SurgeryAssist helps you access cataract surgery at Vision Hospital group day surgeries without private health insurance.
By self-funding your surgery, you can skip long wait times and get the care you need now. It also means you can choose a surgeon you trust, schedule your surgery for a time that suits you, and tailor your surgery to fit your lifestyle.
With SurgeryAssist, you only need to make one all-inclusive payment* – there are no surprises.
For more information, simply fill out our enquiry form below.
*In some cases the anaesthetist fee is separate, but you’ll be informed beforehand so there are no surprises.
Complete our enquiry form below and indicate your preferred Vision Hospital Group location.
A Vision Hospital Group staff member will contact you by phone or email, depending on your preference.
Have your consultation with a SurgeryAssist surgeon who operates at your preferred day surgery.
Review your fixed, all-inclusive quote. If you wish to proceed, simply schedule your surgery at a time that suits you.
Make your all-inclusive payment on (or before) the day of your surgery.
Have your cataract surgery with your chosen surgeon at your preferred Vision Hospital Group day surgery.
We will book a follow-up post-operative appointment with your surgeon (included in your payment).
Enjoy the quality of life clear vision offers, whether that’s more time with family, travel, getting back into old hobbies or starting new ones!
Some, but not all, of the costs of cataract surgery are covered by Medicare and if you have private health insurance your insurer will also cover some of the cost (depending on the type of cover you have). The gap payment will depend on several factors, including your level of private health cover and the replacement lens option you choose. We’ll go through all costs clearly at the time of your appointment.
You will need to pay for your cataract surgery in full prior to your procedure. We accept all payment types including cash, credit card and direct deposit.
Alternatively you could look into early release of your superannuation to cover some of the costs such as Australian Taxation Office’s ‘Early access to super’ (contact the ATO directly).
We offer buy now, pay later options for cataract surgery through SurgeryAssist in partnership with Humm* Loan, speak to our friendly clinic team for more information.
*Approval subject to credit assessment criteria. Fees and charges, terms and conditions and minimum purchase amounts apply. Credit provided by Once Credit Pty Limited (ABN 99 112 319 632, Australian Credit Licence No. 386194), a subsidiary of humm group limited.
Artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs) are composed of pliable and flexible plastic materials and serve as replacements for the natural lens in your eyes. They not only provide a substitute for your eye’s original lens but can also address existing refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Available lenses include:
Some of the potential benefits of cataract surgery are:
*Dependent on your individual situation.
Traditional or manual cataract surgery is considered one of the safest surgical procedures in the world today, with a very high success rate.1 Laser cataract surgery may reduce the risk of complications even further. Serious complications are rare with cataract surgery but may include endophthalmitis (infection of the eye), bleeding, retinal detachment, macular swelling and posterior capsular rupture.
A typical procedure takes less than 30 minutes. Allowing for admission, preparation and recovery time, you’ll be in the day surgery for around 2 to 3 hours.
It is generally preferable to give the first eye a chance to settle before planning surgery and lens requirements for the second eye. Even though cataract surgery is quite safe, operating on both eyes at the same time may increase the risk of serious complications and visual impairment (e.g. if both eyes were to get infected at the same time).1. However, there may be some situations where your surgeon recommends having both eyes done at once.
Your doctor will be able to help you determine when the second eye can be operated on. Although it varies, most surgery is around two weeks apart. In the case of multifocal implants, early second-eye surgery hastens the recovery. Patients who are very short- or long-sighted also benefit from both eyes being operated on in quick succession, as it is common that their eyes are now significantly unbalanced. During the period between surgeries, a contact lens may be used to balance the eye that has not yet been operated on.
Probably, but not necessarily – some people even fall asleep during the surgery. You are not required to be awake for the operation.
We will administer a local anaesthetic (numbing drops) to your eye and you may also be given a sedative to help you relax. You should feel no pain.
Your surgeon will ensure that your eyelid is gently held open throughout the procedure so that you cannot blink.
Your sight will usually recover within days but typically fluctuates for about a month before stabilising. If you notice any significant reduction in your vision, tell your surgeon immediately. The protective shield is usually worn for the first day and your surgeon may also recommend the shield be used for the first few nights after the operation – this is usually the case if you can’t stop rubbing your eyes. Cataract surgery does not usually involve stitches.
Normal daily activities such as light housework can be resumed within a couple of days. With routine and successful surgery, patients are usually fit for all physical activities and contact sports one month after cataract surgery – this includes sparring in martial arts.
You may feel some mild discomfort beginning a few hours after surgery. For most people, this resolves with a week, but may last longer in some cases.1 You will be given treatments to manage any discomfort or pain.
1. Porela-Tiihonen S, Kaarniranta K, Kokki M et al. A prospective study on postoperative pain after cataract surgery. Clin Ophthalmol 2013;7:1429–1435. https://dx.doi.org/10.2147%2FOPTH.S47576
Driving is not recommended for the first few days after surgery to allow your eye to settle.
Cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine, so the risk factor is relatively minimal. However, as with any surgery, complications can occur and may be related to the procedure itself or to the anaesthesia. Most of the complications from cataract surgery are minor and can be corrected. The success rate is high (99%),1 with around a 1 in 1000 risk of permanently impaired eyesight.2
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of cataract surgery so that you can make a fully informed decision.
<li”>National Health Service (NHS). Overview: Cataract surgery. UK: Crown, 2021. Available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery [Accessed 7 July 2021]
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common potential complication of cataract and lens surgery. PCO can occur when the back of the capsule (housing the lens) thickens. This can cause your vision to appear cloudy but can be treated quickly using a YAG laser outpatient procedure and eye drops.
Also, refer to the section ‘Potential complications’ at the bottom of the ‘Cataract & lens surgery’ page.