Cataract Surgery in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
Performed by Dr. Muhammad Amjad — Consultant Vitreo Retinal & Cataract Surgeon, fellowship-trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital London. Serving patients at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
What is a cataract (موتیا)?
A cataract — known as موتیا (motia) in Urdu — is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. The lens sits behind the pupil and focuses light onto the retina. As it becomes cloudy, vision gradually blurs, dims, and colours lose their vibrancy. Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness in Pakistan and worldwide.
The only effective treatment is surgical removal and replacement with a clear artificial lens. Modern cataract surgery is highly safe, takes under 30 minutes, and most patients see clearly again within one to two days.
Symptoms — when to seek assessment
- Blurry or hazy vision that glasses no longer correct
- Sensitivity to bright lights, glare, or headlights at night
- Faded or yellowish colours
- Halos around lights when driving after dark
- Difficulty reading, recognising faces, or watching television
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
- Double vision in one eye
If any of these are affecting your daily life, an assessment with Dr. Amjad will establish whether you are ready for surgery and which lens option suits you best.
Types of cataract surgery Dr. Amjad performs
Phacoemulsification (Phaco)
The gold standard technique. Ultrasound energy breaks up the cloudy lens through a micro-incision of just 2–3 mm. The fragments are gently aspirated and a foldable artificial lens is inserted. No stitches are required. The procedure takes 15–30 minutes under local anaesthetic eye drops.
FLACS — Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
FLACS uses a femtosecond laser to perform the most precision-critical steps — the corneal incision, the capsule opening (capsulorrhexis), and lens fragmentation — before phaco completes the removal. Benefits include:
- Exceptional precision in capsule opening — critical for premium lens centration
- Reduced ultrasound energy during phaco (less stress on the eye)
- Ideal for patients choosing trifocal or toric IOLs
- Correction of mild corneal astigmatism at the same time
Premium lens (IOL) options
The artificial lens implanted during cataract surgery is called an intraocular lens (IOL). Choosing the right lens is the single most important decision in cataract surgery. Dr. Amjad discusses each option in detail at your pre-operative consultation.
Monofocal IOL
Corrects vision at one distance (usually distance). Reading glasses are needed for close work. The most commonly implanted lens type worldwide — reliable and cost-effective.
Trifocal IOL
Corrects near, intermediate, and distance vision simultaneously. Many patients achieve spectacle independence for most daily activities. Ideal for patients who want to minimise dependence on glasses after surgery.
EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOL
Provides a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate with reduced halos compared to trifocal lenses. A popular choice for patients who spend significant time at a computer.
Toric IOL
Corrects astigmatism as well as cataract in a single procedure. Available in monofocal, EDOF, and trifocal versions. Particularly beneficial for patients with significant corneal astigmatism.
Cataract Surgery Cost in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
We don't list a fixed price — because the total cost genuinely depends on your specific case. The type of surgery (standard phacoemulsification or laser-assisted FLACS), the lens you and Dr. Amjad agree is right for your eyes and lifestyle (monofocal, toric, or multifocal/EDOF), and the findings of your pre-operative biometry all affect the final figure. Two patients at the same clinic on the same day can have meaningfully different costs.
What determines your cost: surgical technique, the lens type and brand selected, hospital and theatre fees, and any additional treatment required (for example, patients with diabetic eye disease or weak zonules may need extra steps). These are all explained openly at your consultation.
After your eye examination, you will receive a clear written estimate covering the surgeon's fee, lens, theatre charges, and follow-up visits — before you decide anything. No hidden charges. If you want a rough idea before booking, message us on WhatsApp and we will let you know what to expect for your situation.
Message us on WhatsApp for a cost estimate →Recovery and what to expect
- Day-case procedure — you go home the same day
- A protective shield is placed over the eye after surgery
- Follow-up visits as scheduled by Dr. Amjad
- Eye drops (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory) for approximately 4 weeks
- Most patients drive and return to normal activities within 1 week
- Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, or strenuous exercise for 2–4 weeks
- Second eye (if needed) is typically done 2–4 weeks after the first
Why choose Dr. Muhammad Amjad?
- Fellowship-trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital London — world-renowned as a global centre of ophthalmology
- FRCOphth qualified — Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists UK
- 20+ years surgical experience across cataract and vitreoretinal surgery
- Dual expertise: ideal for complex cataract cases in diabetic or high-myopia patients
- Operates at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi — Pakistan's largest dedicated eye hospital, and consults at Blue Area clinic, Islamabad
- Full range of premium IOL options discussed at a dedicated pre-operative consultation
Frequently asked questions
How much does cataract surgery cost in Islamabad and Rawalpindi?
Cataract surgery cost depends on three main factors: the surgical technique (standard phacoemulsification or laser-assisted FLACS), the type of lens (monofocal, toric, or premium multifocal/EDOF), and the findings of your pre-operative eye examination. Two patients rarely have identical costs, so a fixed online price would be misleading. After your assessment you will receive a clear written estimate covering the surgeon's fee, lens, theatre charges, and follow-up visits — before you decide anything. Message us on WhatsApp for a cost estimate specific to your case.
What is the difference between phaco and FLACS cataract surgery?
Phacoemulsification (phaco) uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy lens through a tiny incision. FLACS (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery) uses a laser to perform the most precise steps — the incision, capsule opening, and lens fragmentation — before phaco is completed. FLACS offers greater precision, particularly beneficial for premium lens implantation and patients with astigmatism.
What premium lens options are available?
Dr. Amjad implants a range of premium intraocular lenses including: monofocal IOLs (distance or near vision), trifocal IOLs (near, intermediate, and distance — potentially spectacle-free), EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lenses, and toric IOLs for patients with astigmatism. The right lens depends on your lifestyle, occupation, and eye measurements, which are discussed in detail at your pre-operative consultation.
How long does cataract surgery take and when can I see clearly?
The procedure itself takes 15–30 minutes. It is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic drops — no needles, no stitches. Most patients notice significant improvement within 24–48 hours. Follow-up visits are scheduled as advised by Dr. Amjad. The second eye (if required) is typically done 2–4 weeks later.
Is cataract surgery available at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi?
Yes. Dr. Muhammad Amjad performs cataract surgery at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Jhelum Road, Rawalpindi — one of the largest dedicated eye hospitals in Pakistan. He also operates at his Islamabad clinic. Bookings can be made online at doctoramjad.com/book.
Can cataract surgery be done if I have diabetes or high blood pressure?
Yes, in most cases. Diabetic patients may require additional pre-operative assessment and closer post-operative monitoring as diabetes can affect healing and may be associated with retinal complications. Dr. Amjad's dual expertise in cataract and retina surgery makes him particularly well-placed to manage complex cataract cases in diabetic patients.
What is motia (موتیا) and is it the same as a cataract?
Yes. Motia (موتیا) is the Urdu term for cataract. It refers to the same condition — clouding of the natural lens of the eye causing blurred vision. Motia operation is the Urdu-language term for cataract surgery and is one of the most commonly performed operations in Pakistan.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult Dr. Amjad for advice specific to your condition.