Higher flow any complexity cataract surgery
Gudance on cataract hub model to define best practice for delivering safe, efficient and sustainable cataract surgery across all levels of complexity.
This quality standard brings together NICE guidance and expert consensus to reduce wrong intraocular lens implantation and other never events in cataract surgery. It sets out practical requirements across the pathway, from referral and preoperative biometry through to IOL selection, theatre checks, implantation and postoperative audit. It emphasises accurate biometry, appropriate formula selection, clear documentation, and active patient confirmation at each stage. Strong focus is placed on team-based safety processes, including time-out, two-person checks, and clear verification of lens model and power before implantation. The standard also addresses toric IOL use, shared decision-making on refractive targets, and management of postoperative refractive outcomes. Organisations are expected to embed local safety standards, audit outcomes, and learn from incidents to continually improve practice.
Related cataract resources
A selection of our other cataract surgery resources
Cataract surgery with patients living with dementia
Concise practice points for clinicians managing cataract surgery in people living with dementia. Covers decision-making, consent, peri-operative care and pathway design to support safe, timely surgery
National cataract audit (NOD)
National audits which help improve the quality and safety of cataract surgery
Cataract surgery checklist
Supports theatre teams to prevent avoidable harm, including wrong-site surgery and incorrect lens implantation, through structured checks at key stages of care.