How to Compare Cataract Surgeons in Your Area

Choosing a cataract surgeon is a big deal! It’s not every day you let someone perform invasive surgery on what has to be one of the most sensitive areas of the body. Naturally, you’re going to want to ensure you’re treated by a top-rated eye surgeon. And, thanks to the wonders of the online world, getting started on this is pretty simple to do.

Those of us who have celebrated enough birthdays to be at the stage of life where age-related cataracts need removing will remember the pre-internet era. Back then, if you wanted to compare cataract surgeons, it would have been a limited, lengthy, and pretty challenging process. 

But now…? Well, with the best, trusted online resources, you can access a shortlist within seconds.

However, this is merely the first step. Because you’ll need to put in a little more legwork to determine exactly who is the “best cataract surgeon near me”. (Or, to be more accurate, the one who best suits your needs).

Got Your List of Potentials: Now It’s Time to Dig Deeper

OK, so you’re naturally going to read the online reviews. While these should be taken with a (small) pinch of salt, they are a great place to start. Look for aspects, such as:

• Reviews that date back over many years.
• Multiple reviews.
• Those that mention great pre- and post-op care.
• Look for comments about good admin and organization, as well as the surgical expertise.
• If you have a particular risk factor, such as diabetic retinopathy, look for anything in the reviews that relates to this.

These should help you whittle down your list to perhaps three or four potential surgeons. Once you’ve got this, it’s time to go hands-on…

Call each of your chosen practices. This initial contact is hugely important because you’re looking for both surgical expertise AND a seamless experience. How quickly do they answer the phone? Are they professional and helpful? Do they provide you with information that addresses many of your questions before you’ve even asked them? 

Talking of questions, at the very least you want to ask all of the following:

• How long has the surgeon been performing cataract procedures?
• Do they use a traditional or laser-assisted approach? The latter is essential if you want to go for a premium intraocular lens (IOL).
• How many cataract operations do they perform per week/month? Top tip… Look for someone who specializes, rather than a surgeon who might only treat cataracts once or twice a month. A cataract expert will easily be carrying out 10, 20, 30, or more operations per week.
• Do they have experience of cataract surgery with any preexisting conditions you might have, such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, etc.?
• How soon can they get you in for an initial appointment?
• What is the current waiting time for the operation?
• Do they accept Medicare and/or insurance? (If this applies to you).
• If you’re keen to have a premium lens, what types do they offer? Remember, not all cataract surgeons offer the latest FDA-approved options. Ones, such as light adjustable lenses (LALs) or the PanOptix Pro, are very new, so aren’t yet widely available. 

Interview all the surgeons on your shortlist, taking note of their answers. And yes, you will need to take notes. Trust us, once you’ve asked the same questions to three or four practices, you’re going to need a written review to remember who said what. You can then go over them and digest the responses. This will give you a pretty good idea of which surgeon is likely to best suit your needs. 

The next step is to book a consultation with whoever comes out at the top of your list. It’s at this point that you’ll know whether or not this is the surgeon for you. Remember, trust your gut instinct. If they put you at your ease and instill you with confidence, then you’ve found the right clinician. If not? Then don’t be afraid to go elsewhere. It’s your eyes, your money, and your vision, so it’s got to be right.

Ready to start your search? Head across to https://www.bestcataractsurgeonreviews.com/near-me and let the power of the internet lead the way…