Tonometry
Tonometry measures intraocular pressure using a contact or non-contact method.
Learn moreService options
OCT
OCT produces cross-sectional images of eye structures without surgery.
Learn moreEye ultrasound
Ultrasound assesses internal eye structures, including those obscured during a routine examination.
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About the service
Cataract assessment confirms lens clouding and its effect on vision. Other eye structures are also examined to determine whether surgery is indicated and what result may be expected.
Who the service is for
Gradual changes in visual quality
Vision is gradually becoming hazy, with lower contrast or less vivid colours.
Glare and night vision
Glare, halos or increasing difficulty with night or low-light vision has appeared.
Optical correction
Spectacle prescriptions change but do not restore the previous level of clarity.
Cataract and lens condition
Cataract has already been diagnosed and the patient needs to know whether surgery is appropriate now or follow-up is reasonable.
Biometry and the optical target
Surgery is planned and biometry, keratometry and IOL calculation are required.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism, diabetes, glaucoma, high myopia or retinal disease may affect IOL choice or expected visual outcome.
Cataract and lens condition
A second opinion is needed before cataract surgery or the cause of reduced vision remains uncertain.
Realistic expectations
Cataract may coexist with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular disease or optic nerve pathology, so finding lens opacity does not guarantee that cataract surgery alone will restore full vision.
Cataract and lens condition
The decision to proceed to surgery should reflect visual function and impact on daily life, not one visual-acuity threshold or cataract “maturity” alone.
Results and documents
Bring previous ophthalmology reports, records of eye surgery and a list of regular medicines. If pupil dilation is planned, near and distance vision may temporarily worsen and light sensitivity may increase, so discuss driving after the visit in advance. For accurate IOL planning, tell the doctor about previous eye diseases, laser vision correction or corneal surgery, contact lens use and your preferred postoperative visual target.
Contact lenses
For accurate IOL calculation, tell the doctor about previous eye conditions, laser vision correction, corneal operations, contact lens use and your preferred postoperative vision.
Recovery after treatment
Gradual blur can be consistent with cataract, but sudden loss of vision, flashes, a curtain-like field defect, new severe pain, marked redness, trauma or a sudden shower of floaters requires urgent assessment and should not wait for a routine cataract appointment.
Limitations and safety
Gradual blur can be consistent with cataract, but sudden loss of vision, flashes, a curtain-like field defect, new severe pain, marked redness, trauma or a sudden shower of floaters requires urgent assessment and should not wait for a routine cataract appointment.
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Stages
Stage 1
History and discussion
The doctor reviews symptoms, rate of visual decline, previous eye operations, chronic conditions and frequently used medicines.
Stage 2
Visual acuity and refraction
Vision is assessed without correction and with the best possible correction.
Stage 3
Slit-lamp examination
Slit-lamp examination assesses the cornea, anterior chamber and location and density of lens opacities.
Stage 4
Intraocular pressure
Helps detect associated ocular hypertension or glaucoma.
Stage 5
Fundus examination
The retina and optic nerve are assessed if media clarity permits.
Stage 6
Preoperative measurements
Eye length and corneal measurements are obtained for IOL calculation.
Stage 7
Additional tests
OCT, B-scan, corneal topography or tomography, endothelial microscopy, electrophysiology and other tests.
Stage 8
Conclusion
The doctor explains how cataract affects vision, whether more tests are needed and whether surgery is indicated.
Service benefits
Clarifying why vision has declined
Examination helps determine how much cataract contributes to symptoms and whether other causes are present.
Individual eye measurements
Biometry determines the eye measurements needed to calculate an artificial lens and plan surgery.
Assessing visual potential
Retinal and other examinations help estimate the potential for improvement after cataract removal.
Preparing to select an IOL
Biometry and corneal assessment provide a basis for calculating an artificial lens.
Methods comparison · 1
Criterion
Visual acuity / refraction
Slit-lamp examination
Tonometry + fundus exam
Optical biometry + keratometry
Main question
How much is vision reduced and can optical correction improve it?
Is there a cataract and what is the location/density of the opacity?
Is glaucoma or posterior-segment disease contributing?
What IOL power is required if surgery is planned?
Role in confirming cataract
Indirect: measures functional loss
Key test for direct lens assessment
Adds comorbidity information and alternative causes of visual loss
Does not confirm cataract by itself; mainly surgical planning
Especially useful
In essentially any reduced-vision complaint
In almost every suspected cataract case
When glaucoma risk or visual-potential assessment matters
When cataract surgery is a realistic next step
Limitation
Does not reveal the cause of visual loss
Dense cataract may prevent posterior-segment assessment
Fundus view can be blocked by dense cataract
Accuracy depends on measurement quality and corneal/previous-surgery factors
Visual acuity / refraction
Main question
Role in confirming cataract
Especially useful
Limitation
How much is vision reduced and can optical correction improve it?
Indirect: measures functional loss
In essentially any reduced-vision complaint
Does not reveal the cause of visual loss
Is there a cataract and what is the location/density of the opacity?
Key test for direct lens assessment
In almost every suspected cataract case
Dense cataract may prevent posterior-segment assessment
Is glaucoma or posterior-segment disease contributing?
Adds comorbidity information and alternative causes of visual loss
When glaucoma risk or visual-potential assessment matters
Fundus view can be blocked by dense cataract
What IOL power is required if surgery is planned?
Does not confirm cataract by itself; mainly surgical planning
When cataract surgery is a realistic next step
Accuracy depends on measurement quality and corneal/previous-surgery factors
Methods comparison · 2
Criterion
Macular / optic nerve OCT
B-scan ultrasound
Corneal topography / tomography
Endothelial microscopy / electrophysiology / UBM
Main purpose
Detect macular or optic nerve disease that may limit vision
Assess the posterior segment when optical media are opaque
Characterise corneal curvature, regularity and astigmatism
Answer specific corneal, anterior-segment or visual-potential questions
Needed for everyone?
No, according to indication; useful when vision is worse than cataract alone would explain
No, mainly when dense cataract prevents adequate fundus assessment
No, particularly relevant for significant astigmatism, toric IOLs or prior refractive surgery
No, only for specific clinical indications
Impact on IOL choice / prognosis
May affect suitability for some presbyopia-correcting IOLs and refine prognosis
Helps rule out major posterior-segment pathology
Important for toric planning and irregular cornea assessment
May change surgical strategy or expectations
Key limitation
Dense cataract may reduce signal quality
Does not replace OCT for fine retinal detail when OCT is possible
Requires interpretation together with keratometry and surgical history
Not a routine package for every cataract patient
Macular / optic nerve OCT
Main purpose
Needed for everyone?
Impact on IOL choice / prognosis
Key limitation
Detect macular or optic nerve disease that may limit vision
No, according to indication; useful when vision is worse than cataract alone would explain
May affect suitability for some presbyopia-correcting IOLs and refine prognosis
Dense cataract may reduce signal quality
Assess the posterior segment when optical media are opaque
No, mainly when dense cataract prevents adequate fundus assessment
Helps rule out major posterior-segment pathology
Does not replace OCT for fine retinal detail when OCT is possible
Characterise corneal curvature, regularity and astigmatism
No, particularly relevant for significant astigmatism, toric IOLs or prior refractive surgery
Important for toric planning and irregular cornea assessment
Requires interpretation together with keratometry and surgical history
Answer specific corneal, anterior-segment or visual-potential questions
No, only for specific clinical indications
May change surgical strategy or expectations
Not a routine package for every cataract patient
Book an appointment
The doctor will assess the lens, visual function and relevant ocular structures; if surgery is being considered, the required measurements for IOL calculation will be arranged and the next step will be explained.
Procedure prices
Service name
Price
Adult ophthalmologist consultation, (per consultation)
from 12 000 ₸
Visual acuity, (per eye)
from 1 000 ₸
Refraction, (per eye)
from 800 ₸
Keratometry, (per eye)
from 1 800 ₸
Biomicroscopy, (per eye)
from 1 700 ₸
Ophthalmoscopy, (per eye)
from 1 100 ₸
Non-contact tonometry, (per eye)
from 900 ₸
A-scan echography
Cost determined after consultation
B-scan ultrasound
Cost determined after consultation
Contact IOL calculation, (per eye)
from 3 200 ₸
Spectralis posterior-segment imaging, (per eye)
from 5 500 ₸
Cirrus-HD macular OCT, (per eye)
from 3 800 ₸
Our doctors
A team of experienced doctors across specialties.
Experience: 25 years
Head
Aubakirova Alua Sauytbekovna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 32 years
Sabyrbaev Nurlan Berdauletovich
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 27 years
Head
Tleubaeva Gulmira Bakhytovna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 26 years
Ophthalmologist
Tuletova Aygerim Serikbaevna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 17 years
Ophthalmologist
Dzhapparkhanova Asel Urazovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 45 years
Ophthalmologist
Zhumataeva Svetlana Zeykenovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 13 years
Ophthalmologist
Kalshabekov Alibi Sembaevich
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 12 years
Ophthalmologist
Kasymbekova Meruert Turlybekovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 45 years
Ophthalmologist
Muraveva Lyubov Anatolevna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 19 years
Pediatric and Adult Ophthalmologist
Razdykova Dina Atabekovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Cataract assessment: goals and examinations
A cataract assessment serves two distinct purposes: identifying the cause of reduced vision and, if surgery is being considered, gathering the information needed to plan it.
Identifying the cause of reduced vision
The first goal is to confirm that reduced visual quality is related to clouding of the natural lens, rather than solely to a change in glasses prescription, corneal disease, glaucoma, or a condition affecting the macula or optic nerve.
The assessment includes:
- visual acuity and refraction;
- slit-lamp examination of the lens;
- intraocular pressure measurement;
- examination of the fundus, when possible.
Surgical planning and IOL calculation
The second goal arises when cataract surgery is being considered as the next step.
Accurate measurements of eye length and corneal curvature are needed to calculate intraocular lens (IOL) power. Astigmatism and the patient’s visual needs are also assessed.
Additional tests when indicated
With a dense cataract that prevents an adequate view of the fundus, a B-scan ultrasound may be required.
OCT of the retina and optic nerve, corneal topography or tomography, corneal endothelial microscopy, and other tests are performed when indicated.
What should the patient receive after the assessment?
The assessment should provide both a diagnosis and a plan the patient understands: monitoring, further diagnostic testing, or a discussion of surgery and IOL type.
Why is a comprehensive cataract assessment needed?
A cataract may already be visible to the clinician during slit-lamp examination, but the patient needs to understand how much it affects vision and whether other factors may limit the surgical outcome.
The assessment before deciding on surgery therefore involves more than examining the lens alone.
How are the next steps determined?
If surgery is not yet needed, the clinician will establish a monitoring plan.
If surgery is indicated, the diagnostic findings provide the basis for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, discussion of the target refraction, and lens selection according to astigmatism, retinal health, and the patient’s visual needs.
Related information: Retinal diseases, Glaucoma, Patient information.
Facts and offers
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether reduced vision is caused by cataract?
An ophthalmologist determines the cause using visual acuity and refraction testing, slit-lamp examination of the lens and assessment of other ocular structures. Hazy vision alone is not enough to diagnose cataract.
Can cataract be detected during a routine eye examination?
Yes. Opacity of the natural lens is usually detected during slit-lamp examination. Additional tests may be required to assess other causes of visual loss, prognosis and treatment planning.
How is cataract diagnosis different from a preoperative cataract assessment?
Cataract diagnosis confirms lens opacity and assesses its effect on vision together with other ocular disease. Preoperative assessment additionally includes measurements for surgical planning and IOL calculation, such as biometry and keratometry. Other tests are performed when indicated.
Do I need to wait until the cataract is mature?
No. Surgery is considered according to the cataract’s effect on visual function and daily life, ocular health, expected benefit and risks. Waiting for complete “maturity” is not required.
Can cataract be assessed without dilating the pupil?
The lens can be examined without dilation, but pharmacological dilation often allows a more complete assessment of the lens, retina and other fundus structures. The doctor decides whether it is needed.
Why is intraocular pressure measured in cataract patients?
Cataract can coexist with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Measuring intraocular pressure helps identify these conditions and take them into account when planning further management.
Why examine the retina if the cataract is in the lens?
The macula, peripheral retina and optic nerve affect the visual potential after surgery. Coexisting disease may limit visual improvement even after successful cataract removal.
When is OCT useful in cataract patients?
OCT is ordered according to clinical need. It is particularly useful when macular disease, diabetic retinopathy or macular oedema is suspected, in glaucoma, when visual loss appears disproportionate to the cataract, and when planning some IOL options.
When is B-scan ultrasound needed in cataract patients?
B-scan is particularly useful with a dense cataract or other media opacity that prevents adequate fundus examination. It can assess major posterior-segment structures and detect conditions such as retinal detachment or other significant pathology.
What is IOLMaster?
IOLMaster is one type of optical biometry system. It measures ocular parameters used primarily to calculate IOL power before surgery. It is not the primary test used to confirm the presence of a cataract.