Services
Cataract Surgery in Bundoora
Specialist phacoemulsification cataract surgery with premium lens options, performed by experienced ophthalmologists at Northpark Hospital, Bundoora.
Cataract Surgery at Northpark Hospital, Bundoora
Northern Eye Consultants provides comprehensive cataract assessment and surgery for patients across Melbourne's northern suburbs, including Bundoora, Epping, Greensborough, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Mill Park, Thomastown, South Morang, Mernda, and Whittlesea. All cataract procedures are performed at Northpark Private Hospital — the same building as our consulting rooms at 135 Plenty Road, Bundoora — making the entire journey from assessment to surgery and aftercare as straightforward as possible for our patients.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful operations in medicine. It involves the removal of the eye's clouded natural lens using a technique called phacoemulsification — where ultrasound energy gently breaks up the lens into small fragments that are then removed — and replacing it with a clear, precisely calculated artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is performed as day surgery under topical anaesthetic eye drops, typically with light intravenous sedation for comfort. No general anaesthetic is required.
Most patients experience a significant improvement in vision within the first 24 to 48 hours, and the procedure takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes per eye. Both eyes are done separately, typically two to four weeks apart.
Our Cataract Surgeons
Cataract surgery at Northern Eye Consultants is performed by our specialist ophthalmologists, all of whom hold Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO).
Dr Ross MacIntyre (BA (Chemistry), MD, FRANZCO, Practice Director) has subspecialty fellowship training in corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a staff specialist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Dr MacIntyre is an expert in complex cataract surgery and premium lens implantation, including toric, multifocal, and EDOF lenses.
Dr Bernardo Soares (MBBS FRANZCO) is an experienced Melbourne ophthalmologist with a focus on cataract and glaucoma surgery. He holds public appointments at the Glaucoma Unit of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and at Monash Health, and is internationally recognised for his work in complex cataract and glaucoma surgery. Dr Soares has particular expertise in patients with co-existing cataract and glaucoma, for whom combined cataract and MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) may be appropriate.
Lens Implant Options
One of the most important decisions before cataract surgery is the choice of intraocular lens. At Northern Eye Consultants, patients have access to the full range of modern IOL technology:
- Standard monofocal IOL — Excellent distance vision at one focal point. Reading glasses required for near tasks. The most widely used lens, with the lowest risk of optical side effects.
- Toric IOL — A monofocal lens with additional correction for corneal astigmatism, significantly improving uncorrected distance vision for patients with moderate to high astigmatism.
- Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL — Provides a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate. The TECNIS PureSee — a purely refractive EDOF lens — is available at our practice. Fewer halos than traditional multifocal lenses.
- Multifocal IOL — Provides vision at near, intermediate, and distance for maximum spectacle independence. Best suited to highly motivated patients with excellent eye health.
Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate lens based on your prescription, eye health, and visual goals. A referral from your GP or optometrist is required to attend for a consultation. For more detailed information, visit our Cataract Surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is cataract surgery performed in Bundoora?
Cataract surgery performed by Northern Eye Consultants surgeons is carried out at Northpark Private Hospital, 135 Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083. Your pre-operative consultation and post-operative follow-up appointments take place at our consulting rooms within the same building, making it a convenient one-location experience for patients from across Melbourne's northern suburbs.
Is cataract surgery covered by Medicare in Australia?
Yes. Cataract surgery is a medically necessary procedure and attracts a Medicare rebate. Patients with private health insurance will also receive a benefit from their insurer to cover the hospital facility fee. The extent of out-of-pocket costs depends on the surgeon's fee, the anaesthetist's fee, and whether a standard or premium lens implant is chosen. Our team provides a detailed fee estimate before surgery so there are no surprises.
What lens implants are available at Northern Eye Consultants?
Our surgeons offer the full spectrum of intraocular lens (IOL) options including standard monofocal lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism correction, multifocal lenses for near and distance vision, and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses such as the TECNIS PureSee. The right lens depends on your prescription, eye health, and lifestyle priorities. Your surgeon will discuss all options and make a personalised recommendation at your pre-operative consultation.
How soon can I drive after cataract surgery in Bundoora?
Most patients can resume driving within a few days of surgery, once their vision has improved sufficiently and they feel confident behind the wheel. Your surgeon will assess your vision at the day-one post-operative check and advise you when it is safe to drive. You will need someone to take you home from Northpark Hospital on the day of surgery.
Book a Cataract Assessment in Bundoora
Contact Northern Eye Consultants to arrange a consultation with one of our cataract surgeons at Northpark Hospital, Bundoora. A referral from your GP or optometrist is required.