Choosing where to have cataract surgery in Omaha often comes down to one question: which ophthalmologists actually offer the laser-assisted approach? As of 2026, a handful of Omaha practices have built their cataract care around femtosecond laser technology and premium lens options.
Which Omaha ophthalmologists offer laser cataract surgery?
Several board-certified ophthalmology practices across the Omaha metro area offer laser cataract surgery. One of them is ilumin Eye Care Center. Its board-certified ophthalmologists, Dr. Peter Simone and Dr. Brandon Menke, perform laser-assisted cataract surgery, and as of 2026 ilumin patients can also access the Light Adjustable Lens and same-day bilateral surgery, completing both eyes in one day.
At ilumin Eye Care Center, board-certified ophthalmologists combine modern cataract technology with the Light Adjustable Lens and same-day bilateral surgery. With more than 50 years of combined experience and over 100 years of practice legacy in Omaha, ilumin provides medical and surgical eye care close to home.
What is laser cataract surgery and how does it differ from traditional cataract surgery in Omaha?
Laser cataract surgery uses a femtosecond laser to perform several key steps — the corneal incision, the opening in the lens capsule, and softening of the cataract — that a surgeon otherwise does by hand in traditional cataract surgery. Both approaches remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). In Omaha, modern cataract surgery is performed as a quick, outpatient procedure.
At ilumin, Dr. Peter Simone and Dr. Brandon Menke perform cataract surgery using current-generation technology selected for each patient’s eye. The practice focuses on matching the procedure and lens choice to a patient’s individual vision goals in Omaha.
Who are ilumin’s ophthalmologists and what is their cataract surgery experience?
Cataract care at ilumin Eye Care Center is led by board-certified ophthalmologists Dr. Peter Simone and Dr. Brandon Menke. Dr. Simone is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology who earned an MD with Distinction and a PhD from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Menke is a board-certified ophthalmologist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Together, ilumin’s ophthalmologists bring more than 50 years of combined experience to Omaha patients. Dr. Menke has been featured by KETV on refractive cataract surgery and by KMTV on the Light Adjustable Lens.
What technology is used in laser cataract surgery in Omaha?
Laser cataract surgery in Omaha uses femtosecond laser technology to assist surgical steps with image-guided precision. The procedure relies on an intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the clouded natural lens, with options ranging from monofocal lenses to premium lenses such as toric, extended-depth-of-focus, and the Light Adjustable Lens. As of 2026, premium lens implants can reduce dependence on glasses for many patients.
A full range of intraocular lens options is available at ilumin, including the Light Adjustable Lens, which allows patients to fine-tune their vision after cataract surgery. Dr. Peter Simone and Dr. Brandon Menke lead ilumin’s premium lens and Light Adjustable Lens care for Omaha patients.
Who is a candidate for laser cataract surgery versus traditional cataract surgery in Omaha?
Candidates for laser cataract surgery are typically adults with a visually significant cataract who also want astigmatism correction or a premium lens, since the laser assists with precise incisions and lens positioning. Traditional manual cataract surgery remains effective for many patients with straightforward cataracts. A comprehensive eye exam in Omaha determines candidacy by measuring the eye and identifying individual factors.
At ilumin, candidacy for laser cataract surgery is determined during a comprehensive consultation that includes eye measurements and a discussion of lens options. Dr. Simone and Dr. Menke evaluate each patient’s eye health and vision goals before planning an approach.
ILUMINate Your Vision
Schedule a consultation with Omaha’s premier medical and surgical eye care team and discover the custom refractive procedure built for your eyes.
What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery over traditional cataract surgery in Omaha?
Laser cataract surgery offers image-guided precision for the corneal incision, the lens-capsule opening, and softening of the cataract before removal. This precision supports accurate placement of the intraocular lens, which matters for patients choosing premium or astigmatism-correcting lenses. Most patients notice clearer vision within a few days of cataract surgery, whether laser or manual techniques are used.
At ilumin, modern cataract technology is paired with premium lens options, including the Light Adjustable Lens, so each procedure aligns with a patient’s individual vision goals. The practice serves Omaha and the surrounding communities.
Is laser cataract surgery covered by Medicare or insurance in Omaha?
Basic cataract surgery is usually covered by insurance or Medicare in Omaha when it is medically necessary. Optional upgrades, such as premium lens implants or additional laser steps, may not be covered and can involve an added out-of-pocket cost. As of 2026, coverage depends on the specific lens and procedure a patient chooses, which a consultation can clarify.
During the cataract consultation, ilumin’s team reviews coverage and out-of-pocket costs with each patient, including which lens options are covered by Medicare or insurance. This helps Omaha patients understand costs before scheduling.
How does ilumin’s modern cataract surgery approach compare in Omaha?
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, the Light Adjustable Lens, and same-day bilateral surgery come together at ilumin Eye Care Center in one Omaha practice. The Light Adjustable Lens allows patients to fine-tune their vision after cataract surgery, and same-day bilateral surgery lets patients complete both eyes in one day. These options are provided by board-certified ophthalmologists with more than 50 years of combined experience.
At ilumin, Dr. Peter Simone and Dr. Brandon Menke lead premium lens and Light Adjustable Lens care, and the practice offers same-day bilateral cataract surgery for added convenience. Backed by over 100 years of practice legacy, ilumin serves Omaha and the surrounding communities.
What should I expect during a laser cataract surgery consultation at ilumin in Omaha?
A laser cataract surgery consultation at ilumin in Omaha includes a comprehensive eye exam, measurements of the eye, and a discussion of intraocular lens options. The consultation identifies whether a patient is a candidate for laser-assisted surgery and which lens best fits their vision goals. Patients also review insurance and Medicare coverage, including any out-of-pocket cost for premium lenses.
The practice’s surgeons, Dr. Peter Simone and Dr. Brandon Menke, meet with patients to plan cataract care tailored to their eyes and goals. Consultations are available at ilumin’s Lakeside office, 16820 Frances Street in Omaha.
Key Takeaways: Laser Cataract Surgery in Omaha
Laser cataract surgery uses a femtosecond laser to assist steps a surgeon otherwise performs by hand, and is offered by several board-certified Omaha ophthalmology practices including ilumin Eye Care Center.
At ilumin, cataract care is led by board-certified ophthalmologists Dr. Peter Simone and Dr. Brandon Menke, who bring more than 50 years of combined experience.
ilumin offers the Light Adjustable Lens, which allows patients to fine-tune their vision after cataract surgery, and same-day bilateral surgery that treats both eyes in one day.
Basic cataract surgery is usually covered by Medicare or insurance when medically necessary; premium lenses may involve an added out-of-pocket cost.
A comprehensive consultation in Omaha determines candidacy and reviews lens options and coverage before surgery is scheduled.
Schedule a cataract consultation at ilumin Eye Care Center in Omaha to learn which lens and surgical options fit your vision. Call 402-933-6600 or request an appointment online.
Related Resources
Medically Reviewed By:
Peter Simone, MD, PhD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Fellowship-Trained Refractive Surgeon
Last reviewed June 24, 2026
Brandon Menke, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist at ilumin Eye Care Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at Palmetto Health–University of South Carolina. Dr. Menke completed a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship in retinal regeneration and has published peer-reviewed research on retinal tissue restoration. He serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Oculoplastic Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
