Eye problems are common in dogs, and many conditions require surgical treatment. The cost of dog eye surgery varies enormously depending on the specific procedure, whether a specialist ophthalmologist is needed, and where you are in the UK.

Average Costs by Procedure

  • Cherry eye repair: £300 to £800 per eye
  • Entropion correction: £500 to £1,500
  • Ectropion correction: £500 to £1,200
  • Enucleation (eye removal): £500 to £1,500
  • Corneal ulcer surgery (grid keratotomy or graft): £800 to £2,000
  • Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification): £2,500 to £5,000 per eye
  • Eyelid tumour removal: £400 to £1,200

Cataract surgery is the most expensive because it requires specialist ophthalmology equipment and expertise. It is almost always performed at a referral centre.

What Affects the Price

Specialist Referral

Many eye procedures, particularly cataract surgery and complex corneal surgery, must be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Referral adds a specialist consultation fee (£200–£400) on top of the surgical cost. The CMA found that referral services are a significant driver of high veterinary bills.

Complexity

A straightforward cherry eye tuck takes 20–30 minutes. Cataract surgery requires specialised phacoemulsification equipment, an operating microscope, and can take 1–2 hours per eye. More complex procedures cost more.

Breed

Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus) are predisposed to eye problems and may have more complex anatomy, affecting surgical difficulty and cost. Some breeds require more frequent or more complex procedures.

Both Eyes

If both eyes need treatment, some specialists offer a reduced rate for doing both at the same time (saving on a second anaesthetic). Bilateral cataract surgery typically costs £4,000–£7,000 rather than double the single-eye price.

Regional Price Variation

  • London and South East: 20–30% higher than the national average
  • Midlands: Around the national average
  • North of England and Scotland: 10–20% below the national average for most procedures

What Should Be Included

A surgical quote should include:

  • Pre-operative eye examination
  • General anaesthetic and monitoring
  • The surgical procedure
  • Post-operative medication (eye drops, pain relief)
  • Follow-up examinations (typically at 1, 3, and 6 weeks post-surgery)

For cataract surgery, expect additional costs for pre-operative electroretinography (ERG) testing at £200–£400 and ultrasound examination of the eye.

How to Save

  • Pet insurance: Eye surgery claims are among the most common high-value claims. Ensure your policy was in place before the condition was diagnosed, as pre-existing conditions are excluded.
  • Get multiple referral quotes: Ask your vet to refer you to two or three ophthalmologists for comparison quotes.
  • Consider timing: Early treatment of conditions like cherry eye or entropion is usually simpler and cheaper than waiting until complications develop.
  • Ask about payment plans: Many referral centres offer interest-free payment plans for high-cost procedures.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Veterinary ophthalmology referral centre pricing, VetCost practice data.