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The Eye Clinic

Cataract Surgery

A cataract clouds the eye's natural lens and blurs your sight gradually over time. Modern cataract surgery gently replaces that lens with a clear artificial one — one of the most effective procedures in medicine.

What cataract surgery involves

Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Dr Leong uses suture-free, micro-incisional techniques designed to speed recovery and optimise your visual outcome.

Every eye is measured and planned individually. Where you have other eye conditions alongside a cataract, that planning matters even more — and it's an area Dr Leong pays particular attention to.

Standard & refractive cataract surgery

Every cataract operation is the same gentle procedure — the difference is the goal. Standard cataract surgery restores clear vision, usually set for distance, with glasses for close-up work. Refractive cataract surgery goes a step further: it uses premium lenses and precise measurements to reduce how much you depend on glasses afterwards.

Dr Leong offers both. Which is right for you comes down to your eyes, how you spend your day and what you'd like your vision to do — a decision you'll make together at your consultation. The lens options below are the heart of that choice.

Signs of cataracts

  • Cloudy, blurry or dim vision
  • Colours looking faded or yellowed
  • Glare or halos around lights, especially at night
  • Needing more light to read
  • Frequent changes to your glasses prescription
  • Difficulty driving, particularly after dark

Recognise these? Book a consultation and we'll help you get to the bottom of it.

Your journey

What to expect — it's simpler than most people think

  1. Getting ready

    One planning visit

    It usually starts with a referral from your optometrist or GP. At the clinic we measure your eye precisely and help you choose the right lens with Dr Leong — all in the one visit.

  2. The day itself

    Quick and gentle

    The operation is a short day procedure — usually 10–15 minutes per eye under local anaesthetic, with a tiny incision and no stitches. You rest a little, then head home the same day.

  3. Back to clear vision

    We stay with you

    Most people notice a difference within days. You'll use simple eye drops as it settles, and we check your eye the day after and again about a month later.

Lens options

Choosing the right lens

Every cataract is removed once, but the replacement lens lasts for life. We'll match a lens to how you actually spend your days.

Enhanced monofocal

What it does
Crisp, high-contrast distance vision.
Best for
Drivers and anyone happy to wear glasses for close work.
Keep in mind
Reading or progressive glasses are usually still needed. The most cost-effective option.

Extended range (EDOF)

What it does
Continuous clear vision from distance to arm's length.
Best for
Active lifestyles, travellers and office work — glasses-free for most of the day.
Keep in mind
Small print may still need light readers; fewer night-time halos than a full-range lens.

Full range (multifocal)

What it does
Clear vision at near, intermediate and distance.
Best for
Those wanting the least possible dependence on glasses.
Keep in mind
Some glare or halos around lights at night are possible while your eyes adapt.
Dr James Leong, ophthalmologist
Dr Leong's approach
“A cataract operation should give you the vision that suits your life, not someone else's. No lens is perfect — none can fully replicate a healthy twenty-year-old eye — but together we can achieve clear, reliable vision tailored to the way you live.”

Dr James Leong — Ophthalmologist, FRANZCO

After surgery

What to expect as you heal

95%

of cataract surgeries improve vision when there are no other major eye conditions.

  1. Day 1–3

    Clearer, brighter vision — though some blurriness is normal at first.

  2. Week 2–3

    Vision and your glasses prescription settle, and you can update your glasses.

  3. Week 4–6

    Full healing is expected, with colour and detail continuing to sharpen.

Visit us

A calm, purpose-built clinic in Te Aro

From the moment you arrive, everything is designed around unhurried, personal care — modern technology in a space that feels calm, not clinical.

See the clinic
Reception at The Eye Clinic's new Te Aro clinic in Wellington

Common questions

Does cataract surgery hurt?
No — the eye is numbed beforehand, so the surgery itself is not painful. Most people feel only mild pressure and see some light and movement. It's usually over in 10–15 minutes per eye, and Dr Leong talks you through every step so there are no surprises.
Can both eyes be done on the same day?
For many patients, yes. Same-day surgery on both eyes saves extra trips and often helps you adapt more quickly, as both eyes learn to work together. We'll confirm whether you're a suitable candidate.
How long does recovery take?
Many people notice clearer vision within a day or two, with vision settling over the following weeks and full healing in about four to six weeks. You'll get simple aftercare instructions and follow-up visits the day after surgery and around a month later.
Will I still need glasses afterwards?
It depends on the lens you choose. A monofocal lens gives excellent distance vision but you'll likely still use glasses for reading; extended-range and full-range lenses reduce your reliance on glasses further. We'll help you choose what fits your eyes and lifestyle.
What's the difference between standard and refractive cataract surgery?
It's the same operation with a different aim. Standard cataract surgery restores clear distance vision, with glasses for close-up. Refractive cataract surgery uses premium lenses — such as extended-range or full-range multifocals — and precise planning to reduce your need for glasses across more distances. Dr Leong offers both and will help you choose the right approach for your eyes.
I feel nervous — can I be sedated?
Cataract surgery is done under local anaesthetic without sedation for well over 95% of patients. If you feel sedation would help, talk to us — we'll make sure you're comfortable.

Other services

Ready to see clearly?

Book a consultation with Dr Leong, or call the clinic to talk it through. We're here to help you see your very best.

Book a Consultation04 470 7663