Cataract surgery is one of the most effective and safe procedures in modern medicine. Cataract operation is a surgical procedure that removes your eye’s lens when it becomes cloudy and interfering with the quality of your vision.
Dr John Chang is pleased to provide "Known Gap" cataract surgery for patients with private health (hospital cover) insurance. This means that his patients will incur either only a small, fixed (known) out of pocket cost for their cataract surgery.
Image from American Academy of Ophthalmology: Cataract Surgery
Image from American Academy of Ophthalmology: Cataract Surgery
Image from American Academy of Ophthalmology: Cataract Surgery
Cataract operation is a microsurgical procedure to remove your eye’s lens when it becomes cloudy and interferes with the quality of your vision. It is one of the most effective and safe procedures in modern medicine. During cataract surgery, your cloudy lens is carefully removed under the high-resolution 3D view of an operating microscope and replaced with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Modern cataract surgery uses technology such as phacoemulsification (using ultrasonic energy) and/or laser (femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery or FLACS).
Prior to the operation, in the clinic, your ophthalmologist will measure your eye using specialized equipment (ocular biometry) to determine what type and strength (focusing power) of intraocular lens you need. The IOL selected to be implanted in your eye is “custom fit” to the shape and size of your eye, with the aim of providing you with improved eyesight and without the need for glasses for some or most situations. The accuracy of ocular biometry measurements and tailored discussion with the patient about suitable IOL options is very important, and Dr John Chang takes meticulous care with respect to this using the latest technology available. At Eastwood Eye Specialists, we use at least 2 different modalities of measuring your eye as part of this detailed pre-operative assessment including the industry leading Zeiss IOL Master 700 with corneal topography as well as other advanced technology such as OCT-guided corneal topography and biometry.
Glaucoma is another relatively common eye disease associated with ageing and often co-exists in patients with cataract. Some patients with both cataract and glaucoma may benefit from cataract surgery combined with a glaucoma stent implant (such as micro-trabecular bypass stent). This is called Micro Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) and when combined with cataract operation, it helps to improve both the patient’s eye sight and also lower the eye pressure for better control of their glaucoma. This is a relatively new surgical technique that has been proven to be both safe and effective, and Dr Chang offers this to suitable patients.
Cataract operation is very safely and comfortably performed as a day surgery procedure, and so you will only be admitted to the hospital for several hours and be discharged back home on the same day (ie. you do not need to stay overnight in hospital).
An intraocular lens (IOL) is, by necessity, required to replace the eye’s natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. IOL is a tiny, artificial plastic lens for the eye and they come in different focusing powers and shapes, just like prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.
There are various types of IOLs that are available for implantation during cataract surgery. All IOLs have their pros and cons, and currently there is no “perfect” IOL for everyone. The choice of the type of IOL depends on the individual person’s visual needs and wants, and how it fits into their lifestyle. This must be discussed with your eye surgeon before the operation itself.
Types of IOL or focusing (refractive) outcome goals include:
Cataract surgery is very safe and has a very high success rate, however, like any surgery, it does carry potential risks of problems or complications. It is vital that prospective patients have a balanced discussion and understanding of these issues that are carefully explained by their treating eye surgeon without causing unnecessary fear or anxiety. Some of these potential complications include eye infection (around 1 in 1,000 chance), bleeding in the eye, pain, vision loss, retinal problems such as swelling or retinal detachment, or a need for a second operation. These are uncommon to rare problems, and even if they do occur, they are often treatable. There is no substitute for a detailed and tailored discussion with your eye surgeon about all the potential risks that may apply to most people and also if there are pertinent issues to your eye specifically. For example, patients with other co-existing eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, uveitis or prior retinal detachment, have other additional issues that need to be addressed.
Dr Chang is a highly experienced and skilled cataract surgeon who has performed thousands of eye operations. He regularly audits his surgical results and outcomes. His special interests include cataract surgery in more complex situations such as patients with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and uveitis.
Dr Chang puts meticulous attention to his patient’s eyes from even before the surgery as well as of course during the operation itself and during the post-operative aftercare. His track record of surgical outcome of the highest standard and the word-of-mouth referrals from his happy patients to their family and friends is the ultimate testament to the quality of care he provides.
Eastwood Eye Specialists invests in the latest technology to ensure the most accurate and precise measurements and imaging of your eyes are obtained, which is another important aspect of achieving the best refractive and surgical outcome with cataract operation.
The cost of cataract surgery in the private hospital is determined by various factors and should be discussed with the eye surgeon and his clinic staff. As a general guide, the fees associated with surgery can be divided into the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and the private hospital’s facility fee (which includes the use of their specialized equipment to perform the surgery as well as the intraocular lens implant, and the expertise of the theatre nurses). These fees can vary depending on numerous factors as each doctor, hospital and private health insurance funds all set their own fees and rebates.
It is important to have a thorough discussion of the fees and estimates of any out of pocket expenses before the surgery is booked. This is called “informed financial consent”, and patients should ensure that they fully understand this and are comfortable with the explanation provided.
Dr John Chang is pleased to provide "Known Gap" eye surgery for patients with private health (hospital cover) insurance. This means that his patients will incur only a small, fixed (known) out of pocket cost for their cataract surgery.
Dr Chang is able to offer a limited number of free cataract surgery for uninsured pensioners in financial hardship through the generosity of Dr Knight’s Medi-Aid charity program. Further information and eligibility criteria can be explained by Dr Chang and his staff, but this does involve eye registrar currently in training (as part of accredited Sydney Eye Hospital program) to be performing the operation under the supervision of Dr Chang as the consultant in charge.
For more information on known gap cataract surgery, please call Eastwood Eye Specialists for an appointment.