Experience the Benefits of Office-Based Cataract Surgery

What is Office-Based Cataract Surgery?

We have a long history of mobilizing sensitive ophthalmic equipment. From the latest femtosecond and excimer lasers to custom LASIK aberrometers, you’ll know you’re using modern equipment — from a proven, trusted mobile provider.

Office-Based Cataract Surgery (OBCS) is a safe, efficient, and patient-friendly alternative to traditional cataract procedures performed in hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). By shifting cataract surgery into a dedicated office-based surgical suite, ophthalmologists can provide a high-quality surgical experience in a more convenient, streamlined setting.

This model offers a range of benefits, including increased scheduling flexibility, reduced costs, and greater control over the surgical environment, all while maintaining high standards of care and outcomes. As the healthcare industry evolves toward value-based care, office-based cataract surgery is becoming an increasingly popular solution for practices seeking to enhance patient experience and optimize clinical efficiency.

Benefits of Office-Based Cataract Surgery vs. Hospital/ASC Settings

Cost Transparency
Office-Based Cataract Surgery offers predictable, all-inclusive pricing, helping both providers and patients avoid the surprise billing and complex cost structures often associated with hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).

Patient Experience
Patients benefit from a more comfortable and convenient care setting. OBCS allows for shorter wait times, a familiar office environment, and more personalized attention, resulting in higher satisfaction and less anxiety around surgery.

Safety & OBCS
Multiple studies have shown that office-based surgical procedures can be performed with safety outcomes comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, those of traditional hospital or ASC settings ^[1][2]. OBCS settings are highly controlled, with consistent surgical teams and streamlined protocols, helping to reduce infection risks and improve continuity of care.

Surgeon Benefits of Office-Based Cataract Surgery

Scheduling Control of OR environment; equipment, staff, and flow
Office-Based Cataract Surgery empowers surgeons with greater autonomy over their schedules. Without competing for time blocks in a hospital or ASC, surgeons can operate more efficiently, reduce downtime, and align surgical days with clinic flow for better continuity of care.

Revenue Improvements
OBCS often enables surgeons to retain more of the revenue from cataract procedures by operating in a lower-cost setting. This model often reduces facility fees and overhead, resulting in improved margins and financial sustainability, particularly for practices seeking to expand surgical volume without incurring major capital investments.

Things to Consider with Office-Based Cataract Surgery

Level of Anesthesia
Office-Based Cataract Surgery procedures typically rely on topical or local anesthesia with IV sedation, rather than general anesthesia. It’s important to assess both patient and provider comfort levels with this approach, as well as ensure appropriate monitoring and recovery protocols are in place.

Space Available & Facility Modifications
Converting office space into a surgical suite requires adequate square footage and compliance with clinical standards. Practices may need to invest in minor renovations or environmental upgrades to meet infection control, airflow, and safety guidelines.

Payor Mix
Reimbursement for Office-Based Cataract Surgery (OBCS) depends on the patient’s insurance. Medicare reimburses the professional fee and IOL allowance, but does not provide a separate facility fee for the office-based setting. Private payors, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, may vary in how they handle OBCS cases. It’s essential to understand your payor mix and verify both surgeon and facility reimbursement policies in advance.

Diagnostic Investment
High-quality diagnostics are essential for optimizing surgical outcomes. Practices may need to invest in biometry, corneal topography, and other preoperative tools to ensure accurate surgical planning in an OBCS environment.

Surgical Equipment
Equipping an OBCS suite requires access to phacoemulsification systems, surgical microscopes, and sterile processing capabilities. Whether purchasing or partnering with a mobile service provider, practices should ensure reliable access to the latest surgical technology.

How Office-Based Cataract Surgery Works with Sightpath

Technology
Sightpath partners with leading ophthalmic manufacturers to deliver the latest technology directly to your office. From state-of-the-art phaco systems to surgical microscopes, we provide the tools you need to perform efficient, high-quality cataract procedures in your own space.

Equipment Provided
Our comprehensive solution includes all core surgical equipment necessary for cataract surgery, including the phaco machine, microscope, instrumentation, and supplies. Our surgical technologists ensure everything arrives sterile, calibrated, and ready to use. They also support the surgeon during surgery with high expertise gained through specialized training provided by Sightpath.

Other Included Services
Beyond equipment, we support your OBCS program with experienced staff, surgical coordination, compliance guidance, and logistics management. Whether it’s technician support, case-day setup, or postoperative inventory handling, we help ensure a seamless, worry-free experience from start to finish.

[1] oertli-instruments.com

Oertli Blog |Office-Based Surgery vs. Ambulatory Surgery — September 3, 2024

https://www.oertli-instruments.com/en/blog/office-based-surgery-in-ophthalmology

[2]American Academy of Ophthalmology

Office-Based Cataract Surgery: Questions and Concerns — March 31, 2017

https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/office-based-cataract-surgery-questions-concerns