When I had cataract surgery with Mark Troski in February, I was a full-time wearer of multi-focal glasses. Two months later, I am a full-time wearer of (different) multi focal glasses. It was not the plan. For the lens corrections, I chose to prioritize reading vision over distance vision because I read and write all day. However, it was only in the hour before surgery that I learned that the lens treatment plan was for the range -2.0 to -2.5, which was expected to leave me with moderate short-sightedness and to result in my only needing distance-vision glasses. When I found out about the lens correction plan, I expressed concern that the range did not seem right, with the numbers too large: I knew from past experience with multifocals that that my dioptre gap between reading and distance should have been less than 2. I was told that I was “confused” (twice) and “anxious” and that I should trust the team because they do this all the time with great results.

Over the weeks following surgery, my eyes healed to a -2.5 outcome, and with that, I lost the capacity to read, write, use a computer, and even chop vegetables. The bad outcome arose in my case because I am one of those people for whom biometric readings of eyeballs only roughly track function. We aren’t common, but neither are we rare.

If you want to prioritize reading and you want to access the superior technical skills that are available from a high-volume cataract practice, how can you do this safely? Here’s what I wish I had known:

1. Do not count on the systems and processes to protect you. They aren’t designed to. They probably will because they are designed to protect most people. But you could be an outlier and there are no steps in place to catch outliers and protect them from a bad outcome. These systems and processes are in place because they prioritize efficiency. This is an ethical choice.
2. Know your reading differential. Holding a page with text of different font sizes isn’t up to this task unless you only want to read a menu and your phone. You need to know whether you can read the kind of texts you actually want to read and use your laptop as you actually use it.
3. Insist on knowing your treatment plan before the day of the surgery. On the day itself it will be too late to catch possible error. You are already on the conveyor belt.
4. If someone tells you are confused and invites you to trust them, do not do so. You might have made a mistake of fact or of inference, but they have already shown that they are not to be trusted.

I found Dr Mark Troski and his support staff to be excellent and prepared to go above and beyond. A special mention to Karen for her caring and pleasant nature. For cataract surgery, I highly recommend Dr Mark Troski if you want the BEST.

I only have one eye and was somewhat apprehensive when I was told that I needed cataract surgery. I live in a regional area and my GP recommended that I attend a specialist for the procedure given my particular situation. I was given a list of specialists and settled on Dr Troski. At the initial appointment I met Dr Troski and his team, had the procedures etc explained to me and left with the sense that I was in good hands. The operation, which took place mid-afternoon, was painless. There were ony 2 after affects, sensitivy to light and a "gritty" feeling in my eye. The following morning both of these had gone and when the eye patch was removed at 10:30 the results were amazing and now, 2 days later, I am still surprised at the new clarity of vision. Dr Troski and his team were at all levels faultless, professional and thorough. I would recommend Dr Troski and his team without a second's hesitation.

I had Cataract surgery 4 days ago on left eye and the right eye was only yesterday. The whole experience with Dr Troski and his team was outstanding. ALL of my appointments were on time, the staff were professional, thorough and very happy to answer any questions I had. My own goal was to be glasses free which was completely achieved - Just now I moved the setting on my phone from 'biggest text' down to 'smallest text'! I am over the moon with the result and have no hesitation in recommending Dr Troski and his wonderful team to anyone. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I recently revisited Mark Troski's practice to have my second cataract procedure. I can't thank Mark and his team enough for their professional and friendly service.
I felt at ease the moment I walked in, being kept fully informed throughout the whole process, even going above and beyond during issues with my private health provider.
The day after surgery, I am able to notice the benefits straight away.
Massive thank you to Mark and all the ladies who made my visit(s) pleasureable and painless. Cheers, Ian

It wasn't a disaster but could have been better. Prior to the surgery, we had a target myopia of -0.75 Dioptres for the eye but they missed and it came out as -1.25 after surgery. I really thought they could have got it more accurately than that. When I raised the issue before the surgery, Mark's assistant proposed to measure my eye a second time and, to get the most accurate measurement, she told me not to wear a contact lens in the eye for seven days. I obeyed but, on the day itself, I was told that she didn't need another measurement. That didn't impress me one bit.

So how much is achieving the target a matter of luck versus skill? If I had known that it was so hit and miss, I would have had the surgery done for free at the Eye and Ear Hospital rather than paying for a private surgeon out of my own pocket.

Approximate cost: $3000

Both on a personal and professional level-Dr Troski and his team are absolutely faultless! Very caring and thorough-and the results speak for themselves!!

I have nothing but praise for the professionalism of Dr Mark Troski and his staff. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering treatment for cataracts

Dr Troski and his team are absolutely amazing, professional and gifted. I could not recommend more highly. Thank you I've had both eyes done and very happy with the results. Really grateful and over the moon!!!

Thanks Dr Troski for your excellent bedside manner and professionalism. It made my whole experience so pleasant and I felt that I was in trusted hands during the entire process. Would highly recommend your services to anyone that requires cataract surgery! Thank you so much!