Choosing the Right Cataract Surgeon
What to look for in a cataract surgeon, and what to ask before you book.
- Senior Consultant eye surgeons
- Over 10,000 cataract surgeries
- Over 50+ combined years of experience
Camden (Orchard)Joo ChiatClementiBedokToa PayohJurong
Found this helpful?
Looking for the best cataract surgeon in Singapore?
There is no one best cataract surgeon for everyone. The right surgeon for you is one who:
- does cataract surgery often
- checks your whole eye before suggesting surgery
- explains your options and risks in plain words
- is easy to ask questions
- makes you feel heard and confident
Choosing a cataract surgeon? Talk to our friendly staff for a same-day appointment (subject to availability).
How often they do cataract surgery
Ask how many cataract operations the surgeon does in a year. A large study found fewer complications with surgeons who operate more often.
If your eye is less straightforward, such as after earlier eye surgery or with glaucoma, ask how often they see eyes like yours.
What a good consultation covers
A check of the whole eye
Not just the cataract. Problems such as macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease can affect how well you see afterwards, so you should hear about them before you decide.
A lens that suits your life
Your eye is measured to set the lens power. The surgeon should then ask how you use your eyes, such as for reading, screens or night driving, before suggesting a type of lens.
Laser only if it helps you
Some surgeons offer laser-assisted cataract surgery. A review of 42 trials found it probably makes little or no difference to results, so ask whether it would help your eye.
Honest about risks
Serious problems are uncommon, but it is still an operation. No surgeon should promise perfect vision.
Care after the operation
Ask who checks your eye the next day, and who to call if something feels wrong. See what recovery involves.
A clear price
Ask for the total cost in writing before you book. What cataract surgery costs depends mainly on the lens, whether laser is used and your insurance.
Questions to ask a cataract surgeon
Write them down, and bring someone with you to help remember the answers.
- How many cataract operations do you do in a year?
- Is there anything about my eyes that makes surgery harder?
- Will you do the operation yourself?
- Which lens suits me, and will I still need glasses?
- Would laser help in my case?
- What are the risks for me?
- Who checks my eye afterwards, and who do I call if something is wrong?
- What will it cost in total, and how much can MediSave and insurance cover?
Who operates at The Straits Eye Centre
Cataract surgery at The Straits Eye Centre is performed by our senior consultant eye surgeons, with more than 50 years in ophthalmology between them. Talk to us for a quick appointment.
10,000+
cataract operations, between our three senior consultant eye surgeons.
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Dr Jayant V Iyer
Senior Consultant & Medical Director
The Straits Eye CentreMBBS · GDFM · MMed (Ophth) · FRCOphth · FAMS
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Dr Jason Lee
Senior Consultant & Medical Director
The Straits Eye CentreMBBS · BMedSc · MMed (Ophth) · FRCOphth · FAMS
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Dr Audrey Pang
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon, The Straits Eye Centre
Visiting Consultant, TTSH and NUHMBBChir (Cambridge) · MMed (Singapore) · FRCOphth (London) · FAMS
Common questions
What kind of doctor does cataract surgery?
An ophthalmologist, which is an eye specialist trained in eye surgery. An optometrist or a GP can spot a cataract and refer you, but does not operate.
How many cataract operations should a surgeon have done?
There is no set number. Research has found fewer complications among surgeons who operate more often, so it is fair to ask how many cataract operations a surgeon does in a year.
Should I choose a surgeon because they offer laser cataract surgery?
Not on that alone. A review of 42 trials found laser-assisted surgery probably makes little or no difference to complications or vision compared with standard cataract surgery. It is worth asking whether it would help your eye.
Can I get a second opinion before cataract surgery?
Yes. Bring any eye reports and scans you already have, your glasses and a list of your medicines.
Meet a cataract surgeon
Send us a message with what you are noticing and a time that suits, and we will arrange an examination. Bring any questions you have written down.
