Cataract Surgery in Melbourne – Dr Edward Roufail

Dr Edward Roufail offers cataract surgery across Melbourne in a number of clinics. These include private practices with other renowned Melbourne cataract surgeons in Mornington, Armadale, East Melbourne, and Mount Waverley. He also performs cataract surgery in the public system at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

Most people decide they’re ready for surgery when their sight is limited by their cataracts to the point they can no longer function comfortably. This point will vary from individual to individual depending on hobbies, vocation, and sensitivity to blur. At your initial consultation with Dr Roufail, he will assess your cataract and discuss with you whether surgery is indicated at that point.

As with all experienced cataract surgeons in Melbourne, you will need a valid referral if you wish to claim any part of your consultation from Medicare. This referral can come from either your GP or your optometrist. Note that there is no Medicare rebate for the actual cataract surgery. Melbourne patients with private health insurance should check their level of coverage ahead of their procedure if they wish to make a claim for the surgery itself.

During your pre-operative consultations, Dr Roufail will have a discussion about what you hope to achieve from your vision after your operation. The standard implant is a single-vision one, which is usually calculated to correct your long-distance sight. This means you will need to wear reading glasses after your surgery. However, you may choose to have an implant that leaves you short-sighted so that you can read easily without glasses, and instead, you wear glasses for long-distance viewing. Premium intraocular lenses can also correct your astigmatism (toric lenses) or both distance and near sight (multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses).

Cataract surgery in Melbourne is not typically performed with general anaesthetic. This is because general anaesthesia comes with unnecessary risks and may further complicate the cataract procedure. Your eye will be well-numbed with topical or local numbing agents, and it is rare to report the sensation of pain during the surgery. If you’re feeling anxious or restless, our anaesthetist can provide sedation to help you relax.

The cost of your cataract procedure will vary depending on a few factors, including which type of intraocular lens implant you opt for. The total cost of your procedure will be quoted and finalised before you go ahead with the surgery.

After your surgery, Dr Roufail will provide you with instructions on how to make your healing process as uneventful as possible. You’ll also be given a prescription for a steroid eye drop for one month, which you should endeavour to use exactly as directed. During your recovery period, you’ll need to take a break from some of your usual activities, particularly if they expose your eyes to a risk of infection or injury or other contamination. Recovery from cataract surgery is very fast, you should expect good vision the next day, and to return to work immediately. Usually, no time off is required.

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove a clouded lens from the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. Many patients report clearer vision and improved quality of life after undergoing cataract eye surgery. It helps restore clear vision, reduce glare, and improve overall eye health, allowing patients to see more sharply and comfortably.

The cataract treatment process starts with a thorough eye examination to assess vision impairment. If surgery is needed, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, typically taking about 15-30 minutes. After surgery, patients follow a recovery plan, including eye drops and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and vision improvement.

Your Melbourne eye-care professional will perform a thorough examination, provide an informative video, and recommend the best replacement lens based on your needs.

The recovery period is typically short. You’ll be able to return home the same day, and many people notice improved vision within a few hours to days.

At our practice, we offer Melbourne‑tailored cataract visual planning that goes beyond the standard approach. We use precise biometric measurements to recommend lens implants that match your lifestyle, be that improved reading vision, reduced glare when driving, or enhanced contrast in low light. This customised approach helps minimise your dependence on spectacles and ensures surgery outcomes are both visually satisfying and well-aligned with your daily needs.

Yes, you may benefit significantly from minimally invasive, laser‑enhanced cataract care in Melbourne. This advanced technique uses femtosecond laser technology to create precise corneal incisions and soften the lens, making the procedure gentler and more accurate. Many patients experience faster healing, reduced post‑operative discomfort, and improved visual results, all while still utilising our comprehensive IOL planning and aftercare services.