Cataract Surgery in Brisbane: Your Complete Guide

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults, but the good news is that cataract surgery is a safe and routine procedure that can restore clear sight. In Australia, cataract surgery in 2025 is more advanced and accessible than ever. Whether you live in Brisbane or elsewhere and are considering cataract surgery, this guide will provide reassurance and answer your key questions.

We’ll cover what cataracts are, how the surgery works, modern laser options, costs (including Medicare and insurance), and tips for finding the best cataract surgeon in Australia for your needs. By the end, you’ll understand why thousands of Australians each year regain vision through cataract surgery – and how you can too.

Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The lens, located behind the iris, is normally clear. As we age, proteins in the lens can break down and clump together, turning the lens cloudy. This causes blurry or foggy vision, duller color perception, increased glare (especially at night), and difficulty reading or recognizing faces . Cataracts typically develop gradually over years. You might not notice symptoms at first, but eventually cataracts can significantly impair your vision and quality of life.

Cataracts are extremely common. In fact, half of all Australians over 50 have some degree of cataract, and by age 70 or 80 virtually everyone will develop cataracts if they live long enough . Other risk factors like diabetes, prolonged UV exposure, smoking, and eye injuries can cause cataracts earlier in life as well . Cataracts can occur in one eye or both. If it’s in both eyes, one eye may be worse than the other. Importantly, cataracts will not get better on their own – once a lens becomes cloudy, the only effective treatment is to remove and replace it via surgery.

The idea of eye surgery can sound scary, but cataract surgery is incredibly common and has a long track record of success. It’s an outpatient procedure (no overnight hospital stay) and is considered one of the safest and most effective surgeries in modern medicine . Next, we’ll explain how cataract surgery works and why it’s so successful.

Cataract Surgery: Procedure and Modern Advances

Modern cataract surgery is quick (about 20–30 minutes per eye) and usually done as day surgery.

What happens during cataract surgery? The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Thanks to advanced techniques, this is done through a very small incision (often just 2-3 mm). The surgeon uses precision instruments to break up and gently suction out the cloudy lens (a process known as phacoemulsification). Then the new artificial lens – which is folded to fit through the tiny incision – is inserted and unfolded into position. Stitches are usually not needed, as the tiny incision is self-sealing.

Cataract surgery is typically painless. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia (numbing drops) with sedation, so you’ll be relaxed and won’t feel anything in the eye. Many patients are awake during the procedure, but some prefer to be under a brief general anesthesia – Dr. David Gunn finds that patients feel more comfortable being fully asleep with heavy sedation during the operation and this is his routine approach. The entire process for one eye usually takes about 20 minutes, and you can go home the same day after a short recovery period. Because it’s done one eye at a time, you may have the second eye treated the next day or a week or two later. However, if you are from out of town and want to minimize travel, sequential bilateral cataract surgery (operating on both eyes on the same trip) is possible in some cases – often the eyes are done on consecutive days. Dr. Gunn, for example, will operate on one eye on Thursday and the other on Friday for patients who travel to Brisbane for surgery, so both eyes are treated in one visit (more on traveling for surgery below).

Laser Cataract Surgery: In recent years, you might have heard of laser cataract surgery. This refers to a technique where certain steps of the cataract procedure are assisted by a femtosecond laser (for example, making the initial corneal incision, opening the lens capsule, and pre-softening the lens). Laser assistance can add precision and is offered by some surgeons in Australia for suitable patients. However, it’s important to know that traditional ultrasound-based cataract surgery is already highly successful, and studies so far have not shown a significant long-term vision benefit to routine laser use in cataract surgery. In other words, laser cataract surgery and conventional cataract surgery have comparable outcomes; the laser is simply a tool some surgeons use for specific cases or preferences. There are some potential benefits of the added accuracy of the laser but it significantly increases costs. If you’re curious about laser-assisted cataract surgery, discuss it with Dr Gunn. Rest assured, both methods aim for the same result: a clear artificial lens and improved vision.

Premium intraocular lenses: Another modern advance is the variety of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available. Beyond the standard monofocal lens (which usually gives clear distance vision, with reading glasses needed for close work), there are now multifocal and extended depth-of-focus IOLs that can correct vision at multiple distances, and toric IOLs that correct astigmatism. These premium lenses can reduce your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. Dr. Gunn offers a range of premium IOL options and will tailor the choice to your lifestyle and vision needs. Keep in mind that premium lenses may involve additional costs and not all patients are suitable candidates – your ophthalmologist will help you decide what lens is right for you.

How successful is cataract surgery? Outcomes are overwhelmingly positive. In Australia, cataract removal has one of the highest success rates of any surgery and is performed about 250,000 times each year . Serious complications are very rare. Most patients notice improved vision within days of the procedure, once the initial minor irritation settles and the eye begins to heal. Colors become brighter and vision clearer as the brain adapts to the new lens. Typically, you’ll have a post-op check the next day and within a week you can resume most normal activities (you should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming for a couple of weeks as advised by your doctor). Full healing of the eye occurs over a few weeks. Once a cataract is removed, it cannot grow back on that eye – your new lens is clear plastic and not prone to cataracts. (In a small percentage of patients, the capsule behind the lens can haze over months or years after surgery, causing vision to get cloudy again, but that’s easily fixed with a simple laser treatment in the clinic. This is called posterior capsule opacification and is not a recurrence of the cataract itself.)

Cataract Surgery in Brisbane: Finding the Best Surgeon for You

Choosing a skilled and compassionate surgeon is an important part of your cataract journey. You may be searching for the best cataract surgeon in Australia or in Brisbane – but how do you judge who is “the best”? Here are some tips to help you find the right doctor:

It’s important to choose a cataract surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with.

• Credentials and experience: Look for a surgeon who is a specialist ophthalmologist (FRANZCO qualified – a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists). This means they have undergone extensive training specifically in eye surgery. Dr. David Gunn, for example, is a Brisbane ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in cornea and cataract surgery, ensuring you’re in experienced hands. Surgeons who perform a high volume of cataract surgeries tend to have refined techniques and a strong track record. Don’t hesitate to ask how many cataract procedures your surgeon has done and about their complication rates – a reputable surgeon will be happy to share their outcomes and reassure you.

• Technology and offerings: The best cataract surgeons stay up-to-date with modern advances. They should offer pre-operative measurements with advanced scanners for precise lens calculations. If you are interested in options like laser-assisted cataract surgery or premium multifocal lenses, check that the surgeon has experience with those technologies. Dr. Gunn, for instance, can perform laser cataract surgery when appropriate and offers a full range of intraocular lens options, from standard to multifocal and toric lenses.

• Communication and care: A top surgeon will not only be technically skilled, but also make you feel comfortable and informed. Cataract surgery can be a big decision, so you want a surgeon who listens to your concerns and answers all your questions – whether about the procedure steps, the lens choices, or the recovery process. Pay attention to how the surgeon and their staff treat you during your initial consultation. Feeling at ease and well-cared-for is crucial.

• Patient feedback: It can be helpful to read reviews or testimonials from other patients who have had cataract surgery with that doctor. Many practice websites (and independent review sites) include patient feedback. Consistently positive reviews about improved vision and good care are a great sign. Dr. Gunn’s patients frequently comment on his clear communication and the excellent visual outcomes they achieved.

• Local vs. traveling for surgery: Cataract surgery is widely available across Australia. If you live in Brisbane or Southeast Queensland, you have access to excellent ophthalmologists like Dr. Gunn in your region. But what if you’re from a rural area or even interstate and want to ensure you get a particular surgeon or a short wait time? Traveling to a major city like Brisbane for cataract surgery is quite common. In fact, Dr. Gunn’s clinic often welcomes patients from all over Australia and the Pacific region who travel to Brisbane for their eye surgery. If you are considering this, be sure to check out our related post “Travelling to Brisbane for Eye Surgery”, which offers tips on planning your trip, scheduling surgery and follow-ups efficiently, and making the journey as smooth as possible.

In summary, the “best” cataract surgeon for you will be one who is highly qualified, whom you trust, and who offers the services you need (with excellent support throughout the process). Brisbane is home to world-class eye surgeons, and many patients from around Australia choose to have their cataract surgery here. With the right surgeon, you can feel confident and reassured every step of the way.

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in Australia?

Cost is a major consideration for many patients. The cost of cataract surgery in Australia can vary depending on whether you are treated in the public system or the private system:

• Public Hospital (Medicare): Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare if you have the procedure in a public hospital as a public patient. This means you generally won’t pay for the surgery itself – it’s essentially free, which is great news. However, the trade-off is that you will likely be placed on a waiting list. Depending on where you live, the wait for an appointment for non-urgent cataract surgery in the public system can be up to 12 months. Additionally, in the public system you typically don’t get to choose your surgeon (it will be the hospital ophthalmology team), and options for premium lens implants are limited (Medicare will cover a standard monofocal lens, but not the cost of many astigmatism lenses or premium multifocal lenses). If your vision is significantly impaired and affecting your life, your case may be prioritized, but many people find the waiting time for public cataract surgery too long if they are struggling with poor vision.

• Private Hospital (Private Health Insurance): Many Australians opt to have cataract surgery done privately, which gives you the benefits of choosing your surgeon (for example, being treated by Dr. David Gunn in a dedicated eye surgery facility) and much shorter wait times. Cataract surgery is classified as a “Gold-tier” procedure by private health funds, meaning Gold hospital cover policies include cataract surgery as a covered service (some higher-level “Silver Plus” policies also cover it). It’s important to check your health insurance policy details – if you’re unsure, call your insurer to confirm that your plan covers cataract surgery. If you are covered, the insurer and Medicare will pay the hospital fees and some of your surgeon and anaesthetist fees. Depending on the surgeon and hospital, you will often have a gap payment (out-of-pocket expense). Every case is different, so your surgeon’s office will provide a fee estimate and help you understand what your insurance will cover. In Dr. Gunn’s practice, we can quote all fees upfront and to minimize surprises. Depending on the lens you select, the cost of surgery will vary.

• Private Surgery Without Insurance (Self-Funded): What if you don’t have private health insurance? You can still have cataract surgery in a private hospital or day surgery as a self-funded patient – you would just pay the costs yourself. This option allows you to avoid the long public wait and choose your surgeon, but you do have to cover the costs of this treatment. The total cost typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, and hospital facility fee. Without insurance, cataract surgery in Australia costs roughly $4,000 to $6,000 per eye out of pocket. The exact figure will vary based on the surgeon’s fees and lens type. While that cost is significant, many patients feel the immediate improvement in quality of life is worth it. Dr. Gunn can perform surgery for uninsured patients at a private day hospital in Brisbane, and our staff can advise on the itemized costs so you can make an informed decision.

• Additional costs: Regardless of public or private, keep in mind you will likely have some incidental costs such as initial specialist consultation fees (often partly claimable from Medicare), post-operative medications (like eye drop prescriptions), and follow-up visit fees (again usually Medicare-rebatable). If you choose premium lenses not covered by insurance, there could be an extra charge for those lenses. Make sure to discuss all potential costs in advance so you have a clear picture.

Bottom line on cost: In Australia, Medicare ensures no one will miss out on cataract surgery – if you need the surgery and can endure the wait, you can have it done in the public system at little to no cost. However, if you prefer to have control over the timing and the surgeon, private cataract surgery is readily available in Brisbane, with and without insurance.

Recovery and Life After Cataract Surgery

One of the best parts about cataract surgery is the relatively quick recovery and the dramatic improvement in vision that follows. Patients are often amazed at the difference once the cataract is gone and a clear lens is in place – colors look vibrant, reading becomes easier, and driving is much more comfortable. If you have chosen a lens option to reduce the need for glasses you will also experience a great improvement in your lifestyle quality.

Here’s what to expect after your surgery:

• Immediate Post-Op: You’ll go home with an eye patch or shield over the operated eye and a supply of eye drops. Your surgeon will have given you specific instructions, but generally you start using prescription eye drops multiple times a day to reduce inflammation. It’s important to use these drops as directed for the full course (usually a few weeks). You might experience mild irritation, a scratchy feeling, or blurred vision in the first day or two – this is normal and should steadily improve. Severe pain is not typical; if you have significant pain or a sudden decrease in vision, contact your surgeon right away.

• Same day or First Day Check-Up: Most doctors, including Dr. Gunn, like to see patients the same day or the first day after surgery for a quick check. At this visit, the eye shield is removed, your vision is tested and eye is examined to ensure the new lens is positioned well and the eye is healing as expected. Many patients are pleasantly surprised to find their vision is already better even on day one (though it may be a bit hazy). You’ll continue your drops and be advised to wear the protective shield at night for at least a few days to prevent accidentally rubbing the eye during sleep.

• Activity Restrictions: You can resume light activities within a day. Walking, reading, watching TV are all fine as you feel comfortable. You should avoid rubbing your eye, bending over too far (to avoid pressure to the eye), and avoid any heavy lifting or straining for about a week. Also, stay out of swimming pools or spa baths for 4 weeks, as they can harbor bacteria. Generally, you can shower normally but try not to get soap or water directly in the eye for the first week. Most people take a few days off work – if your job is not physically strenuous or in a dusty environment, you might return after 2-3 days; otherwise a week off is sensible. Dr. Gunn advises most cataract patients to take it easy for at least 3-5 days before resuming full normal routines, and even then to use caution with potential eye irritants.

• Vision Improvement: You will notice your vision improving day by day. Within a week, many patients achieve driving-level vision in the operated eye. If your other eye still has a cataract, your overall vision might remain a bit compromised until that eye is fixed as well – often patients really appreciate the difference once the second eye is done. If you’ve received a monofocal lens for distance focus, you will likely need reading glasses for near tasks. The clinic will advise you on getting a new glasses prescription if needed, usually a few weeks post-op once your vision has stabilized. If you chose a multifocal or extended range lens, you might find you hardly need glasses at all after surgery – one of the great benefits of modern IOL technology.

• Follow-Up Appointments: Besides the day-one check, you will have a follow-up around 4 weeks after surgery. This appointment lets your ophthalmologist ensure everything is healing well and measure your vision. If you had cataracts in both eyes and the second surgery is scheduled, these visits might coincide with planning or doing the other eye. In Dr. Gunn’s practice, patients who travel from out of town often have their two surgeries one days apart and stay in Brisbane for a few days, allowing you to be in town for a few days if there are any issues so you can see Dr Gunn. After that, you can return home and perhaps have your local optometrist do the longer-term check-ups, with Dr. Gunn kept informed.

• Long-Term Outcome: Once fully recovered, you can enjoy the benefits of your clear new lenses. The improvement in quality of life can be significant – reading, driving, hobbies, and daily activities are easier when you can see clearly. Many patients wonder why they waited so long once they see the results! Importantly, the new lens implants do not “wear out” – they are designed to last your lifetime. And as noted earlier, you won’t get a cataract in that eye again . You should still have routine eye exams each year or two, as other eye conditions (like glaucoma or macular degeneration) can occur with age, but your cataracts will be a thing of the past.

Enjoy a life with less dependence on glasses after cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses

Take the Next Step – Restore Your Vision

Cataract surgery is truly one of the marvels of modern medicine: a short, painless procedure that can transform your vision and quality of life. If you or a loved one is dealing with cloudy vision from cataracts, there’s no need to put it off until “it gets really bad.” By being proactive, you can get back to enjoying the world in vibrant color and detail.

Dr. David Gunn and our team in Brisbane are here to help you on that journey. With extensive experience in cataract and laser eye surgery, Dr. Gunn offers personalized care – from your initial assessment through to your recovery. We understand that undergoing eye surgery can be daunting, so we make it a priority to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and supported at every step. Our clinic will provide a thorough eye examination and honest advice on whether it’s the right time for surgery. If it is, we will discuss all your options (including lens choices and any special considerations like laser-assisted surgery or combined procedures for astigmatism) to tailor a plan just for you.

Don’t let cataracts keep you from the clear vision you deserve. The sooner you address them, the sooner you can get back to seeing life in focus. We encourage you to take the next step by reaching out for a consultation. Simply fill out our contact form on this website or give our office a call – our friendly staff will arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. Dr. Gunn will personally evaluate your eyes, answer any questions you have, and help you decide on the best course of action. There’s no obligation – just good information and warm, professional advice.

Cataract surgery is a journey to brighter, clearer vision. From the first cloudy symptoms to the final follow-up after surgery, you’ll have an expert by your side. Imagine reading the fine print, seeing road signs sharply, and recognizing faces across the room again – these are the everyday joys our cataract patients experience after their surgery. You too can enjoy these benefits.

Take that step today by contacting us. We look forward to helping you see clearly again – and to guiding you through a successful cataract surgery experience here in Brisbane!

About Dr Gunn

Dr David Gunn - Specialist Cataract and Refractive Surgeon

DR DAVID GUNN - OPHTHALMOLOGIST

MBBS (Hons I), BSc, CertLRS, FRANZCO, FWCRS

Dr. David Gunn, a respected ophthalmologist based in Brisbane, specialises in managing corneal diseases, cataract surgery, and advanced laser and refractive eye procedures at the Queensland Eye Institute. He graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland and was awarded the prestigious K.G. Howsam gold medal during his ophthalmology training.

As an innovator in his field, Dr. Gunn has a special interest in topographic laser eye surgery procedures. His introduction of the Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segment surgery to Australia in May 2021 stands as testament to his drive for innovation, putting him among a select few surgeons worldwide performing this technique.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Gunn contributes to future developments in ophthalmology as a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and through his active engagement in eye disease research.

However, what truly defines Dr. Gunn's work is his unwavering dedication to patient care. His pursuit of innovation and commitment to education all aim towards one goal: to enhance the lives of his patients through exceptional eye care. For Dr. Gunn, improving vision means improving life, a philosophy that continues to guide his practice in Brisbane.