What to expect at your appointment
When you are seen for your cataract consultation appointment, you can expect the following:
Biometry – OHIP provides basic testing. You may wish to have more advanced testing based on lens choice and current eye conditions. This can be determined at your appointment.
Consultation – you will speak with Dr. Curts about the procedure, any risks involved and discuss the best choice of lens for your needs and budget. Some patients may wish for or require a lens with more features some of these lenses are not covered by OHIP. If you choose this type of lens there may be additional costs. All of this will be discussed at your appointment. Before surgery can be scheduled, any applicable lens fees must be paid.
Book a Date – before you leave we will make our best efforts to book your surgery date for you. Dr. Curts complete surgeries at both the Owen Sound and Meaford Hospitals. The scheduling will depend on your choice of lens and the availability of surgery dates at your chosen site.
Surgery Package – we will provide you with a detailed package of information that will give you all the information you need as you prepare for your surgery as well as the after care involved. This includes information like your appointment chart, the pre-surgical screening questionnaire, eye drop instructions and what you can and cannot do after surgery.
I’ve had my surgery, now what?
Once Dr. Curts completes your surgical procedure, you will see him for a same day follow-up appointment. If you have surgery at the Owen Sound Hospital, you will return to our office to be assessed before going home. If your surgery is completed at the Meaford Hospital, you will be asked to remain in the waiting area to be seen as soon as Dr. Curts has finished all surgeries for that day.
You will also come back to our office in 1-2 weeks after surgery for a re-assessment. If you are healing well and have had no complications from surgery we may be able to schedule your next surgery at this appointment.
Please visit our Cataract Resources Page for any forms that are needed for surgery.
Cataract/Cataract Surgery FAQs
What is the approximate wait time for a consultation?
The average wait time from the time the referral is sent to when you are seen for a consultation is approximately 12 months.
How soon after my consultation can expect to have surgery?
Depending on the choice of lens and availability at your chosen Hospital, you can be scheduled for surgery within a week to four weeks.
Can I drive after cataract surgery?
You will need a driver for your consultation, the day of surgery and your follow-up appointment. As long as your eye is healing well and you have no had any complications you can drive after your follow-up appointment.
Will the cataract grow back?
No. Once the surgery is complete, the cataract will not grow back.
What is the cost of cataract surgery?
OHIP will cover the cost of standard lenses and the surgery itself is covered. OHIP does not cover lenses with additional features such astigmatic correction or multifocal lenses.