High-volume cataract days can run like clockwork, or they can fall behind fast. Even a small disruption early in the schedule can ripple through the rest of the day, creating stress for the team and delays for patients.
For both ASC and hospital ORs alike, here are seven proven tips to help keep cataract surgery days on track and operating smoothly.
1. Finalize Your Lens Picks & Specialty Items in Advance
Last-minute lens changes can slow everyone down. Confirm your A-constants, formulas, and primary + backup picks at least 4-5 days ahead. This is especially true if you are expecting to use a premium lens that is not held in an on-site consignment. Coordinate closely with your scheduler and your IOL partner to avoid scrambling for inventory or waiting for deliveries.
If you use multiple formulas, note your preferred method for each case so your techs and scrub staff can support you without guesswork.
Likewise, if you expect to use any specialties (like Malyugin Rings, CTRs, MIGS, or the like), ensure that it is clearly communicated.
2. Standardize the Surgical Pack
When possible, reduce variability in supply packs across similar cases. Standardization not only shortens setup time but also reduces the chance of missing critical items. For surgeons with specific preferences, building out surgeon-specific packs can keep things streamlined, as well as reduce inventory.
3. Start on Time—Every Time
It sounds simple, but an on-time first case is often the key to the whole day. This means your equipment should be powered on, tested, and primed well before start time. The microscope should be pre-checked for both focus and zoom capabilities, making sure all is working order.
A reliable system for room turnover and equipment readiness helps protect your schedule from slipping early.
4. Lean on Trained Support Staff
A well-trained support tech or surgical coordinator in the room makes all the difference. They know how to adjust your phaco settings, assist with supply flow, and stay two steps ahead. With a strong coordinator, surgeons can stay focused on operating, not troubleshooting.
If you’re operating in multiple locations or facilities, consistency in your tech support is critical to maintaining rhythm.
5. Preload Equipment Settings
Walking into the OR with default phaco settings wastes time. Ensure that your phaco machine and microscope are loaded with your preferences before the first case. Save profiles where possible, and assign someone on the team to check them prior to the start.
This allows you to begin each case exactly how you like it—without the setup headache.
6. Coordinate Case-to-Case Variability
If possible, try to group similar cases when scheduling. For example, placing dense lenses or complicated cases at the end of the day will reduce delay for the majority of your cases, allowing less pressure if extra time is needed. Another example would be if you have multiple cases with MIGS, schedule them back-to-back so your team can mentally prepare and arrange supplies accordingly.
Clear communication and expectations keep your team in a good rhythm, reducing surprises.
7. Consider an Outsourcing Partner
Not every facility has the time, staff, or capital to maintain every piece of cataract equipment or manage inventory across fluctuating volumes. That’s where outsourcing can be a smart operational move.
At Surgical Direct, we specialize in making cataract surgery easier. We provide phaco machines, microscopes, case-specific supplies, lens management, plus a trained cataract coordinator on-site every case day.
With no capital investment and no long-term commitment, our partners get predictable, smooth surgery days with less administrative strain. Whether you’re in a hospital, ASC, or expanding to satellite locations, we help reduce setup errors, eliminate inventory headaches, and improve case flow.
Final Thoughts
A successful cataract day doesn’t just happen…it’s built on systems, communication, and the right support. With a few small changes and the right partners in place, your surgery days can feel less stressful and more productive.
Want to talk about simplifying your OR flow and reducing costs? Get in touch with Surgical Direct here. We’d love to help you build your smoothest cataract day yet.
