3 Ways to Choose the Best Eye Specialist for Cataract Surgery

Being diagnosed with cataracts is a scary time. No matter how many people tell you that the surgery is “routine”, or that you shouldn’t worry about it, it’s only natural to have some concerns. 

Because of this, you want to be sure that you’ve selected the best specialist to monitor the condition and carry out the operation. The following provides an easy 1-2-3 guide to choosing your surgeon and ensuring, not only the best possible outcome, but that you feel confident and relaxed throughout.

Cataracts: 3 Steps to Selecting the Best Eye Doctor

• Step 1: Research your options
• Step 2: Choosing your surgeon—the shortlist
• Step 3: Choosing your surgeon—the decision

Step 1: Research your options

The first step to choosing the right eye specialist is to do some research. Learn about cataracts, what they are, and how they’re treated. This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. There’s plenty of good online information that explains in layman’s terms about the condition. 

Once you’re a little more familiar with cataracts and their treatment, compile a shortlist of potential surgeons. Depending on the complexity of your condition, this might mean you’re happy to look in the local area or you’d prefer to travel to see someone with the right expertise.

Step 2: Choosing your surgeon—the shortlist 

Create a shortlist of potential clinicians. This will probably consist of a few names on it to start with, but you can begin to whittle this down to maybe 3 or 4 potential candidates. Be sure to ask trusted friends and family if they have any recommendations, search out experts online, and check online reviews.

However, a word of warning about internet reviews… While they’re a valuable tool, you should take any overly amazing and overly terrible ones with a pinch of salt. The system is easily manipulated, and you should use common sense as to whether or not bad reviews are there to sabotage or if lots of 5-star “incredible” ones have been paid for.

Step 3: Choosing your surgeon—the decision 

Once your shortlist has been made, it’s time to “interview” your prospective surgeons. This should, at the very least, be over the phone. Ideally, you’ll be able to discuss everything with them face-to-face. Once you’ve spoken to them, ask yourself the following questions: 

• What was the first contact like? From the reception staff who answer the phone right through to a one-to-one with the clinician, you should be treated with friendly respect and a genuine desire to answer your questions.
• Does the surgeon fill you with confidence? Because they should. This also includes their demeanor (or bedside manner). Any good surgeon will understand that you’ll have completely justified concerns about undergoing a cataract operation. Even though they might perform them daily, this is a once (or twice) in a lifetime experience for you. So it’s understandably an anxious time.
• Does the surgeon carry out traditional or laser cataract surgery? While both are great options, if you want an advanced intraocular lens or to have astigmatism treated at the same time, you’ll need to have a laser cataract procedure.
• Will your health insurance cover the procedure with that surgeon? Many policies, such as Medicare, have strict regulations about who and where the procedure is performed. They might also only cover certain types of intraocular lenses, meaning you’ll need to pay the difference for a more advanced type. 

When you’ve made your decision, the next step is to book a consultation. This will include an eye examination so the surgeon can discuss your unique situation and advise on the best surgical option. Remember, you should continue to be put at ease by the surgeon throughout. Once you’re satisfied that you’re making the right decision, then you can go ahead and book your operation. 

Find the right surgeon for you: search our directory and read real patient reviews before you book.