How to find a cataract surgeon in your area

Your primary care doctor or eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) can refer you to a cataract surgeon, and this is usually the fastest route. If you already see an ophthalmologist, ask whether they perform cataract surgery or can name surgeons they work with. Many ophthalmologists do perform the surgery themselves.

If you don't have an eye doctor, start with your primary care physician, who can give you names. You can also call your insurance company and ask for in-network cataract surgeons in your area — they will have a list organized by location. Medicare also publishes a searchable directory of participating providers on Medicare.gov.

Local hospitals often have surgeon directories on their websites, and many cataract surgeries are performed in hospital outpatient centers or ambulatory surgery centers rather than private offices. Asking which facility a surgeon uses matters, because your out-of-pocket costs and wait times can differ between locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Your eye doctor or primary care doctor can refer you to a cataract surgeon, which is faster than searching on your own.
  • Insurance companies and Medicare both publish lists of in-network surgeons, organized by location and facility.
  • Cataract surgery is performed by ophthalmologists (medical doctors who specialize in eye care), not optometrists.
  • Before scheduling, confirm the surgeon is in-network for your insurance and ask where the surgery will take place.
  • Experience matters: ask how many cataract surgeries the surgeon performs per year and what their complication rate is.

What to ask a cataract surgeon before you decide

Once you have a name, call the surgeon's office and ask three things: whether they accept your insurance, how long the wait is for a consultation, and whether they perform the specific type of surgery you need or prefer. Some surgeons specialize in certain techniques (like laser-assisted surgery) or lens implant options, and knowing this upfront saves a wasted visit.

At your consultation, ask the surgeon directly how many cataract surgeries they perform per year. Surgeons who do 500 or more per year typically have lower complication rates than those who do fewer. You can also ask about their complication rate for the specific procedure you need — this is public information at many hospitals and surgery centers.

Ask what type of intraocular lens (IOL) implant they recommend for your eye and why. There are different kinds — some correct distance vision only, others correct both distance and near vision (multifocal), and some correct astigmatism. The surgeon should explain which one fits your vision needs and lifestyle, and what the cost difference is if you want a premium lens your insurance won't cover.

Understanding the cost and what insurance covers

Medicare covers cataract surgery in full if it is medically necessary, meaning your vision loss is affecting your daily life. You pay the Part B deductible (which changes yearly) and 20 percent of the surgeon's fee after that. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower.

Private insurance plans cover cataract surgery when it is medically necessary, but your copay, coinsurance, or deductible depends on your specific plan. Call your insurance company before your consultation and ask what you will owe for the surgery itself, the facility fee, and the anesthesia.

If you want a premium intraocular lens — one that corrects multiple distances or astigmatism beyond what your basic plan covers — you will pay the difference out of pocket. This can range from $500 to $3,000 per eye depending on the lens type. Ask the surgeon's office for a written estimate of this cost before you decide.

What happens at your first appointment with the surgeon

The surgeon will perform a detailed eye exam, including measurements of your eye's shape and size. These measurements determine which strength of intraocular lens implant will work best for you. You will also discuss your vision goals — whether you want to see far away, up close, or both — because this affects which lens type the surgeon recommends.

The surgeon will review your medical history, including any other eye conditions, previous eye surgery, or medications you take. Certain conditions (like advanced glaucoma or macular degeneration) can affect the outcome of cataract surgery, and the surgeon needs to know about them. Be honest about all your health conditions, even ones that seem unrelated to your eyes.

Before you leave, the surgeon's office will give you pre-surgery instructions, which usually include stopping certain medications (like blood thinners) a few days before surgery and fasting the night before. Ask for these in writing and clarify any you don't understand.

Choosing between different surgical techniques

Most cataract surgeries use a technique called phacoemulsification, in which the surgeon makes a small incision, uses ultrasound to break up the cloudy lens, and removes the pieces. A new intraocular lens is then inserted. This is the standard approach and has the lowest complication rate.

Some surgeons offer laser-assisted cataract surgery (LACS), in which a laser makes the incision and breaks up the lens instead of ultrasound. Studies show the outcomes are similar to standard phacoemulsification, but the laser approach costs more out of pocket — usually $500 to $1,500 per eye extra. Ask your surgeon whether laser surgery would benefit your specific eye or whether standard surgery is equally good for you.

A few surgeons also offer femtosecond laser-assisted surgery, which is more precise but also more expensive. For most people, the difference in outcome is small. Ask the surgeon to explain why they are recommending one technique over another, and whether the extra cost is worth it for your situation.

Red flags and when to seek a second opinion

If a surgeon pressures you to have surgery before you are ready, or refuses to answer your questions about experience and complication rates, that is a sign to look elsewhere. Cataract surgery is elective — you choose when to have it — and a good surgeon will respect that.

If the surgeon recommends surgery on both eyes at the same time, ask why. Most surgeons operate on one eye first, wait a week or two, and then operate on the other. This allows you to see how well the first eye heals and adjust the lens prescription for the second eye if needed. Operating on both eyes simultaneously is less common and should be explained clearly.

If you feel rushed during your consultation or the surgeon seems dismissive of your concerns, get a second opinion. You are making a decision about your vision, and you should feel confident in your surgeon and comfortable asking questions.

Insurance, location, and scheduling your surgery

Confirm in writing that your surgeon is in-network for your insurance before you schedule. Being in-network means your insurance has negotiated rates with that surgeon, and your out-of-pocket cost will be lower. Out-of-network surgeons can cost significantly more.

Ask where the surgery will be performed — at a hospital, an ambulatory surgery center, or an office-based facility. Hospital-based surgery may have higher facility fees but may also be covered differently by your insurance. Ambulatory surgery centers are often less expensive and faster to schedule.

Once you schedule, ask how long the wait is and whether there is a cancellation list if you want an earlier date. Ask what time you need to arrive, what to bring (insurance card, photo ID, list of medications), and who will drive you home (you cannot drive yourself after surgery because of the anesthesia).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to see my regular eye doctor before seeing a cataract surgeon?

Not necessarily. If you don't have a regular eye doctor, your primary care doctor can refer you directly to a cataract surgeon. However, if you have other eye conditions (like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy), your regular eye doctor should be involved in your care plan.

What if I have had LASIK or other eye surgery before?

Tell the surgeon about any previous eye surgery at your first visit. Previous LASIK or corneal surgery changes how the surgeon measures your eye and calculates the lens implant strength. Surgeons experienced with post-LASIK cataract surgery know how to account for this.

Can I choose which eye gets surgery first?

Yes. Most surgeons recommend operating on the eye with worse vision first, but you can discuss your preference. Some people prefer to have their dominant eye done first so they can function better while waiting for the second surgery.

What if I am nervous about surgery?

Tell the surgeon at your consultation. They can explain what you will see and feel during the procedure, and discuss sedation options. Most cataract surgeries use only local anesthesia (numbing drops), but some people receive mild sedation to help them relax.

How do I know if a surgeon is board-certified?

Ask the surgeon's office directly, or search the American Board of Ophthalmology website, which lists all board-certified ophthalmologists. Board certification means the surgeon has completed training, passed an exam, and meets ongoing education requirements.