Phacoemulsification · Premium IOLs · Day-Case Surgery
The Cataract & Lens Surgery Centre at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital is one of Pakistan's highest-volume, most technologically advanced units for the surgical management of cataracts. Our internationally trained surgeons perform over 18,000 phacoemulsification procedures annually, offering patients a full spectrum of intraocular lens (IOL) choices — from standard monofocal implants to premium multifocal, toric, and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses for spectacle independence.
Performed as a painless day-case procedure under topical anaesthesia, modern cataract surgery at Al-Shifa takes under 15 minutes with a clear corneal microincision, zero sutures, and a typical visual recovery within 24 to 48 hours.
Every cataract patient at Al-Shifa undergoes a comprehensive pre-operative biometric assessment using the IOLMaster 700 optical biometer — the global gold standard for IOL power calculation. Corneal topography, anterior segment OCT, and endothelial cell count are performed as standard, enabling our surgeons to personalise the lens selection and incision planning for each individual eye.
"The decision about which intraocular lens to implant is not merely technical — it must account for each patient's lifestyle, visual demands, and ocular anatomy. We take the time to get this right."
— Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Head of Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery
Our surgical technique employs coaxial microincision phacoemulsification (C-MICS) through a 2.2 mm or sub-2.0 mm wound, eliminating the need for sutures and drastically reducing surgically induced astigmatism. Combined with our femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) platform, we achieve capsulotomy precision and lens fragmentation that is simply not possible with manual technique alone.
Intraocular Lens Options
Premium IOL Selection Guide
We offer the full range of IOL technologies — from subsidised monofocal lenses for patients requiring financial support, to advanced premium implants for those seeking complete spectacle freedom.
IOL Type
Best For
Spectacle Need
Tier
Monofocal
Distance or near vision
Reading glasses required
Standard
Toric Monofocal
Astigmatism correction
Minimal distance specs
Standard+
EDOF (Extended Depth)
Distance + intermediate
Near only
Premium
Multifocal
Full range of vision
Glasses-free lifestyle
Premium
Toric Multifocal
Astigmatism + full range
Complete independence
Premium Plus
Technology & Equipment
Cutting-Edge Surgical Technology
IOLMaster 700 Biometry
Zeiss IOLMaster 700 with swept-source OCT — the most precise IOL power calculation platform available globally.
Femtosecond Laser (FLACS)
LenSx femtosecond laser for precision capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, and corneal incisions with sub-micron accuracy.
Centurion Vision System
Alcon Centurion phacoemulsification with Active Fluidics — the most advanced phaco platform for safe, efficient surgery.
Specular Microscopy
Topcon SP-1P corneal endothelial cell analysis — essential for surgical risk assessment in complex cataracts.
Patient Journey
Your Surgical Pathway
1
Pre-Operative Assessment
Full slit-lamp examination, IOL biometry, corneal topography, and endothelial cell count. IOL type and power selected in discussion with the patient.
2
Counselling & IOL Consent
Dedicated pre-op counselling session explaining procedure risks, benefits, IOL options, and post-operative expectations in the patient's language.
3
Day-Case Surgery
Topical-anaesthetic phacoemulsification under the operating microscope. Procedure duration 10–20 minutes. Patient walks home the same day.
4
Day-1 Post-Operative Review
Visual acuity check and wound inspection the morning after surgery. Most patients achieve functional vision within 24 hours.
5
Follow-Up at 1, 4 & 8 Weeks
Structured follow-up to optimise refraction and monitor for PCO (posterior capsule opacification), treated with a quick YAG laser if required.
What We Offer
Cataract Procedures & Services
Every technique from subsidised standard phaco to the latest femtosecond laser-assisted surgery — all under one roof.
Phacoemulsification (Standard)
Ultrasound-assisted lens emulsification through a microincision. Monofocal IOL implanted. Fully subsidised for eligible patients.
10–20 minutes
FLACS — Femtosecond Laser Cataract
Computer-guided laser performs capsulotomy and pre-softens the lens before phaco — maximising safety and precision for premium IOLs.
20–30 minutes
Premium Multifocal IOL Implant
Alcon PanOptix, Johnson TECNIS Synergy, or Zeiss AT LISA trifocal lenses — full spectacle independence at all distances.
15–25 minutes
Toric IOL for Astigmatism
Toric lenses correct corneal astigmatism at time of cataract surgery, eliminating the need for toric spectacles after the operation.
15–25 minutes
Paediatric Cataract Surgery
Specialised technique for children including posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy as required, with amblyopia management.
30–60 minutes
YAG Laser Capsulotomy
Quick, painless in-clinic laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) — the most common post-cataract complication.
5–10 minutes
Patient Stories
Lives Brightened, Worlds Restored
Hear from patients whose independence was returned to them through cataract surgery at Al-Shifa.
"I had not been able to read for almost two years. My wife brought me to Al-Shifa from Multan and they operated on both eyes within one week. I woke up the next morning and could read the newspaper for the first time in years. I wept with joy. This hospital has given my life back."
AK
Abdul Karim
Multan — Bilateral Cataract Surgery
"I chose the multifocal IOL and I could not be happier. Three weeks after surgery I drove to my daughter's wedding without a single pair of glasses. I am 58 years old and have worn spectacles since childhood. The counselling by Dr. Rubina's team was exceptional — I knew exactly what to expect."
NB
Nadia Baig
Islamabad — Premium Multifocal IOL
Don't Let Cataracts Dim Your World
Modern cataract surgery is one of medicine's most successful procedures — a painless day case that typically restores vision within 24 hours. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
