Cataract Surgery & Premium IOLs
Cataracts can cloud your vision, making daily activities more challenging. At Virginia Eye Institute (VEI), our expert ophthalmologists offer state-of-the-art cataract surgery and premium intraocular lens (IOL) options to restore clarity and improve your quality of life.
Restore Your Vision with Advanced Cataract Surgery
Cataracts can cloud your vision, making daily activities more challenging. At Virginia Eye Institute (VEI), our expert ophthalmologists offer state-of-the-art cataract surgery and premium intraocular lens (IOL) options to restore clarity and improve your quality of life.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe, outpatient procedure that removes the cloudy lens in your eye and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This quick and highly effective surgery can dramatically improve vision, reduce glare, and enhance color perception.
Watch the video above to learn more!
Premium Cataract Treatment Options
VEI offers a variety of cataract treatment options to customize your vision based on your lifestyle needs:
Multifocal IOLs (PanOptix)
Provide both near and distance vision correction.
Toric IOLs
Correct astigmatism for clearer, sharper vision.
Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs)
Allow post-surgical adjustments for precise vision correction.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs (Vivity)
Provide continuous vision across multiple distances.
LensX® Laser-Assisted Surgery
Higher precision, allowing for a more customized procedure.
Want to Learn More?
Why Choose VEI for Cataract Surgery?
Experienced Surgeons
Our board-certified ophthalmologists have performed thousands of successful cataract procedures.
Customized Vision Solutions
We offer a range of lens options tailored to your vision needs.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use the latest advancements in laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Comprehensive Post-Operative Care
Our team provides personalized follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Schedule a Cataract Consultation
Take the next step toward clearer vision. Schedule a cataract evaluation with our specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Yes, cataract surgery is covered by medical insurance as a medically necessary procedure. However, as there are various insurance plans, insurance verification prior to surgery is obtained for each case.
Am I put under anesthesia during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgeries are performed to make sure it is painless as possible, by using topical anesthesia (without injections) or local anesthesia (with injections) with IV sedation. Some patients with specific medical conditions may be placed under general anesthesia, however this is not done commonly as it comes with higher risks.
What qualifies and how soon can I receive cataract surgery?
Your eye doctor will help you determine if it is time to consider cataract surgery for one or both eyes, based on your exam and how much your daily activities are impacted. The next determining factor is finding a convenient time for you to have the surgery based on your and the surgeon’s availability.
How long does a cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery typically takes 10-20 minutes but can be longer based on complexity or if combined with other eye surgery.
For the typical cataract surgery, expect to be at the surgery center for about 2 hours total from check in to discharge, including the surgical time.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is widely considered one of the most successful surgical procedures. It has a very high success rate in the US, but is not without risks, similar to any other surgery. It is also one of the most commonly performed procedures. Once your eye doctor performs a complete eye examination, the risks will be discussed at that time.
Can cataract surgery be done as an inpatient procedure?
Cataract surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure.
It can be done as an inpatient procedure under certain circumstances and if your surgeon has access to a hospital facility. Virginia Eye Institute currently does not offer cataract surgery as an inpatient procedure.
What is the recovery time for cataract surgery?
Most people will notice vision improvement a few hours after the surgery or by the next day
Most resume most daily activities by the next day or so following surgery.
Most are able to return to non-physically strenuous jobs within a few days
Your surgeon will give you specific recommendations based on how you’re doing after your first follow up visit. Typical restrictions include no physical contact to the surgical eye, wearing a protective shield that does not block vision when sleeping, and no heavy lifting for the first week.
Does surgery permanently fix cataracts?
With removal of the natural lens that has become a cataract, it does not grow back and the artificial lens implant is designed to last a lifetime. However, there is a condition called Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO). When cataract surgery is performed, the lens capsule is left on purpose to anchor the artificial lens. PCO occurs when the natural lens capsule becomes cloudy after cataract surgery and can cause similar symptoms as having cataracts. For this condition a simple outpatient laser procedure can be performed to restore vision without any downtime.
What changes can I expect after cataract surgery?
The goal of cataract surgery is vision rehabilitation, optimization and make your vision as clear as possible. Patients would typically report colors are more vivid, things are brighter, improvement with glare particularly from oncoming car headlights at night
Meet Our Cataract Specialists

Karun Arora M.D.

Jason Chiappetta M.D., F.A.C.S.

Philip Cofoid, M.D.

Christopher Estopinal M.D.

Tara Golisch, M.D.

Joseph R. Grubbs, Jr. M.D., M.P.H.

Joshua Hardin, M.D.

Mackenzie Higgins M.D.

Stephen Keffer M.D.

Robert Knape M.D.

Irfan Khan M.D.

Seth Krawitz M.D.

Landon Meekins M.D.

Grover Robinson IV M.D.

Timothy Nguyen M.D.

Steven Tucker M.D.

