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Cataract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cataract Surgeon

Savannah, GA · On-site

$300K/yr

Cataract Surgeon Location: Southeast Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry Opportunity Overview: Join our doctor-owned, non-private equity ophthalmology practice-the largest in Southeast Georgia and ...

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Cataract information

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$77K

$286K

$398.5K

How much do cataract jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for cataract in the United States is $286,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $250,000.00 and $326,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by cataract surgeons during procedures, and how are these challenges typically addressed?

Cataract surgeons often encounter challenges such as dense or mature cataracts, small pupils, or coexisting ocular conditions like glaucoma. Managing these issues requires advanced surgical skills, careful preoperative assessment, and sometimes specialized equipment or techniques. Surgeons may use pupil expansion devices or modify their approach to ensure patient safety and optimal visual outcomes. Ongoing training and collaboration with experienced colleagues help surgeons stay current with best practices for managing complex cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cataract Surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cataract Surgeon, you need a medical degree with specialization in ophthalmology, detailed anatomical knowledge of the eye, and board certification. Proficiency with microsurgical instruments, phacoemulsification machines, and advanced diagnostic tools is essential. Exceptional hand-eye coordination, patient communication, and decision-making skills help surgeons excel in high-stakes clinical environments. These skills ensure precise surgical outcomes, patient safety, and a high standard of vision care.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are a common eye condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light. They typically develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts are most often related to aging, but they can also result from injury, certain medications, or medical conditions like diabetes. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one, which restores clear vision for most people.

What is the difference between Cataract and Optometrist?

AspectCataractOptometrist
Primary RolePerforms eye surgeries to remove cataracts and restore visionConducts eye exams, prescribes glasses/contact lenses, and detects eye conditions
Required CredentialsMedical degree, ophthalmology residency, surgical certificationDoctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsOptometry clinics, retail optical stores, private practices
Industry UsageSpecialized surgical procedures within ophthalmologyEye health assessments and vision correction

While both Cataract surgeons and Optometrists work in eye care, Cataracts refer to a specific surgical procedure performed by ophthalmologists to treat clouded lenses. Optometrists focus on eye exams, vision correction, and early detection of eye conditions. They often collaborate but serve different roles within eye health.

More about Cataract jobs
What states have the most Cataract jobs? States with the most job openings for Cataract jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cataract job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $286,030 per year, or $137.5 per hour.
Refractive Cataract Surgeon

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 hours ago


St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Refractive Cataract Surgeon
About Us
St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute is seeking a fellowship-trained Ophthalmologist who specializes in both Cataract/Refractive Surgery to join our expanding team.
We are seeking a candidate with excellent clinical and surgical skills who possess outstanding interpersonal skills. Must be geared towards high clinical demand and high surgical volume. The candidate must be able to provide quality patient care and have a high level of experience in patient management. You will be joining an established practice with a long-standing reputation for excellence in cataract surgery and eye care.
The eye surgeons and ophthalmologists at St. Luke’s are known for their expertise and dedication to caregiving. With state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, our doctors continue the tradition of innovation and development of new technologies and techniques in ophthalmology that our founder, Dr. James Gills began when he first opened the doors in 1968. The practice is still owned by the same family for 57 years. The practice is led today by President amp; CEO Dr. Pit Gills.
The entire team of medical professionals at St. Luke’s is focused on providing exceptional care for our patients, whether they are seeing us for a standard eye exam or a complex surgical procedure. We proudly serve patients at our Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood locations. St. Luke’s at The Villages provides care for patients seeking wellness exams, glasses prescriptions and treatment for cataracts, diabetic eye diseases, retina conditions, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and dry eye. Our philosophy is to treat those we serve as though they are a member of our own families. From the first phone call or email to the follow-up visit and beyond, we are here to serve you. Our goal is to help preserve and optimize your vision.
The Villages is a collection of quaint retirement neighborhoods located between two beautiful coastlines, ports of travel and theme parks. Each neighborhood is unique in its charm and personality and connected in ways where all the lifestyle here for you to enjoy is just a golf cart ride away!
Position Highlights
  • Perform high-volume cataract surgery with access to state-of-the-art equipment, including premium IOLs and femtosecond laser platforms
  • Pterygium removals (currently being performed)
  • LASIK/PRK
  • PRK touch-ups
  • General ophthalmology
  • Enjoy a strong referral network with robust cataract and glaucoma patient demand
  • Collaborate with an experienced team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and highly trained support staff
Qualifications
  • MD or DO degree from an accredited institution
  • Completion of an ACGME-accredited Ophthalmology residency
  • Board-certified or board-eligible in Ophthalmology, US based residency required
  • Eligible for medical licensure in Florida
  • Strong surgical skills, clinical judgment, and commitment to patient-centered care
The Benefits of working for St. Luke’s
  • Competitive compensation package with productivity incentives
  • Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, malpractice coverage, CME allowance, and retirement plan with an employer match
  • Modern facilities with advanced surgical and diagnostic technology
  • Dedicated clinical and administrative support staff
  • A collegial, collaborative work environment in a growing and respected private practice