Do you need cataract surgery? When your vision becomes so cloudy that it interferes with your ability to complete your daily activities, it may be time to consider cataract surgery. Undergoing cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and restore clear vision.

Choosing which cataract surgeon you will entrust to perform this procedure is one of the most significant decisions you can make regarding your eye health. But how can you tell whether a surgeon is right for you?

After all, you deserve more than a “good” surgeon: you deserve the best. Keep reading to find out a few ways to know if you have the best cataract surgeon in Austin!

1. They Have an Impressive Educational Background

Steven J. Dell, MD

To become an ophthalmologist, you must earn a medical degree and then go on to complete four years of specialty training. Part of this is a three-year residency in eye surgery.

Dr. Dell was chosen as chief resident during his Tulane University School of Medicine residency. Being a chief resident is a leadership role with a distinct honor.

A doctor’s education shouldn’t end when they complete their residency. Dr. Dell remains committed to continuing education.

He is even helping to educate the next generation of eye surgeons by sponsoring learning opportunities. These externships allow students to observe him performing state-of-the-art surgical techniques while developing practical experience in the field.

It should be no surprise that Dr. Dell is the surgeon of choice for politicians, celebrities, athletes, and even other eye surgeons who must undergo eye procedures. Regardless of the patient, his goal of achieving the best possible visual acuity is always the same.

2. They Have Extensive Experience Removing Cataracts

If you need cataract surgery, you want to make sure you’re picking a surgeon with experience. Over more than two decades, Dr. Dell has garnered the kind of expertise that can only come from years of experience.

In fact, Dr. Dell is considered a leader in cataract surgery. He was the second eye surgeon in the country to perform laser cataract surgery using a femtosecond laser.

He also acted as a consultant to LenSx, the original manufacturer of the first laser approved by the FDA for cataract surgery. When you put your vision in the hands of one of our medical professionals, you can rest assured that you’re in the best hands possible.

3. They are Board Certified

You may think that all ophthalmologists must be board certified to perform cataract surgery, but this is not true. Only select doctors take the extra step to get certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Dell is one of them.

To become board certified, a doctor must not only meet rigorous medical training requirements but must also complete an intensive evaluation process. They take a special oath, promising to practice with integrity and compassion.

4. They Make You Feel Comfortable

Although it’s completely safe, it’s normal to feel anxiety about having cataract surgery. However, it’s your surgeon’s responsibility to address any concerns you may have and put you at ease.

An excellent cataract surgeon will take the time to answer any questions you may have and do their best to ensure you are comfortable. They will also thoroughly explain the procedure, including preparing for surgery and what to expect during recovery.

If you don’t feel comfortable with your cataract surgeon, it’s okay to go back to the drawing board. Choosing a surgeon whose abilities you feel confident about will help assuage any anxieties and nervousness you may have.

If something doesn’t feel right, it may be a sign that you need to rethink your cataract surgeon.

5. They Offer a Variety of Lens Options

Getting cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens of the eye. Cataracts cause the natural lens to become cloudy, leading to impaired vision.

When you have the natural lens removed, it’s replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Many kinds of IOLs are available, depending on your visual needs and goals after cataract surgery.

Your cataract surgeon will help you choose an IOL and recommend what they believe will be best. The best cataract surgeons offer various lens options, including fixed focus and advanced Full Focus® lenses.

If a surgeon doesn’t offer a full range of lens options, it is more challenging to select the right one for you. At Dell Laser Consultants, we offer many different types of lenses.

These include the Symfony, Trulign, and other advanced Full Focus® implants. Your surgeon should carefully consider your needs and discuss all your options.

6. They are Realistic About What They Can Achieve

No one can promise perfect vision. While we always strive to provide the best possible outcome for every patient, we can never guarantee results. If a surgeon tells you they can guarantee you’ll end up with certain results, you’re right to be skeptical.

When discussing cataract surgery, we are transparent with the patient to ensure they understand what to expect from the procedure. Even with a Full Focus® lens, you may still need glasses in some scenarios. This mutual understanding supports an ideal outcome.

7. They’ve Been Recognized for Providing Outstanding Care

Awards are much more than certificates or plaques on the wall. They indicate that an ophthalmologist has been recognized for exceptional care. Other professionals in their field often give these.

His peers selected Dr. Dell twice as one of the Top 50 Opinion Leaders in Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He has also received the VISX® Star Award, given to the country’s top 5% of refractive surgeons.

Dr. Dell was also named a Super Doctor by Texas Monthly magazine several years in a row, among many other distinctions. Time and time again, Dr. Dell and Dell Laser Consultants have been named among the best in the industry.

Would you like to have your cataract removed by the best cataract surgeon in Austin? Schedule an appointment at Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, TX, today!