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Menassa Vision

Patient Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.

General Questions

Ms. Menassa sees private patients at Spire Liverpool Hospital, located in Greenbank, Liverpool. The hospital has excellent facilities and free parking.

No GP referral is required for private consultations. You can book directly with us. If you have private medical insurance, check your policy as some insurers require a GP referral.

Yes, we work with major medical insurers including Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, and others. Contact us or check with your insurer to confirm coverage for your specific treatment.

We typically offer appointments within 1-2 weeks. Urgent cases can often be seen sooner. Contact us to discuss your situation.

About Consultations

Initial consultations typically last 30-45 minutes. This includes examination, any necessary tests, discussion of findings, and time for your questions.

You'll have a comprehensive eye examination including vision testing, eye pressure measurement, and detailed examination of your eyes. Ms. Menassa will explain her findings, discuss diagnosis, and recommend treatment options.

If your eyes are dilated (drops to enlarge the pupils), you should not drive for 4-6 hours afterwards. We recommend arranging a lift or using public transport if dilation is likely.

Absolutely. Many patients find it helpful to have a family member or friend present, especially when discussing treatment options. They're welcome to join you in the consultation room.

Cataract Surgery

Common symptoms include blurry vision, increased glare (especially when driving at night), faded colours, and frequent changes to your glasses prescription. Only a proper examination can confirm cataracts.

No. Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic drops. You may feel some pressure and see lights, but the procedure is comfortable for the vast majority of patients.

The surgery itself takes about 15-20 minutes. However, plan for a 2-3 hour visit to allow for preparation and recovery time.

This depends on the lens implant you choose. With a standard monofocal lens, you'll likely need reading glasses. Premium lenses (multifocal, EDOF) can significantly reduce glasses dependence.

Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours, though it may be a bit blurry initially. Full visual recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks as your eye heals and adjusts.

Typically we operate on one eye at a time, 1-2 weeks apart. This allows us to assess the first eye's result and optimise the second procedure. In some cases, simultaneous surgery may be offered.

Corneal Surgery

DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) replaces only the thin inner layer of the cornea that's diseased, preserving your own healthy corneal tissue. This means faster recovery, better vision, and lower rejection rates compared to traditional full-thickness transplants.

Modern partial-thickness transplants like DMEK have excellent long-term outcomes, with over 95% still functioning at 5 years. Many last much longer, though lifelong anti-rejection drops are typically required.

Fuchs' Dystrophy itself cannot be reversed, but DMEK transplantation can restore clear vision by replacing the dysfunctional cells with healthy donor tissue. The results are typically excellent.

Fees & Payment

An initial consultation is £250. Follow-up consultations are £150. These fees include examination, tests, and discussion of treatment options.

Standard cataract surgery starts from £2,950 per eye. Premium lens upgrades (Toric, Multifocal, EDOF) range from +£500 to +£1,200 per eye. The price includes all pre-operative assessments and post-operative care.

Yes, we can discuss payment plans for those who prefer to spread the cost. Please ask during your consultation for details.

Our prices are all-inclusive: consultation, pre-operative assessments, the surgery itself, surgeon's fee, anaesthetist's fee, hospital facility fees, the lens implant, and all routine follow-up appointments.

Recovery & Aftercare

Most patients return to desk work within 2-3 days after cataract surgery. Physical or outdoor work may require 1-2 weeks. Corneal transplants require longer recovery—typically 2-4 weeks before returning to work.

After cataract surgery, most patients can drive within a few days once they feel confident their vision meets the driving standard. We'll advise you at your post-operative appointment.

Avoid swimming for 2-4 weeks after eye surgery to prevent infection. Light exercise can usually resume after a few days, but avoid heavy lifting or straining for 2-4 weeks.

Yes. After surgery, you will use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks. Corneal transplant patients typically need steroid drops long-term to prevent rejection.

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch and our team will help.