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Cataract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ophthalmologist - Comprehensive Cataract Surgeon SightMD | New York City (Flushing and Bronx, NY) Are you ready to advance your career with a physician-led practice that prioritizes exceptional ...

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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.
Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon

Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon

Eyecare Medical Group

Portland, ME • On-site

$350K - $500K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Eyecare Medical Group is seeking a compassionate and skilled ophthalmologist with a strong focus on high-volume cataract surgery and glaucoma care to join our multi-subspecialty practice in Portland, Maine. This opportunity is available due to the planned retirement of a long-tenured physician and offers immediate access to a robust internal referral base, an experienced technician team, and advanced surgical technology.


This position is ideal for a surgeon who enjoys a busy cataract practice supported by a collaborative, team-centered environment. The role will also include select glaucoma surgical care, primarily supporting established patients and internal referrals within the practice.


The successful candidate will step into a mature and highly efficient surgical program with strong operational support and the opportunity to quickly build a thriving clinical and surgical schedule.


We are seeking a Glaucoma fellowship-trained candidate.


Our offer includes:

  • Competitive $350,000+ base salary commensurate with experience, plus productivity incentives
  • Relocation assistance to support a smooth transition to Portland, Maine
  • Comprehensive health insurance fully paid by EMG, along with a generous benefits and CME package
  • 6 weeks of paid time off plus 11 paid holidays to support work-life balance and time outside of practice


Office Hours | We aim to protect your work-life balance:


Clinic: Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM and Friday 8 AM – Noon

Surgery: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, no Friday surgery


Additional highlights:

  • Perform surgery in our modern ASC conveniently located adjacent to the clinic for a seamless physician and patient experience
  • Step into immediate surgical volume with the opportunity to perform 1,500+ cataract procedures annually
  • Benefit from an established OD post-op clinic model designed to support efficiency, continuity of care, and surgeon satisfaction
  • Enjoy a highly desirable call structure with limited call responsibilities and no hospital call
  • Receive strong internal referral support from a collaborative, multi-subspecialty ophthalmology team
  • Work alongside a dedicated imaging and diagnostics team bringing more than 80 years of combined ophthalmic experience and deep technical expertise


Technology includes:


Pentacam

IOL Master 700

Clarus widefield imaging

Zeiss Veracity surgical planner software

Anterior and posterior ultrasound platforms