Cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine—and it continues to evolve. Traditional phacoemulsification remains highly effective, but for doctors and facilities seeking even greater precision, efficiency, and premium outcomes, femtosecond laser cataract surgery (FLACS) offers a compelling upgrade.
As femtosecond technology becomes more accessible, facilities including ASCs, HOPDs, and office-based surgical suites are increasingly exploring how it can elevate their cataract offerings—without requiring a heavy investment.
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
What Is Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery?
Femtosecond laser technology has revolutionized the way cataract surgery is performed by introducing unparalleled precision and automation to several key steps of the procedure. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on handheld blades and manual techniques, femtosecond laser cataract surgery uses ultra-fast laser pulses to perform key steps of cataract removal. Rather than relying solely on handheld tools, the laser automates:
- Corneal incisions
- Capsulotomy (creating a circular opening in the lens capsule)
- Lens fragmentation (softening the cataract before ultrasound removal)
This image-guided, computer-controlled technology not only enhances surgical outcomes but also increases reproducibility from case to case[1]. By reducing the variability associated with manual incisions and improving overall tissue handling, femtosecond lasers help minimize complications, speed up recovery times, and improve the predictability of intraocular lens (IOL) placement.
For surgeons, this means greater confidence in each procedure. For patients, it can mean a faster return to normal life and better visual outcomes.
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Technology Considerations for Facilities: Accessing or Upgrading to Femto
While the clinical benefits of femtosecond laser cataract surgery are well established[2][3][4], many facilities struggle with the logistical and financial challenges of implementing this advanced technology. Purchasing a femto system outright can be cost-prohibitive, particularly for smaller practices, ASCs, or those exploring office-based surgical models. Additionally, space, training, and maintenance concerns often deter adoption.
That’s where a strategic partnership with Sightpath Medical offers a practical solution. Facilities can access the benefits of femtosecond technology—without the heavy, upfront capital investment—through a turnkey service model that includes the equipment, trained technicians, and ongoing support. This allows practices to expand their service offerings and compete with larger surgical centers, all while maintaining financial flexibility and operational efficiency.
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Why Facilities Are Considering the Upgrade
Facilities considering FLACS are often driven by four core goals:
- Increased Precision and Consistency
Laser automation reduces the reliance on manual techniques. This consistency:
- Improves wound architecture
- Minimizes complication risks
- Enhances IOL centration—critical for premium lenses
- Enhanced Patient Safety and Recovery
Lower ultrasound energy requirements (thanks to pre-fragmentation) help reduce:
- Corneal swelling
- Cell loss
- Recovery time
- Support for Premium IOLs
Patients choosing toric or multifocal IOLs expect excellent outcomes. A perfectly centered, stable lens can be easier to achieve consistently with FLACS, leading to consistent refractive results.
- Workflow Efficiency
Once adopted, many practices find that FLACS actually streamlines their OR. Capsulotomy consistency and smoother phaco can reduce overall case time and surgeon fatigue.
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Overcoming Barriers to Adoption
Despite the clinical advantages, some facilities hesitate. Let’s address the common objections.
“It’s Only for Private-Pay Patients”
While insurance doesn’t cover femto for standard cataract surgery, FLACS is often bundled with premium IOL packages. Educating patients on the value of better precision and refractive outcomes helps justify the upgrade.
“Being not covered by insurance companies [at first] patients are a little stunned sometimes by the price on the paper. However, by educating them about the benefits… that settles patients and helps them to come to the conclusion that this is the best option for them.”
Sabrie King – Surgical Manager
Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons
“It’s Too Expensive to Implement”
Buying a femtosecond laser outright is costly—but you don’t have to. Mobile service providers like Sightpath Medical eliminate the need for capital investment. You get the laser, a trained technician, and support—on your terms.
“We’ve partnered with Sightpath because we’re a small practice, it would be very hard for us to afford a lot of the equipment that we use. So, by partnering with Sightpath, that has allowed us access to that technology without the heavy upfront expense.”
Peter C. Kohler, M.D.
Eye Care of Maine
“It Will Complicate My Workflow”
With the right partner, FLACS integrates smoothly. Sightpath’s team helps map out your workflow, manage setup, and assist during surgery. Practices often report smoother days and more predictable outcomes.
“Having an engineer there… allows you to come in, perform the laser, and then move on to the next case. That significantly shortened our OR time and we usually get through 3-4 cataract cases per hour, so it’s a big improvement in our efficiency!”
Donald Downer, M.D.
Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Sightpath’s Mobile Solution: Femto Without the Risk
For many ophthalmic facilities, the idea of incorporating femtosecond laser cataract surgery sounds appealing—but the reality of purchasing and maintaining such high-end technology can be a major barrier. That’s where Sightpath Medical steps in with a proven, mobile solution that eliminates the need for upfront capital investment.
Sightpath brings femtosecond laser technology to your facility—without you having to buy or maintain the laser.
What’s Included:
- Femtosecond laser delivery directly to your site
- Single-use patient interface (PI) provided for each case
- Trained technician support for setup and surgery
- Ongoing maintenance and calibration
- Staff training and integration assistance
You maintain control over your schedule and patient experience while offering the latest in surgical innovation.
Whether you’re looking to explore femtosecond laser surgery on a limited basis or preparing for broader adoption, Sightpath’s model allows your practice to scale at your own pace. It’s an ideal option for introducing advanced technology, assessing patient demand, and refining your workflow—without locking yourself into a long-term financial commitment.
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Is It Worth the Investment?
For ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), hospitals, and ophthalmic practices evaluating femtosecond laser cataract surgery (FLACS), one of the most pressing questions is whether the clinical benefits justify the financial investment. While FLACS can enhance outcomes and streamline certain surgical steps, facilities must weigh the costs against broader strategic goals, reimbursement structures, and patient expectations.
Here’s how to think about it:
| Factor | Traditional Purchase | Working With Sightpath |
| Upfront Capital Cost | Huge | Low |
| Workflow Support | Internal Only | Staffing Assistance Available |
| Maintenance | Your Responsibility | Handled by Sightpath |
| Implementation Timeline | Slow | Practically Immediate |
The Competitive Differentiation of Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery
On top of the stated benefits, in a competitive ophthalmology landscape, offering FLACS can help make your facility stand out. Patient demand for advanced technology is only going to grow over time. Not only does having access to provide FLACS signal your commitment to clinical excellence, but it also positions your practice as a leader in advanced vision correction. For ASCs and hospitals looking to attract high-volume cataract surgeons or partner with refractive specialists, femtosecond laser capability may serve as a key recruitment and retention tool.
With mobile access, femtosecond laser surgery becomes a smart, scalable tool, not a risky investment.
On top of that, if you’re trying to build your premium IOL volume, attract top surgeons, or differentiate your practice, FLACS can help. Even better: when you access it through a mobile platform, the investment barrier is as low as possible.
What’s Next for Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is no longer viewed solely as a means to restore cloudy vision. It is increasingly seen as a refractive procedure aimed at delivering premium, customized visual outcomes. Patients today are more informed and proactive than ever, often seeking advanced technologies that promise better precision, faster recovery, and reduced dependence on glasses.
As cataract patients become more tech-savvy, their expectations are changing. They want:
- Procedures performed as accurately as possible with predictable outcomes
- Options to upgrade to premium surgical procedures
- Less dependency on glasses post-op
Femtosecond lasers are central to delivering on those demands, especially as practices shift toward refractive cataract surgery and office-based models. If you want your facility to stand out, femto matters.
Facilities that adopt tools like femtosecond lasers not only meet patient expectations but also stay on top of an increasingly competitive landscape. With technology becoming more accessible, there’s never been a better time to explore what femtosecond laser cataract surgery can do for your practice.
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Why Sightpath for Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery?
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is no longer just for elite private practices. With the right partner, it’s an accessible, affordable upgrade that can set your facility apart.
At Sightpath, we specialize in making advanced ophthalmic technology simple, flexible, and cost-effective to adopt. Our mobile femtosecond platform eliminates the need for upfront capital investment, while our dedicated technicians and seamless integration ensure that your team can focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional care.
Sightpath provides:
✅ Laser, tech, and support
✅ Seamless scheduling
✅ No long-term commitment
✅ A way to start today
On top of that – Sightpath helps to make getting into Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery as easy as possible. We will work with you to get accredited at no charge for your first 10 procedures. This is a great way to get hands-on experience trying FLACS to see how it works for yourself – without a full commitment! So, why not give it a try?
Let us help you bring premium precision to your patients—without the premium price tag. If you’re considering adding femtosecond laser technology to your cataract surgery offerings, we invite you to connect with us. Schedule a call with us to explore how Sightpath can help your facility stay ahead of the curve.
Contact Sightpath Medical to see how we can help you with your Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
- [1] Grewal DS, Basti S. The Use of Femtosecond Lasers in Cataract Surgery: Review of the Published Results With the LenSx System. Ophthalmology Management. October 2014.
https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/1081597X-20141021-04 - [2] Ribeiro G, Fernández J. Pupil versus 1st Purkinje Capsulotomy Centration with Femtosecond Laser: Long-Term Outcomes with a Sinusoidal Trifocal Lens. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38414335/ - [3] Kim JS, Wang D, et al. Comparison of Refractive Outcomes Between Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery and Conventional Cataract Surgery. Clinical Ophthalmology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30593159/ - [4] Lundström M, Dick HB, et al. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgeries Reported to the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery: Baseline Characteristics, Surgical Procedure, and Outcomes. Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29335099/
Explore the benefits of femtosecond laser cataract surgery for ophthalmic facilities. Learn how this advanced technology enhances precision…