Cataract Surgery Melbourne
Expert cataract removal with premium intraocular lens options — serving Melbourne and its northern suburbs from Northpark Private Hospital, Bundoora.
Expert Cataract Surgery in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs
Dr Ross MacIntyre MD FRANZCO is a specialist ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in cataract surgery, performing procedures at Northern Eye Consultants, Northpark Private Hospital in Bundoora. He offers Melbourne patients a full range of premium intraocular lens options and a personalised approach to achieving the best possible visual outcome.
Modern cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in Australia and is highly safe and effective. The majority of patients experience a significant improvement in their vision within days of surgery, often describing the world as brighter, clearer, and more colourful than it has been for years.
Whether you require standard cataract surgery or have a complex case — including combined cataract and corneal disease — Dr MacIntyre's subspecialty training at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University provides patients in Melbourne's north with access to world-class eye surgical care.
Book a Cataract Consultation
Bundoora (Melbourne North)
Northern Eye Consultants
Suite 5, Northpark Private Hospital
135 Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083
(03) 9466 8822A GP or optometrist referral is required for Medicare rebates
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The lens sits behind the pupil and is responsible for focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, light is scattered rather than focused sharply, causing blurred or hazy vision.
Cataracts are extremely common — almost everyone will develop them to some degree as they age. The most common cause is simply ageing, as the lens proteins gradually change over decades of ultraviolet light exposure. Other causes include certain medications (particularly corticosteroids), systemic conditions such as diabetes, trauma to the eye, and in rare cases, cataracts present from birth.
Symptoms of Cataract
- Blurred, hazy, or foggy vision
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail
- Increased glare from headlights or sunlight
- Reduced colour perception — duller, darker appearance
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Double vision in one eye
- Needing brighter light to read comfortably
- Difficulty driving at night
The Cataract Surgery Procedure
Modern cataract surgery uses phacoemulsification — a tiny ultrasound probe is inserted through a self-sealing incision of less than 2.4mm and used to gently break up the cloudy lens. The lens fragments are aspirated from the eye, and a premium artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is folded and inserted through the same small incision to replace it.
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic and takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Most patients go home the same day and notice a significant improvement in vision within 24–48 hours. There are generally no sutures, and the small incision seals naturally.
Cataract surgery is now so safe and effective that it is recommended as soon as the cataract is interfering with your quality of life — you do not need to wait for your vision to deteriorate severely.
Intraocular Lens Options
Dr MacIntyre offers a full range of lens implants to suit your lifestyle and visual needs, from standard lenses to the latest premium multifocal technology.
Monofocal IOL
Standard lens set for distance vision. Reading glasses are generally still required for near tasks.
Medicare coveredToric IOL
Corrects astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery, reducing or eliminating the need for distance glasses.
Premium lensEDOF IOL
PopularExtended depth of focus — provides a continuous range of clear vision from distance to intermediate, with excellent night vision.
Premium lensMultifocal IOL
Provides clear vision at distance, intermediate, and near — many patients achieve spectacle independence for most tasks.
Premium lensDr MacIntyre will discuss which lens is most appropriate for your lifestyle, refraction, and ocular health at your consultation.
Patient Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — Cataract Surgery Melbourne
When should I have cataract surgery?
Is cataract surgery covered by Medicare?
Does cataract surgery hurt?
What is recovery like after cataract surgery?
Where can I have cataract surgery in Melbourne's northern suburbs?
Do I need a referral for cataract surgery?
Book a Cataract Surgery Consultation
Consulting in Bundoora (Melbourne North) and Wonthaggi. A GP or optometrist referral is required for Medicare rebates.