Cataract surgery: a guide for GPs and patients

The majority of patients will develop cataracts as they grow older, and about 5% will undergo cataract surgery. The GP has a role – in conjunction with the ophthalmologist – in the preoperative assessment and postoperative follow up, with appropriate referral and the early identification of potential postoperative complications being integral parts of patient care.

Patients will often ask their GP about cataract surgery before they consult a specialist, and informed counselling is essential. The patient handout on pages 75 and 76 may be helpful in this situation.