Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare provides cataract evaluations and surgery for patients in Buffalo and Western New York through its Amherst and Niagara Falls offices. The practice reports that its surgeons have completed more than 100,000 cataract procedures. Care is connected to Michael J. Endl, M.D. and Thomas R. Elmer, Jr., M.D., whose biographies describe their refractive, cataract, corneal, glaucoma, and pediatric ophthalmology experience. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens. Lens selection is individualized after examination and measurements because no lens category is appropriate for every eye or every visual goal. The discussion may include monofocal, toric, multifocal or trifocal, and extended-depth-of-focus options, along with expected use of glasses, night-vision tradeoffs, cost, alternatives, recovery, and risks. The practice’s reviews page aggregated 12,825 reviews across listed platforms as of August 2026; patients can read current reviews before scheduling an evaluation.
How Cataract Lens Decisions Are Made
Lens choice begins with the health of the eye and the accuracy of preoperative measurements. The surgeon also considers astigmatism, previous eye surgery, glaucoma or retinal disease, dry eye, night-driving needs, work and hobby demands, preferred reading distance, tolerance for glare or halos, cost, and how strongly a patient wants to reduce dependence on glasses. A premium lens category is not automatically better for every patient. The goal is to select the most appropriate option for the individual eye and the patient’s priorities.
| Lens category | Intended range | Astigmatism correction | Common considerations | Glasses expectations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Usually one selected distance | Standard models do not correct regular corneal astigmatism | Established option with a single focal target | Glasses are commonly needed for other distances |
| Toric | Usually one selected distance | Designed to reduce qualifying regular corneal astigmatism | Requires accurate measurements and appropriate eye anatomy | Reading or other glasses may still be needed |
| Multifocal or trifocal | Designed to provide more than one range | Some designs are available with toric correction | May involve glare, halos, contrast tradeoffs, and stricter candidacy | May reduce, but does not guarantee freedom from, glasses |
| Extended depth of focus | Designed to extend distance through intermediate vision | Some designs are available with toric correction | Near-vision expectations and night-vision priorities should be discussed | Reading glasses may still be needed for fine near work |
When you are young, the natural lens in your eye acts like the zoom function in a camera, allowing you to see near and far objects clearly. With aging, this lens may become hard, yellow and cloudy – this is a cataract – resulting in blurred vision, glare, poor night vision and incorrect perception of colors. To restore your vision, the surgeons at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare, who have done over 100,000 cataract surgeries, will remove your cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens implant.
Benefits of Laser Cataract Surgery Over Traditional Cataract Surgery
When is it time for cataract surgery?
Cataracts can begin to negatively impact your vision earlier than you expect, and many patients are electing to have treatment for cataracts earlier so they can experience better vision immediately, rather than deal with diminishing vision over time. Cataract surgery is recommended when your vision begins to affect your quality of life or interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. Some signs of cataract include:
- Clouded, blurred or dim vision
- Increasing difficulty with vision at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Halos around lights
- The need for brighter light for reading and other activities
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in a single eye
You may elect a traditional cataract surgery, which uses a standard, inexpensive monofocal intraocular (IOL) implant. This lens will still require the use of corrective lenses, like bifocals, for most activities like driving or reading. You can also elect a premium IOL implant, which gives you a greater range of vision. Together, we’ll choose the cataract surgery option that is right for you and your finances.
Cataract Surgery Financing
When it comes to financing cataract surgery, we understand that affordability is a significant concern for our patients. That’s why we’re pleased to offer financing through CareCredit. With CareCredit, you can break down the cost of cataract surgery into manageable monthly payments. This means you can undergo your cataract surgery without worrying about a hefty upfront expense. You can learn more and apply for CareCredit financing on our financing page.
