Q. Do you have any advice on how to find a good cataract surgeon?

A. Here are a few tips on finding the right cataract surgeon for you…

DO GET REFERRALS

A great place to start your search is talking to your primary care doctor, family, and friends. Get recommendations and if they have had cataract surgery in the past, make sure you ask about their experience. When talking with friends and family, it’s also important to ask how they chose their surgeon.

Key questions are:
• How did the surgeon communicate regarding the surgery?
• How was the actual surgery experience?

DO RESEARCH ONLINE

Visit the cataract surgeon’s website. There should be information regarding the procedure, their experience, and training. When choosing a cataract surgeon it’s important to make sure he or she is:
• a board-certified ophthalmologist
• experienced. You want someone who performs hundreds of procedures a year, not just a few. More surgeries per year, more experience!
• accepting your insurance.
• very familiar with ALL types of FDA approved advanced lens implants, not just standard IOLs. Some IOLs can reduce astigmatism significantly, while others can decrease your dependency on glasses.

DO SCHEDULE CATARACT CONSULTATIONS

Before you decide on a cataract surgeon, schedule a cataract consultation. You need to find a cataract surgeon you feel comfortable with and can trust with your vision.

DO ASK ABOUT WHERE THE PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED

Will your cataract procedure be performed in a hospital (where they only do a few eye procedures a week) or in a facility that actually does hundreds of eye procedures per week? It’s important to know if the staff and services provided at the facility are geared to patients with eye conditions.

Finally, it’s hard not to overemphasize the importance of finding a skilled cataract surgeon with a lot of experience. The surgeon should take the time to discuss any concerns and explain the procedure in detail. If you don’t feel comfortable with the first physician you meet,
that’s OK. Take the time to find the right cataract surgeon for you.

By: Allen Zieker, M.D.
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Director of Cataract Surgery at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region