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

I perform cataract surgery at Northpark Private Hospital, Bundoora, as part of my specialist practice at Northern Eye Consultants. With more than 7,000 cataract surgeries performed, cataract surgery is the procedure I perform most frequently, from straightforward cases to the most complex eyes requiring combined cataract and corneal transplant surgery. I offer Melbourne patients a full range of premium intraocular lens options and a personalised approach to achieving the best possible visual outcome, and I train ophthalmology registrars and fellows.

Patients researching their options can find a comprehensive guide to cataract surgery in Melbourne at corneaeyedoctor.com, covering what the procedure involves, how to evaluate a surgeon, what questions to ask at your consultation, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

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.

Before booking a consultation, many patients ask how soon they can be seen and how quickly surgery can be arranged. For an explanation of the typical waiting times for cataract surgery in Melbourne, including the timeframe from referral to assessment and from assessment to surgery, see the dedicated guide.

Book a Cataract Consultation

Bundoora (Melbourne North)

Northern Eye Consultants

Suite 5, Northpark Private Hospital

135 Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083

(03) 9466 8822

Wonthaggi

Bass Coast Eye Centre

(03) 5672 4300
Book a Consultation

A GP or optometrist referral is required for Medicare rebates

What Makes Dr MacIntyre's Cataract Surgery Training Different?

Dr MacIntyre completed subspecialty fellowship training in complex cataract surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, one of the world's top-ranked eye hospitals. He has performed more than 7,000 cataract surgeries using modern phacoemulsification technique. This combination of subspecialty training and high surgical volume means both routine and complex cataract cases are managed with the same level of expertise.

The outcome of cataract surgery depends significantly on surgeon experience and subspecialty training. Dr MacIntyre completed two years of cornea and complex cataract fellowship training: first at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, one of the world's leading academic eye hospitals, and subsequently at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne. He has personally performed over 7,000 cataract surgeries performed over more than 20 years using phacoemulsification technique since 2007, including a high proportion of complex cases that are not appropriate for general ophthalmology. For an evidence-based overview of complication rates in his practice, see the surgical outcomes audit 2021 to 2025, examining posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss rates compared with published international benchmarks.

Complex cases he regularly manages include dense cataracts, cataracts in eyes that have had previous refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, combined cataract and corneal transplant procedures, and patients with coexisting corneal disease. He also trains ophthalmology registrars and fellows through Northern Eye Consultants.

Qualifications

  • MD (Hons) — New York Medical College
  • FRANZCO — Fellow, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
  • Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
  • Cornea, Complex Cataract and Refractive Surgery Fellowship — Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
  • Cornea Fellowship — Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
  • Former Chief Resident — Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

For Patients

Get a Referral for Cataract Surgery

A referral from your GP or optometrist is required to see Dr MacIntyre and to access Medicare rebates. Print the referral note below and take it to your GP or optometrist, or book a consultation directly.

For GPs and Optometrists

Referring a Patient for Cataract Surgery

Dr MacIntyre completed subspecialty fellowship training in complex cataract surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, and has performed more than 7,000 cataract surgeries. This depth of training and surgical volume means straightforward and complex cases, including dense cataracts, previous LASIK or PRK, and combined cataract and corneal disease, are managed with the same level of expertise.

HealthLink EDI (preferred): nthneyec · Fax: (03) 9466 8833

How Is the Right Lens Chosen for Your Cataract Surgery?

Choosing the correct intraocular lens requires precise measurement of the eye's length, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth using modern optical biometry. Multiple biometry formulas are used to calculate the ideal lens power, and this is especially important in eyes that have had previous laser eye surgery, where standard formulas are less reliable.

Achieving a good refractive outcome from cataract surgery depends as much on the preoperative workup as on the surgical technique. Dr MacIntyre uses advanced biometry and corneal topography to plan each procedure individually, selecting the optimal intraocular lens formula for your eye measurements, corneal shape, and visual goals. This is particularly important in eyes with prior LASIK, PRK, or irregular corneal topography, where standard biometry formulas are less reliable.

The surgical technique used is phacoemulsification, the current standard for cataract removal. For a detailed patient-level explanation of how the procedure works, what to expect on the day, and what recovery involves, see the cataract surgery Melbourne guide at corneaeyedoctor.com.

Surgery is performed as day surgery at Northpark Private Hospital, Bundoora, under local anaesthetic with light sedation. Most patients return home the same day and notice a significant improvement in vision within 24–48 hours.

Why Patients Choose Dr MacIntyre for Cataract Surgery

7,000+ Cataract Surgeries Performed

With more than 7,000 cataract surgeries performed, cataract surgery is the procedure I perform most frequently, in active subspecialty practice at Northern Eye Consultants. See the surgical volume and case complexity guide for detail.

Johns Hopkins Fellowship in Complex Cataract Surgery

Subspecialty fellowship training at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, one of the world's leading academic eye hospitals, covering complex cataract, cornea and refractive surgery.

Complex Cases Welcome

Previous LASIK or PRK, corneal disease, Fuchs dystrophy requiring combined DMEK and cataract surgery, pseudoexfoliation, small pupils and dense cataracts are all managed as part of routine subspecialty practice.

Full Premium IOL Range

Monofocal, toric, EDOF (Clareon Vivity) and trifocal (Clareon PanOptix Pro, TECNIS Odyssey) lenses, with detailed pre-operative assessment and counselling to determine the most appropriate option for each patient.

RANZCO RACE Examiner

Appointed RANZCO RACE examiner, assessing trainee ophthalmologists in the final fellowship examination before they can practise as consultants.

Consulting at Northpark Private Hospital, Bundoora

Serving patients from Melbourne's northern suburbs including Epping, Mill Park, South Morang, Greensborough and Whittlesea.

Also Consulting at Bass Coast Eye Centre, Wonthaggi

For patients from the Bass Coast and South Gippsland region.

What Lens Options Are Available for Cataract Surgery in Melbourne?

Cataract surgery in Melbourne offers a range of intraocular lens options, from standard monofocal lenses covered by Medicare to premium toric, EDOF and trifocal lenses that can reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses. The right lens depends on your lifestyle, visual goals, corneal health, and whether astigmatism correction is needed.

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 covered

Toric IOL

Corrects astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery, reducing or eliminating the need for distance glasses.

Premium lens

EDOF IOL

Popular

Extended depth of focus — provides a continuous range of clear vision from distance to intermediate, with excellent night vision.

Premium lens

Multifocal IOL

Provides clear vision at distance, intermediate, and near — many patients achieve spectacle independence for most tasks.

Premium lens

Dr 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?
Cataract surgery is recommended as soon as the cataract is noticeably affecting your quality of life — for example, difficulty driving, reading, recognising faces, or enjoying daily activities. You do not need to wait until your vision is severely impaired. Dr MacIntyre will advise you on the optimal timing based on your vision, lifestyle needs, and examination findings.
Is cataract surgery covered by Medicare?
Yes. Cataract surgery attracts a Medicare rebate, and patients with private hospital insurance can claim additional benefits through their fund. A standard monofocal lens is included in the Medicare/health fund benefit. Premium lens upgrades (toric, EDOF, multifocal) involve an additional out-of-pocket cost. Dr MacIntyre's rooms can provide a detailed cost estimate prior to your procedure.
Does cataract surgery hurt?
Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic — anaesthetic eye drops are instilled to numb the eye, and a light sedative is often given to help you relax. You will be awake during the procedure but should experience no pain. Most patients report minimal discomfort or a mild sensation of pressure. After surgery, mild grittiness is common for a day or two, easily managed with prescribed drops.
What is recovery like after cataract surgery?
Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within 24–48 hours. You will use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for approximately 4 weeks. Avoid swimming, rubbing the eye, and heavy lifting for the first few weeks. Most people return to normal daily activities within a day or two. Full healing and optical stabilisation occurs over 4–6 weeks, after which new spectacles can be prescribed if needed.
Where can I have cataract surgery in Melbourne's northern suburbs?
Dr Ross MacIntyre performs cataract surgery at Northpark Private Hospital in Bundoora, Melbourne's north — conveniently located at the corner of Plenty Road and Greenhills Road, with ample parking and direct tram access (Route 86 terminus). He also consults at Bass Coast Eye Centre in Wonthaggi. To arrange an appointment in Bundoora call (03) 9466 8822, or for Wonthaggi appointments call (03) 5672 4300, or book online.
Do I need a referral for cataract surgery?
A referral from your GP or optometrist is required to claim Medicare rebates for your specialist consultation. Your optometrist can also initiate referrals. If you have been told you have cataracts and wish to see Dr MacIntyre, ask your GP or optometrist for a referral to Northern Eye Consultants, Bundoora.

Book a Cataract Surgery Consultation

Consulting in Bundoora (Melbourne North) and Wonthaggi. A GP or optometrist referral is required for Medicare rebates.