Frequently Asked Questions About CATARACTS
Dr. Tiffany Sieunarine, H.B.Sc., O.D.
1. What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye.¹ Normally, the lens plays an important role in providing clear vision, however the clarity of the lens can change because of a breakdown of its proteins.² Natural aging, UV exposure, certain medications, trauma and underlying medical conditions are a few examples of factors that can trigger this change.
In early stages of cataract formation, updating spectacle or contact lens prescriptions are often sufficient to provide visual improvement. However, as the cataract progresses and visual symptoms worsen, further treatment may be needed. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), cataracts are the leading cause of blindness across the world.³ In developing countries like Canada though, cataract surgery is available to help restore visual clarity.
2. Who does the cataract surgery?
Once an optometrist has diagnosed a cataract, they will continue to monitor the progression. At some point, it may be deemed necessary to consider cataract surgery. The surgery is typically performed by a local ophthalmologist (medical doctor who performs eye surgery). To learn more about the roles and differences between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist visit the link here.
An optometrist will need to refer a patient with cataracts to an ophthalmologist for a consultation before surgery happens. There are a number of well trained and experienced ophthalmologists in the Waterloo region who perform this surgery. For a list and more information about the surgeons, visit the link here.
3. Where is the surgery performed?
OHIP covered cataract surgery is performed at three of the regional hospitals (St. Mary’s General, Cambridge Memorial and Guelph General). The location for the surgery is dependent on which hospital the ophthalmologist has surgical privileges at. The waitlist for OHIP covered surgery in the hospital setting is currently over a year in Waterloo region. For more information on surgeon specific wait times, visit the link here and scroll down to the end of the page.
Due to the long wait times for OHIP covered cataract surgery, private clinics are another option to consider. There are costs associated with pursuing surgery privately, however, the wait times are much shorter. The ophthalmologists who perform surgery in the private clinics are the same ones who perform OHIP covered surgery in the hospital settings.
For those interested, a direct referral can also be made by an optometrist to a private clinic. To learn more about the two local private clinics visit TLC Waterloo and Clear Vision Surgical.
4. What can I expect at my consultation appointment with the surgeon?
A consultation appointment with the ophthalmologist for OHIP covered cataract surgery typically includes a thorough dilated examination of the ocular health to evaluate the cataract. Various diagnostic tests are performed the day of the consultation and generally further testing is completed just prior to the surgery date. Although there is a nominal fee for some of these measurements, they are needed to help the ophthalmologist determine the appropriate lens implant needed for the surgery. Further details about the surgery, risk/benefits and recovery time will also be discussed as well as expectations for visual outcome. If the ophthalmologist determines that the cataract is ready for surgery, then the patient is put on their OHIP waitlist.
For a brief video of routine cataract surgery visit the Waterloo Regional Eye Program website.
5. Why did my friend not have to pay for their OHIP-covered cataract surgery at the private clinic?
As a result of the pandemic, there was an overwhelmingly large backlog of patients waiting for OHIP covered cataract surgeries at the hospitals. To help rectify this problem, St. Mary’s General and Cambridge Memorial Hospitals entered into partnerships with the local private clinics to allow OHIP covered cataract surgeries to be performed at the off-site clinics. To learn more about these partnerships visit:
For further information please refer to the following resource that has been prepared by the Waterloo Regional Eye Program.
