A Milestone in Advanced Cataract Care at Sandhurst Eye Centre

Sandhurst Eye Centre is proud to share an exciting milestone in our ongoing commitment to world‑class eye care.

On the 22nd of January 2026, Dr Mark Deist successfully performed a full cohort of bladeless, robotic femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgeries on selected premium lens patients, with excellent clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

This achievement marks the introduction of one of the most advanced cataract technologies available today, offering patients a safer, more precise and potentially glasses‑free cataract surgery experience.

What Is Robotic (Bladeless) Laser Cataract Surgery?

Robotic femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) uses a computer‑guided femtosecond laser to perform some of the most delicate steps of cataract surgery that were traditionally done by hand with blades.

Instead of relying solely on manual instruments, the laser:

- Creates a perfectly sized, round and centered opening in the lens capsule (capsulotomy)

- Pre‑segments and softens the cataract, preparing it for gentle removal.

- Creates highly precise corneal incisions, including astigmatism‑correcting incisions when needed.

These steps are performed with micron‑level accuracy, guided by advanced imaging, before the surgeon completes the procedure using standard phacoemulsification and lens implantation techniques.

Why Laser Cataract Surgery Is Safer and More Precise

By automating the most critical steps of surgery, femtosecond laser technology reduces variability and enhances consistency.

Key safety advantages include:

- Highly reproducible incisions and capsulotomies, lowering the risk of human error.

- Reduced ultrasound energy inside the eye due to laser lens softening, which helps protect the cornea .

- Improved centration and sizing of the lens capsule opening, supporting stable long‑term lens positioning.

These factors are especially important for patients choosing premium intraocular lenses, where precision directly influences visual quality.

Faster, Gentler Surgery and Quicker Visual Recovery

Laser fragmentation of the cataract significantly shortens the effective phacoemulsification time — the stage of surgery where ultrasound energy is used to break up and remove the lens.

For many patients, this means:

- Less energy delivered inside the eye.

- Reduced post‑operative inflammation and corneal swelling.

- Faster early visual recovery.

The laser‑assisted steps integrate seamlessly into modern theatre workflows, supporting efficient and comfortable day‑case surgery for suitable candidates.

Designed for Glasses‑Free Premium Lens Outcomes

One of the greatest strengths of femtosecond laser cataract surgery is its role in maximising spectacle independence.

The laser enables:

- Highly accurate and stable positioning of multifocal, extended‑depth‑of‑focus and toric lenses.

- Image‑guided arcuate incisions to treat low levels of corneal astigmatism.

Together, these refinements increase the likelihood of achieving clear distance and near vision with minimal dependence on glasses in carefully selected patients.

Introducing the Latest FEMTO LDV Z8 Laser Platform

Dr. Mark Deist at the Sandhurst Eye Centre now offers robotic femtosecond cataract surgery using the latest FEMTO LDV Z8 platform, upgraded with its newest cataract software.

The Z8 is a state‑of‑the‑art, mobile femtosecond laser system that combines:

- Ultra‑low‑energy, high‑frequency laser pulses.

- Integrated high‑definition OCT imaging.

- A gentle liquid patient interface for enhanced comfort and safety.

Every step of the procedure is customized to the individual eye, ensuring maximum precision.

How the Z8 Enhances Safety

The FEMTO LDV Z8 uses overlapping nano‑joule energy pulses that create smooth, continuous capsulotomies and precise lens fragmentation while generating minimal gas.

Additional safety features include:

- A fluid‑filled docking interface that minimizes pressure rise inside the eye.

- Excellent visualisation with real‑time OCT guidance.

- Reduced stress on delicate ocular tissues.

These design elements contribute to a lower risk of intra‑operative complications and enhanced corneal protection.

Faster, More Efficient Cataract Removal

Clinical studies show that Z8 laser fragmentation:

- Significantly reduces effective phacoemulsification time.

- Decreases endothelial cell loss compared with conventional cataract surgery.

- Supports faster visual recovery in the early post‑operative period.

For patients, this often translates into a smoother recovery and excellent visual clarity soon after surgery.

An Ideal Platform for Premium Intraocular Lenses

The Z8’s consistently round and well‑centered capsulotomies help ensure that premium lenses sit exactly where they are designed to.

This stability is critical for:

- Premium Multifocal lenses (Johnson & Johnson Puresee & Raynor Galaxy Lenses).

- Premium Toric lenses.

- Other advanced lens technologies aimed at reducing spectacle dependence.

Updated image‑guided incision planning also allows fine‑tuning of astigmatism correction, further enhancing visual outcomes.

How the Z8 Compares to Other Laser Platforms

Unlike large, fixed femtosecond laser systems, the Z8 is designed for a true under‑the‑microscope workflow.

Key advantages include:

- Ultra‑low energy delivery compared with higher‑energy platforms.

- Improved patient comfort during docking.

- No need to transfer patients between rooms or beds.

- Greater theatre efficiency and procedural flow.

Clinical evidence shows that low‑energy platforms such as the Z8 are associated with reduced corneal endothelial cell loss and excellent refractive outcomes when compared with conventional surgery.

What This Means for Patients at Sandhurst Eye Centre

By combining the latest Z8 femtosecond cataract software with extensive surgical expertise, Dr Mark Deist now offers a next‑generation cataract procedure that is:

- More controlled and predictable.

- Gentler on the eye.

- Optimized for premium, glasses‑free outcomes.

Patients considering cataract surgery with Dr. Deist at Sandhurst Eye Centre can now access one of the most advanced and refined treatment pathways available — designed to maximize both safety and visual quality.

Experience Advanced Cataract Surgery with Confidence

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and are interested in a modern, precision‑driven approach to surgery, we invite you to learn more about robotic femtosecond laser cataract surgery at Sandhurst Eye Centre.

Our expert team is committed to delivering cutting‑edge technology, personalized care and outstanding visual outcomes for every patient.