normal activities (driving, reading, screens).
Bottom line
Lagos offers an excellent mix of evaluation-first clinics and surgical theatres for cataracts. Start with Vision Planet Eye Clinic for comprehensive screening, counselling, and HMO navigation; then select a surgical centre that fits your case, budget, and timeline—Eye Foundation, Skipper Eye-Q, LASUTH, LUTH (Guinness Eye Centre), Cathem, The Eye Doctor’s, or a multispecialty hospital like Reddington. With the right team and IOL choice, modern cataract surgery is safe, fast, and life-changing—and if visual haze returns later from PCO, a quick YAG laser visit clears it.