I had my right eye done a year ago, via public health, in New Zealand. I only had to wait 6 months from referral, I suspect because they wanted to be able to see the back of my eye to check for retinopathy. It made a massive (positive) difference to my vision.
I wouldn't say I enjoyed the op, I would describe it as "icky", it's not fun having your eyes fiddled with even when it is painless (which it was). Talking to others in post op I got the impression going private was worse? They rushed you out much more quickly (disclaimer this is New Zealand).
I will probably have the second done in 1 to 2 years time, when the eye checkers can no longer see the back of my left eye. I'm quite looking forward to it, as the vision there has deteriorated so my right eye is now my "good" eye.
No one suggested to me that diabetics would heal more slowly, though I can see the logic that it might be best to maintain reasonable bgs during the op.
And yes I no longer need glasses to drive while I can't read without glasses. And my left eye has a different script to my right so I am also looking forward to being able to buy cheap reading glasses after my second op.
Overall, I'm a big fan of having a cataract op if you need one.