Halifax Vision Surgical Centre, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, holds a contract allowing public-health funded ophthalmologists to perform cataract surgeries using our on-site operating rooms. HVSC hosted 5341 cataract operations in 2024 alone.
Public patients are scheduled at HVSC at their surgeon’s discretion. All pre- and post-operative appointments with these surgeons’ offices are made outside of HVSC.
On the day of surgery, patients check-in at Suite 356B (Halifax Vision Surgical Centre). Please ensure the patient has the following on the day of surgery:
- Their provincial health card (ex. MSI)
- A reliable driver post-operatively
- A payment method for any associated lens cost. Please note that we do not accept AMEX or personal cheques
- An updated list of medications
- Sunglasses! (they’ll appreciate this post-operatively)
Once checked-in, the patient will be brought back to the pre-operative area to receive numerous dilating drops from one of our highly-trained ophthalmic technicians. These drops ensure that the pupil is large enough for the surgeon to safely perform cataract surgery with a wide view of the natural lens.
In the pre-operative area, the ophthalmic technician will also review the patient’s health history, address any patient concerns, provide post-operative education, and answer any patient/family questions. The same technician will contact the patient’s driver.
Please note that general anesthesia is not available at Halifax Vision Surgical Centre. An oral sedative called Ativan (lorazepam) is offered to patients. If you have any concerns, please contact your ophthalmologist’s office.
All post-operative appointments and follow-ups are held outside of HVSC and are determined by your doctor’s office.