This practical volume offers a comprehensive, systematic guide to evaluating patients before cataract surgery. Inadequate assessment can lead to unexpected day‑of‑surgery cancellations, avoidable complications, or postoperative refractive surprises. By contrast, a meticulous and structured approach allows clinicians to optimize both ophthalmic and systemic conditions, reduce surgical risk, and ensure that each patient receives the safest and most appropriate care. Matching case complexity to surgeon experience enhances training, improves outcomes, and supports efficient, high‑volume surgical services.

The Practical Guide to Preoperative Assessment for Cataract Surgery presents a complete framework across six essential domains: cataract surgery listing, biometry and intraocular lens selection, co‑existing medical conditions and anesthesia choice, co‑existing ophthalmic pathologies, surgical planning, and psychosocial considerations. It emphasizes robust protocols for intraocular lens power measurement, careful triage of surgical difficulty, and thoughtful preparation for high‑risk cases. Designed for ophthalmologists, optometrists, and ophthalmic nurses, this text is especially valuable for trainees beginning their journey in cataract preoperative assessment. Clear, practical, and clinically grounded, it equips eye‑care professionals with the knowledge needed to elevate surgical safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Professor Kenneth Li is an Honorary Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at The University of Hong Kong. He is also Chief of Service and Consultant of the Department of Ophthalmology at the United Christian Hospital and Tseung Kwan O Hospital as well as the Director of the Wu Ho Loo Ning Cataract Centre of Kowloon East Cluster, all under the umbrella of the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong. As a pioneer in high flow cataract surgery, and a strong advocate in leading change and system re-engineering, he founded the Kowloon East Cataract Consortium that drastically reduced the waiting time from 10 years to less than 1 year.

He also has a subspecialty interest in vitreoretinal diseases and published over 120 papers in PubMed journals.

Dr Tracy H.T. Lai is a Consultant at the Department of Ophthalmology, Tuen Mun Eye Centre and Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong. She is also an Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor of the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She has a subspecialty interest in paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.