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Cataract Surgery in Melbourne – Dr Edward Roufail

Tailored lens planning — Backed by 16 Years in Eye Surgery

Skilled, compassionate care is the foundation of cataract surgery in Melbourne that patients can rely on. At our Melbourne clinic, Dr Roufail, with 16 years of experience in eye surgery, leads an experienced team offering advanced techniques to treat cataracts effectively. With extensive training in both routine and complex procedures, Dr Roufail is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes tailored to your lifestyle and vision goals.

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What is a Cataract?

The crystalline lens is a transparent structure that sits behind the coloured iris inside your eye. As we age, or due to other factors, this lens can become cloudy or develop opacities. Other causes of opacities can include certain medications, some systemic diseases, trauma, or infection. This is what is then termed a cataract.

Melbourne patients can easily access cataract treatment in Melbourne to address the resultant visual issues. Though cataracts may not be bothersome in their early stages, they eventually lead to poor clarity of sight, glare sensitivity, reduced contrast sensitivity, and altered colour perception.

Comparison of eyes before and after cataract surgery Melbourne, showing restored vision and lens clarity.

Understanding Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a relatively simple and straightforward operation, thanks to our healthcare system and access to cutting-edge technologies.

Melbourne cataract surgeons work in both public and private systems, private system, or typically, both offering patients flexible access to cataract surgery and ophthalmic surgery at our Melbourne clinic tailored to their needs. Though the public system is free, wait times are extensive, and you don’t have a choice of surgeon or intraocular lens implant. Conversely, having cataract surgery in the private system offers much more freedom of choice and can be a significantly better experience overall.

To remove a cataract, a small incision is made in the cornea under topical anaesthesia. The cataract is fragmented into smaller pieces that are then removed from the eye. This leaves space for an intraocular lens to be inserted in its place. Often, this implant can be calculated to correct your eye’s prescription. This means you can be significantly less dependent on your glasses after your cataract surgery.

After your cataract surgery, you will go through a recovery period. This typically lasts for about four to six weeks as the eye heals and the implant settles following cataract eye surgery.
Known for its safety and success, cataract surgery offers is a highly effective treatment with few complications.

Book an Appointment with Dr Edward Roufail for Comprehensive Eye Care

With years of experience managing cataracts for Melbourne residents, both simple and complex cases, Dr Roufail is more than capable of addressing your cataract concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Dr Roufail perform cataract surgery?

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.

How do I know if I’m ready for cataract surgery?

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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr Roufail for cataract surgery?

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.

What types of intraocular lenses can I choose from?

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).

Can I have a general anaesthetic for my surgery?

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.

How much does cataract surgery cost?

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.

What is involved with cataract surgery recovery?

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.

What is cataract surgery, and how does it help?

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.

What is the cataract treatment process?

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.

How do I prepare for the surgery?

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

How long is the recovery time?

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.

How does Melbourne‑tailored cataract visual planning enhance my outcomes compared to standard care?

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.

Can I benefit from minimally invasive, laser‑enhanced cataract care in Melbourne, and what are its advantages?

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.

Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.

Contact Dr Edward now for your eye surgery needs

A doctor who brings a combined 16 years of eye surgery experience in Armadale, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne

Call now to discuss how we can change your day to day life.

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