Finding the right surgeon in Omaha, Nebraska starts with asking clear, direct questions that help you compare training, technology, and real surgical results. ilumin encourages patients to use this list as a practical tool during consultations so you can evaluate whether a surgeon’s approach aligns with your goals and everyday life. These questions highlight what matters most: safety, outcomes, communication, and personalization. Use them to feel confident and prepared as you decide who you trust with your vision.
14 Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Best Cataract Surgeon in Omaha
1. How many cataract surgeries do you personally perform each year?
Surgeons with higher case volume—often several hundred per year—tend to have lower complication rates and more consistent outcomes. Asking this helps you gauge how often the surgeon performs the procedure and how familiar they are with a range of patient scenarios.
At ilumin, our surgeons perform a high volume of cataract procedures each year and track outcomes closely to ensure patient safety and long-term success. This experience directly benefits patients looking for reliable results with fewer risks.
2. What is your serious complication rate, and how does it compare with national benchmarks?
The national average for serious complications in cataract surgery is below 0.5%. Your surgeon should be able to share their personal rate or center-wide data to help you evaluate their track record.
ilumin provides transparent data on complication rates and is proud to maintain results that meet or exceed national safety standards. We believe informed patients are more confident and prepared for surgery.
3. Are you fellowship-trained in ophthalmology subspecialties like cornea, refractive, or anterior segment surgery?
Fellowship training in subspecialties like cornea or refractive surgery adds advanced skills that improve lens selection, astigmatism management, and surgical outcomes. Not all cataract surgeons have this level of training.
ilumin’s cataract surgeons have completed additional fellowship training that allows for more precise surgical planning and better alignment with your long-term vision needs.
4. Will you be performing every step of the surgery yourself?
Some practices involve trainees or surgical assistants in portions of the procedure. It’s reasonable to ask whether the surgeon you consult with will personally handle all aspects of your cataract surgery.
At ilumin, your surgeon performs the entire procedure from start to finish. We value continuity of care and believe it plays a key role in achieving excellent results.
5. Do I have astigmatism, and if so, what are the options for correcting it?
Patients with corneal astigmatism may benefit from toric lenses, limbal relaxing incisions, or laser-assisted correction. Your surgeon should explain how much astigmatism you have and which method would best correct it.
ilumin uses advanced diagnostics to measure astigmatism precisely and offers a full range of correction options, including toric intraocular lenses and femtosecond laser incisions, to maximize visual acuity after surgery.
6. Which lens models do you recommend, and how likely am I to need glasses afterward?
There’s no one-size-fits-all lens. Your surgeon should explain the pros and cons of monofocal, toric, multifocal, and extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses—and give you realistic expectations about glasses use for distance, intermediate, and near vision.
ilumin offers a wide selection of modern lens implants and takes time to align recommendations with your lifestyle, daily activities, and goals for reducing or eliminating your need for glasses.
7. If I still have vision issues after surgery, what are your enhancement options and costs?
It’s possible to have residual refractive error after cataract surgery, especially with premium lenses. Ask what enhancement options are available (like LASIK or PRK), and whether those are included or billed separately.
ilumin is upfront about enhancement policies and costs. We offer laser vision correction enhancements when needed and help patients understand their options during the consultation process.
8. Do you offer femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, and would I benefit from it?
Laser-assisted cataract surgery may improve precision in certain cases, such as complex lens removal or astigmatism correction. Ask whether the practice offers this option and if it’s appropriate for your eyes.
ilumin proudly offers femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. This technology allows us to perform several key steps of the procedure with exceptional precision. The laser can soften and break up the cataract, and can also be used to help correct astigmatism by creating precise relaxing incisions in the cornea. Many patients benefit from this added accuracy—especially those with astigmatism, those who want the most precise visual outcomes, or those choosing premium lens options. Whether it’s right for you depends on your eye measurements, your goals for vision after surgery, and the overall health of your eye.
9. Where will the surgery be performed, and how safe is that facility?
Cataract surgery is often performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Ask whether the facility specializes in ophthalmology and whether they track and share infection or complication rates.
ilumin performs procedures in a dedicated, in-office ophthalmic surgery setting through our Modern Vision Group Omaha partner practices, with excellent safety protocols. The surgical center is designed specifically for eye care, allowing for more focused expertise and a smoother patient experience.
10. What kind of anesthesia and sedation do you use?
Cataract surgery may involve light sedation and numbing eye drops. Still, it’s important to understand how comfortable you’ll be and whether you’ll be awake during the procedure.
ilumin walks patients through the procedure beforehand, noting that patients are fully awake and not under general anesthesia. Only valium and eye numbing drops are used. Most patients find the procedure comfortable and quick, with minimal disruption to their routine.
11. What is the typical recovery timeline, and what side effects should I expect?
Visual recovery often begins within a few days, but full healing can take weeks. Temporary side effects like glare, halos, or mild dryness are common and should be discussed before surgery.
ilumin prepares patients for what to expect at every stage of recovery. We tailor guidance based on your lens type and individual healing patterns so you can return to everyday life as smoothly as possible.
12. What activity restrictions will I need to follow?
After surgery, most patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or driving for a short time. Ask how long these restrictions will apply so you can plan accordingly.
ilumin provides clear post-op instructions with timelines for resuming work, exercise, driving, and other daily activities. We aim to minimize downtime while protecting your results.
13. What is included in the cataract surgery package, and what additional costs should I expect?
Surgeon fees, the facility, and a basic lens are often included. Premium lenses or enhancements usually cost more. Ask for a breakdown of what’s included and what’s extra.
ilumin provides upfront pricing for both standard and premium lens options so you can make informed financial decisions. We also offer financing to make advanced vision correction more accessible.
14. How do you personalize the surgical plan based on my age, prescription, and goals?
Each person’s eyes and vision needs are different. Ask how the practice incorporates your prescription, visual habits, and long-term goals into their surgical recommendations.
ilumin focuses on customization. From advanced diagnostics to lens selection, we build a surgical plan designed specifically for you. Personalization isn’t just a talking point—it’s part of our process.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Asking the right questions helps you find a surgeon who prioritizes safety, technology, and personalized care. At ilumin, our goal is to guide you confidently through every step of the cataract journey, from evaluation to visual recovery. If you’re ready to explore your options and build a plan that fits your life, schedule a consultation with ilumin today.
