Comm Eye Health Vol. 31 No.104 2019 pp 96. Published online 11 February 2019.
Key community eye health messages
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Initial consultation
![Female ophthalmologist examining the right eye of a male patient](https://cehjournal.org/wp-content/themes/cehj-theme/img/grey.gif)
- Identify patients in whom cataract surgery will be complicated or difficult: this avoids unwelcome surprises in the operating theatre
- Manage patient’s expectations. Explain what to expect after surgery (in terms of the visual outcome and the potential need for further treatment) and obtain informed consent.
Be prepared
![Surgeon discussing operation with 3 ophthalmic nurses outside an operating theatre](https://cehjournal.org/wp-content/themes/cehj-theme/img/grey.gif)
- Anticipate potential difficulties
- Check that all equipment, instruments and consumables are sterilised and available
- Brief the surgical team thoroughly
After surgery
![Ophthalmic nurse explaining post-operative medication to the relative of a cataract patient](https://cehjournal.org/wp-content/themes/cehj-theme/img/grey.gif)
- Ensure that inflammation is under control
- Explain to patients how important it is that they take their postoperative medication and come back for follow-up visits