experience matters

Better Outcomes, Better Vision with Custom Cataract Options at the Eye Institute of West Florida

what are cataracts?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. While cataracts can develop at any age, for most of us cataracts are a normal part of growing older. In addition to age – smoking, diabetes, past eye infections, injuries or surgery, some medications (such as steroids) and exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light have been shown to increase the risk of developing cataracts.

cataract symptoms

Symptoms are usually subtle at first. But as a cataract matures, it yellows in color making it harder to see through. Colors, once vivid, become dull. Night driving can become increasingly difficult and dangerous. Many people describe the cataract sensation as looking through wax paper.

cloudy or blurry vision

trouble seeing at night

light and glare sensitivity

seeing "halos" around lights

fading or yellowing of colors

double vision

cataract self-test

Start the self-test now for instant candidacy results!

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Robert Weinstock, MD Cataract Specialist

Robert J. Weinstock, M.D.

Schedule your cataract consulation with Dr. Weinstock below by selecting a time at the location you want to be seen.

Neel Desai, MD Cataract Specialist

Neel R. Desai, M.D.

Schedule your cataract consulation with Dr. Desai below by selecting a time at the location you want to be seen.

The Latest Technology

At The Eye Institute of West Florida, we embrace advanced technology and take pride knowing that our patients will receive the best care possible.

We have both the LenSx Femtosecond Laser developed by Alcon and the LensAR Femtosecond Laser to allow for greater customization of vision correction. Also, the Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) delivers real-time analysis of lens power, lens position, and astigmatism correction during cataract surgery that optimizes results and minimizes the need for further refinement.

We are one of 5 institutions in the country with this cataract technology. Furthermore, the new 3-D HD visualization system is a heads up digital flat panel display in 3-D that provides our surgeons with the most ergonomically, uncompromising operating room efficiencies, and is the only one available in the Tampa Bay area.

Because our physicians helped in their development, we were first to use many of these newer innovations before they were made available in the general market. This means that patients have treatment available to them that they cannot get anywhere else.

Cataract lens options

An important part of your pre-operative process will involve choosing a lens implant that is right for your personal lifestyle. At The Eye Institute Of West Florida, we'll help guide you to an informed decision that best fits your budget and your lifestyle. A thorough discussion with our team of experts is the critical final step.

  • Monofocal IOL: helps with distance vision, but most patients still require glasses for near and intermediate vision.
  • Toric IOL: reduces astigmatism and sharpens distance vision. Patients may still require glasses for intermediate and near vision.
  • Lifestyle Lenses: this is the newest technology IOL that has two distinct focal points (distance and intermediate) creating elongated vision and reducing dependency on glasses at those ranges. Patients may still need glasses for near vision.
  • PanOptix Trifocal IOL: The first and only FDA approved trifocal lens delivers an exceptional combination of near, intermediate and distance vision that greatly reduces the need for glasses.
  • Vivity IOL: It’s the first and only non-diffractive IOL. This technology uses all available light to create a continuous, extended range of vision. This means patients experience optimal vision in both bright and dim lighting.
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financing options

Pricing for cataract surgery can range depending on your vision goals. Your cataract surgeon will discuss your lifestyle and desires. Based upon that discussion, your cataract specialist will recommend a package that makes sense for your unique situation. Your insurance and/or Medicare will cover basic cataract surgery where we’ll remove your cataract and have you seeing great. However, if you want to have glasses freedom after cataract surgery, your will need more advanced technology such as a laser treatment to correct astigmatism and an upgraded cataract lens to provide sharp vision in all ranges (immediate, near and far). The best way to learn about cataract pricing for your unique situation is to call (866) 576-1075 or schedule your cataract consultation.

We accept most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shields of Florida, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Universal, Coventry, Quality Health plans and more. We provide safe, cost-effective care by specialists in each field of ophthalmology, using the most advanced technology for the best possible results.

Patient financing options are available for patients without insurance.

CareCredit®

We accept most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shields of Florida, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Universal, Coventry, Quality Health plans and more. We provide safe, cost-effective care by specialists in each field of ophthalmology, using the most advanced technology for the best possible results.

schedule an evaluation

our doctors

Stephen M. Weinstock, MD, FACS

Stephen M. Weinstock, MD, FACS is a refractive cataract and LASIK specialist. He founded The Eye Institute of West Florida in 1974, pioneering sub-specialty eye care in Pinellas County. Today, as President and Medical Director, Dr. Weinstock is recognized as a world renowned refractive cataract and LASIK surgeon.

Robert J. Weinstock, MD

Robert J. Weinstock, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and is fellowship-trained in cataract and refractive surgery. He became interested in ophthalmology at an early age – as he watched and assisted his father. Dr. Weinstock has joined the practice in 2001 after completing his residency at the St. Louis University School of Medicine.

Neel R. Desai, MD

Neel R. Desai, M.D. is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist strictly specializing in LASIK, cataract and corneal diseases of the eye. Dr. Desai is a top graduate of the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed his fellowship in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

our locations

LARGO
1225 West Bay Drive
Largo, FL 33770

CLEARWATER
3220 McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, FL 33761

ST. PETERSBURG
6133 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33710

TAMPA - HYDE PARK
501 North Howard Avenue Ste 100
Tampa, FL 33606

TAMPA – WESTCHASE
11925 Sheldon Road
Tampa, FL 33626

(866) 576-1075