As a medical journalist always on the lookout for trustworthy and patient-centred eye care, I recently visited Smart Vision Eye Centre in Andheri East, Mumbai — drawn by interest in cataract treatment and especially by questions around cataract surgery cost Mumbai. I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Seema Behl, the clinic’s Medical Director and founder, and observe the clinic’s setup firsthand.
Dr. Seema Behl — Qualifications, Experience and Clinic Setup
Dr. Seema Behl holds an M.B.B.S. and M.S. (Ophthalmology) from the prestigious Institute of Medical Sciences, B.H.U., Varanasi — credentials that form the foundation of her extensive ophthalmic career. She further deepened her surgical expertise with a fellowship in Microsurgery and Phacoemulsification from Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai — globally acclaimed for its high-volume cataract surgeries.
Over more than three decades, Dr. Behl has amassed broad clinical experience across reputed eye hospitals in Mumbai and Delhi. She has performed thousands of cataract surgeries — ranging from routine cataracts to more complex cases such as traumatic and pediatric cataracts, as well as glaucoma-related interventions.
Her commitment to ophthalmology also includes teaching and training fellow doctors from India and abroad in techniques like small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification, along with participation in ophthalmology conferences and publications.
The clinic itself is designed as a modern, well-equipped facility — a true representation of a contemporary Ophthalmologist Clinic in Mumbai. Basic infrastructure includes a modular operation theatre, diagnostic tools such as slit lamps, autorefractometers, lensometers, A-scans, indirect ophthalmoscopes, digital visual acuity charts, and most critically, a Zeiss operating microscope plus a Legion Vision System for phacoemulsification.Located in Andheri East, with ample parking and easy accessibility, the setup aims to combine advanced eye care with convenience for patients.
Benefits and Risks of the Treatment
During our conversation, Dr. Behl was candid about both the potential benefits and the inherent risks of cataract surgery.
Benefits:
- The main advantage is restoration of clear vision: cataract surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL), leading to sharper vision and improved quality of life. This is especially beneficial for those whose daily life or work has been affected by cataract-induced vision impairment.
- With modern microsurgical techniques like phacoemulsification, the procedure can be “bladeless” — meaning minimal incision, less trauma, quicker recovery, and often no need for hospital stays. According to the clinic’s published details, patients may walk in with glasses and, in many cases, walk out without them.
- The combination of Dr. Behl’s extensive experience, high success rate, and the clinic’s state-of-the-art infrastructure contributes to a safer, more predictable surgical outcome for patients.
Risks:
- As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications — although Dr. Behl emphasized these are rare when proper protocols are followed. Risks may include infection, inflammation, or less commonly, issues related to lens placement or visual aberrations.
- The outcome also depends on individual patient factors: age, presence of other eye conditions (like glaucoma or retinal issues), general health, and compliance with post-operative care.
- There’s also the possibility that some patients may not achieve perfect vision — especially those with other underlying ocular problems — meaning surgery does not always guarantee “vision like new,” even though many do achieve substantial improvement.
Dr. Behl’s honest approach underscores that while cataract surgery is generally safe and effective, it is not a trivial procedure and requires thoughtful consideration.
Approximate Cost Range
When I asked about the cataract surgery cost Mumbai, Dr. Behl explained that the clinic aims for affordability and transparency.
Though she did not provide a fixed or fully itemized cost during our interview (cost often depends on lens type, complexity, and patient’s medical condition), she indicated that the cost is structured to be reasonable — with options for standard phacoemulsification using a basic IOL, or premium lenses if the patient chooses.
Based on the general market context in Mumbai and typical pricing patterns shared by similar clinics, one might expect a broad range depending on lens and procedure type. (For example, basic phaco with a standard IOL tends to be at the lower end, and premium lens packages or additional procedures increase cost.) However, as Dr. Behl reiterated, individual evaluation is necessary to estimate actual cost.
The goal at Smart Vision is not to over‐promise, but to offer quality cataract surgery at a cost that does not become a barrier — aligning with their mission of accessible eye care.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared by Dr. Behl
From my interview and observational notes at the clinic, here are the key precautions and aftercare guidance Dr. Behl emphasises for patients undergoing cataract surgery:
- Pre-operative evaluation: Before surgery, a full eye check — including retina and glaucoma screening, corneal health assessment, and IOL power calculations — is imperative. This helps identify any coexisting conditions that might affect surgical outcome. Smart Vision’s facility includes diagnostic tools (OCT, A-scan, slit lamp, etc.) for comprehensive assessment.
- Post-operative care: After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or rubbing the eye. Exposure to dust or dirty water should be avoided during the initial healing period. Dr. Behl stressed the importance of following medication schedule (e.g., eye drops for inflammation or infection prevention) and regular follow-up visits to monitor healing.
- Realistic expectations: While many patients may experience dramatic improvement in vision, results can vary depending on pre-existing eye health. Dr. Behl encourages patients to discuss realistic outcomes, especially in complex or high-risk cases, and to understand that additional procedures or corrective measures (like spectacles) may still be needed in some cases.
- Lifestyle and preventive eye care: Given the clinic’s broader philosophy, Dr. Behl also recommends periodic eye check-ups, especially for diabetic patients or those at risk of glaucoma, to detect any issues early — even after cataract surgery.
Reflection
Visiting Smart Vision Eye Centre and conversing with Dr. Seema Behl left me with a sense of cautious optimism. Cataract surgery — when done with experienced hands and proper infrastructure — is often life-changing, restoring clarity and independence to many patients. But as Dr. Behl candidly explained, it is not a magic wand. Each case needs individual assessment, and success depends not just on surgery, but also on careful pre-operative checks, disciplined post-operative care, and realistic expectations.
For readers considering cataract surgery, especially those assessing cataract surgery cost Mumbai, it’s worth remembering that cost is only part of the picture. Equally critical are the surgeon’s experience, the surgical environment, and your own eye health.
Call to Action
If you are exploring options for vision restoration, consider a personal consultation at Smart Vision Eye Centre.
Contact Details:
📍 Smart Vision Eye Centre
📞 Mobile: +91 9321842424 Tel: +91 22 31399370
🕒 Monday to Saturday — 10:00 am to 7:00 pm