Cataract care

Cataract assessment and surgery with Dr Simon Chen, with lens choices guided by your vision, your daily life and the health of your retina.

Request an appointment with Dr Chen Your comfort during surgery →

Common reasons to consult Dr Chen

Dr Chen assesses cataracts alongside the health of the retina and the rest of your eye. The aim is to understand what is affecting your vision before discussing treatment.

Retinal disease, previous retinal surgery, trauma or a complex eye history can change the plan. Assessing these together helps distinguish changes caused by the cataract from those caused by the retina, so you can discuss what surgery may and may not improve.

Explore retinal care →

Gradually blurred vision or glare
A cataract found by your optometrist
Cataract with a known retinal condition
A second opinion on lens choice or timing
Interest in refractive lens exchange

Other procedures and complex eyes

Refractive lens exchange

Lens surgery before a cataract, and how suitability is assessed.

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IOL exchange & complex cataract

Exchanging an implant, dislocated lenses, and eyes with retinal disease or previous surgery.

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Femtosecond laser cataract surgery

What a laser step can do inside the operation, and when it is worth considering.

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Combined cataract and retinal surgery

Cataract surgery and vitrectomy in one operation, and when staging is better.

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Choosing a lens

Lens options depend on eye health and visual needs. The lens guide explains the main designs and their trade-offs.

Explore lens choices → Refractive lens exchange →

Questions worth bringing

What matters most in my daily vision?
How does my retinal health affect the choice?
What should I expect from the recommended lens?

Your comfort during cataract surgery

Dr Chen understands that the thought of eye surgery can be unsettling. He takes your worries seriously and encourages you to discuss any fears before the day of surgery.

Cataract surgery with Dr Chen is usually performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation. An experienced specialist anaesthetist is dedicated to your anaesthesia, safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

Dr Chen and your anaesthetist tailor the approach to your health, the planned procedure, your previous anaesthetic experiences and your preferences. They will explain the options and their benefits and risks. Let the team know if you feel uncomfortable so they can respond.

Anaesthesia options explained

The plan may combine more than one technique. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss which approach suits you.

Topical anaesthesia: Anaesthetic eye drops numb the surface of the eye.
Intraocular anaesthesia: Additional local anaesthetic is placed inside the eye during surgery, often alongside eye drops. For cataract surgery this is called intracameral anaesthesia.
Periocular anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic is given around the eye to numb it and, where needed, reduce movement.
Intravenous sedation: Medicine given through a vein helps you relax during surgery. It can be combined with local anaesthesia.
General anaesthesia: You are fully asleep. This may be considered when your medical needs or the requirements of surgery make it appropriate.

Common questions

How is comfort during surgery planned?

Dr Chen takes your concerns seriously. He and your specialist anaesthetist plan the anaesthesia around your medical needs, the operation and your preferences, with careful attention to comfort and safety.

Read about your comfort and anaesthesia →

Can I discuss different lens options?

Yes. Lens choices can be discussed in the context of your eye health, visual needs and retinal considerations.

Where do I book?

Appointments and surgery arrangements are coordinated through Vision Eye Institute.

Ready when you are.

Appointments and enquiries through Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood.

Request an appointment with Dr Chen

Free Chinese Patient Liaison for VEI Sydney patients. Chinese language support through VEI (02) 9052 1886