Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist  &              Cataract Surgeon in Reading & Windsor

Mr.Praveen Kumar is a highly experienced Consultant Ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon providing specialist private eye care in Reading, Windsor and across Berkshire.

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An NHS Consultant since 2009, he holds senior consultant posts at Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, and Prince Charles Eye Unit, Windsor. He is also Lead Consultant for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), with particular expertise in medical retina and complex retinal conditions.

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With more than 35 years of ophthalmology experience and over 30,000 eye procedures performed, Mr Kumar specialises in cataract surgery, premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), refractive lens exchange, medical retina, AMD and specialist laser treatments.

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His private practice combines senior NHS expertise, advanced diagnostic technology and personalised, consultant-led care.

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Specialist Areas of Expertise

• Cataract surgery, including complex cases

• Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs)

• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)

• Medical retina and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema

• Retinal vein occlusion

• YAG capsulotomy and peripheral iridotomy

• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

• Retinal lasers

Every recommendation is based on careful clinical assessment, evidence-based practice and an understanding of each patient's vision, lifestyle and expectations.

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Extensive Experience & Specialist Training

Mr Kumar's specialist training began at JIPMER, followed by Royal College of Surgeons qualifications and further UK specialist training. He also undertook additional training at Aravind Eye Hospital and completed an Advanced Cataract Surgery Fellowship in Jersey, developing further expertise in complex cataract surgery.

He has also contributed to charitable eye-care initiatives including the Lions Sight First Programme, Aravind Eye Hospital surgical camps and India's National Blindness Control Programme.

This combination of extensive experience, specialist training and senior NHS practice enables him to manage both routine and complex ophthalmic conditions and provide individualised treatment plans.

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Cataract Surgery in Reading & Windsor

Cataract surgery is an effective way to restore vision affected by cataracts and, for suitable patients, can also reduce dependence on glasses.

Mr Kumar performs routine and complex cataract surgery in Reading and Windsor. During your consultation, he assesses your eyes, discusses your visual priorities and explains the available surgical and lens options.

The aim is to select treatment that is appropriate for your eyes, lifestyle and visual goals rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Premium IOLs & Advanced Lens Technology

Mr Kumar has particular expertise in premium IOLs and advanced lens replacement surgery. Depending on your eye health, prescription and visual requirements, options may include:

• Multifocal IOLs

• Trifocal IOLs

• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses

• Toric IOLs for astigmatism

The most advanced lens is not necessarily the right lens for every patient. Mr Kumar considers your eye health, lifestyle, occupation, visual priorities and expectations before recommending an option.

He explains the potential benefits, limitations and considerations of each lens so you can make an informed decision.

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Refractive Lens Exchange & Clear Lens Extraction

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as Clear Lens Extraction, is a lens replacement procedure that may suit selected patients wishing to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Mr Kumar assesses suitability based on age, prescription, eye health and visual expectations. As the natural lens is replaced during RLE, it cannot subsequently develop a cataract.

RLE is not suitable for everyone, and a comprehensive ophthalmic assessment is essential before considering treatment.

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Complex Cataract Surgery

Mr Kumar has a particular interest in complex cataract surgery and regularly assesses patients whose procedures may present additional challenges.

His advanced cataract fellowship included management of technically demanding cases. If you have been told your cataract surgery may be complicated, have had previous eye surgery or have another eye condition affecting treatment, he can provide a specialist assessment and explain the available options.

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Medical Retina & AMD Specialist

As Lead Consultant for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Mr Kumar has specialist experience in diagnosing and managing complex retinal conditions and accepts referrals from eye-care professionals across the region.

His retinal expertise includes:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Diabetic macular oedema

• Retinal vein occlusion

• Other medical retinal conditions

Distortion, new visual symptoms or changes in central vision warrant specialist assessment, particularly if you have a known retinal condition.

 

Advanced Laser Eye Treatments

Mr Kumar provides specialist laser treatments for appropriate patients, including:

YAG Capsulotomy – a focused laser procedure for cloudy vision caused by posterior capsule opacification following cataract surgery.

YAG Peripheral Iridotomy – creates a small opening in the iris to improve fluid movement and reduce the risk of angle closure in suitable patients.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – a treatment for suitable patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension that can lower eye pressure and, in some cases, reduce the need for medication.

Every laser procedure begins with an individual assessment to establish whether treatment is appropriate.

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Patient Safety & Cataract Surgery Outcomes

Patient safety is central to every surgical decision. Mr Kumar follows established clinical governance, thorough pre-operative assessment and evidence-based ophthalmic practice throughout the treatment journey.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database (NOD) independently collects and benchmarks cataract surgery data and complication rates across the UK.

Mr Kumar's cataract surgery outcome information is available through the NOD, providing patients with independently recorded surgical performance information alongside his published profile.

Independent outcome reporting provides an additional source of information when considering cataract surgery.

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Personalised Eye Care in Berkshire

No two patients are the same, and no two eyes are the same.

Mr Kumar takes time to understand your symptoms, eye health, lifestyle and visual goals before recommending treatment. He explains the available options, including potential benefits, limitations and risks, so you can make an informed decision.

Whether you are considering cataract surgery, premium IOLs, refractive lens exchange, complex cataract surgery, AMD or retinal assessment, or laser treatment, you will receive experienced, consultant-led care tailored to your needs.

He sees private patients in Reading and Windsor, caring for patients throughout Berkshire and surrounding areas.

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Your Vision Deserves Specialist Care

Choosing an ophthalmologist is an important decision. Mr Kumar combines more than 35 years of ophthalmology experience, over 30,000 eye procedures, specialist cataract and retinal expertise, advanced training and a personalised approach to help you understand your condition and make informed treatment decisions.

If you are looking for an experienced Cataract Surgeon, Retinal Specialist or Consultant Ophthalmologist in Reading or Windsor, Mr Kumar can provide a comprehensive assessment and discuss the options appropriate for your individual needs.

 

Book a consultation in Reading or Windsor to discuss your eye health, vision and treatment options.