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A New Era in Cataract Surgery, Right Here in Orlando
When the FDA approved the TECNIS PureSee lens (TECNIS PureSee™ IOL) on March 12, 2026, it marked the arrival of a new category of vision: one that had not existed before in U.S. cataract surgery. Within weeks, that technology was available at UCF Health in Lake Nona, Orlando, in the hands of Dr. Mehul Patel.
Dr. Patel was among the first surgeons in all of Central Florida to implant the PureSee lens. That distinction is not incidental. It reflects a deliberate, ongoing commitment to finding the best available tools for his patients, evaluating new technologies as they emerge, adopting what genuinely advances outcomes, and bringing those advances to the community he serves in Orlando.
This article tells that story: what the PureSee IOL is, why Dr. Patel chose to be an early adopter, what his first patients have experienced, and how you can find out whether this lens is the right choice for your cataract surgery.
Table of contents
- A New Era in Cataract Surgery, Right Here in Orlando
- Always at the Forefront: Why Dr. Patel Was One of the First
- What Is the TECNIS PureSee Lens??
- How Dr. Patel Explains It to His Patients
- Who Is PureSee For? Dr. Patel’s Ideal Candidate
- His First PureSee Patient: What Happened Next
- A Patient’s Perspective: “My Experience Has Been Fantastic”
- Dr. Patel’s Philosophy: The Relationship Comes First
- How PureSee Compares to Other Premium Cataract Lenses
- What to Expect: Surgery and Recovery
- Cost and Insurance Coverage
- Questions to Bring to Your Consultation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Better Technology, Personalized Care, Right Here in Orlando
Always at the Forefront: Why Dr. Patel Was One of the First
On May 1, 2026, the same day the TECNIS PureSee™ IOL became available in Orlando, Dr. Patel began offering it to his patients at UCF Health. He did not wait to see what other practices would do. He had already studied the technology, reviewed the clinical data, and was ready.
“The newest implant approved earlier this year, March of 2026, was the Johnson & Johnson PureSee lens and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first surgeons in Central Florida to use it in May. May 1st it was available for us in Orlando.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
That kind of readiness is not accidental. For Dr. Patel, being at the forefront of ophthalmologic technology is a professional responsibility, one rooted in a simple belief: his patients deserve access to the best that medicine has to offer, as soon as it is available and appropriate for them.
He approaches new technology with the same rigor he applies to every surgical decision: understanding the clinical evidence, being honest about trade-offs, and matching the right tool to the right patient. The PureSee IOL, with its FDA-validated data and its genuine differentiation from existing EDOF lenses, met that standard.
The result is a practice that does not ask patients to wait for the future. At UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice, the future of cataract surgery is already here.
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What Is the TECNIS PureSee Lens??
During cataract surgery, the eye’s clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The type of IOL implanted determines how well a patient sees at various distances after surgery. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover a standard monofocal IOL: a single-focus lens that corrects distance vision but still requires glasses for reading and computer work.
The TECNIS PureSee™ IOL is a premium extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lens. Rather than correcting just one distance, it extends the range of clear vision, from far away to intermediate (arm’s length), such as a computer screen or a car dashboard, while maintaining the visual quality of a standard monofocal lens.
What makes PureSee uniquely valuable is what it does not do. Unlike earlier EDOF and multifocal lenses, which split or diffract light to extend the focal range (and often cause halos, glare, and contrast loss as a result), PureSee uses a purely refractive design. It extends vision through the natural bending of light, not by splitting it. The FDA clinical trial results speak for themselves:
- 82.3% of PureSee eyes achieved 20/32 or better vision at arm’s length (intermediate), vs. just 30.0% with standard monofocal lenses
- 97% of patients reported no bothersome visual disturbances
- 97% of patients said they would recommend the lens
- 90% of patients rarely or never wore glasses for routine tasks at 6 months
- Distance vision was preserved comparable to a standard monofocal lens (non-inferior per FDA review)
Perhaps most importantly for patients who are active at night: PureSee is the first EDOF lens approved in the U.S. without an FDA contrast-sensitivity warning. That distinction separates it from every other premium EDOF lens currently available.
How Dr. Patel Explains It to His Patients
When patients come to UCF Health for a cataract consultation, Dr. Patel walks them through the full spectrum of lens options, not to push any particular choice, but to make sure every patient genuinely understands what is available to them and what each option means for their daily life.
“There’s a whole different group of lenses that are available. We talk about the single focus lenses, we talk about the extended depth of focus lenses, and we talk about the lenses that give you the most range — which are multifocal, trifocal lenses. The PureSee lens is in the middle where you get some range without the symptoms.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
He is clear-eyed about the trade-offs involved with different lens categories:
“The trade-off with one of those lenses versus something that gives you more range of vision is that at nighttime there’s no glare or halo that patients experience — and that is one of the biggest issues that patients have with the lenses that give you the most range: the loss of contrast and nighttime vision issues.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
For patients who are weighing their options, that explanation often clarifies things quickly. PureSee is not trying to do everything: it is trying to do the right things, for the right patients, without compromise.
Who Is PureSee For? Dr. Patel’s Ideal Candidate
Dr. Patel has a clear picture of the patient who benefits most from PureSee. It is not about age, it is more about lifestyle.
“Patients that are more active, that are out on the golf course, that play pickleball, they work in front of the computer — they’re the ones that love it because they’re able to do all of their things without glasses during the day and at nighttime, but there’s no symptoms that are associated with it.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
The patients who thrive with PureSee are those who want visual freedom for most of their waking hours, particularly for distance and intermediate tasks, and who are comfortable using light reading glasses for fine print when needed. They are not willing to accept halos or glare as the price of that freedom.
PureSee is indicated for adult cataract patients with up to 1.0 diopter of corneal astigmatism. The PureSee Toric II version is available for patients with higher astigmatism, correcting both the cataract and the astigmatism in a single procedure.
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Who May Want to Consider Other Options
PureSee is not the right fit for every patient. Patients who need very precise near vision for extended periods, avid readers of fine print, for example, may be better served by a multifocal or trifocal lens, though those lenses come with higher rates of halos and glare. Patients with certain eye conditions (such as significant macular degeneration, uncontrolled glaucoma, or irregular corneal shape) may not be good candidates for any premium IOL.
Dr. Patel evaluates every patient individually and takes the time to understand their specific vision goals before making any recommendation.
His First PureSee Patient: What Happened Next
Dr. Patel does not operate on both eyes on the same day. It is a deliberate choice that allows him to observe results from the first eye and fine-tune his approach for the second, a level of individualization that is not standard everywhere.
“I personally don’t like doing both eyes on the same day because it gives us the option of being able to adjust what we do for a patient when it comes to their second eye.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
With his first PureSee patient, that philosophy led to a genuinely customized outcome:
“My first PureSee patient actually was thrilled with her distance vision and her computer vision. She didn’t have great reading vision all the way up close and she was okay with light reading glasses. After a week we talked about the different options that we have, and what we did in the second eye is actually use a multifocal lens in her non-dominant eye that allows her to then get a little bit more reading vision — still gets maximal range — and she’s done great. She doesn’t have any nighttime symptoms and is very happy with her overall quality of vision.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
That kind of mix-and-match approach (using different lens types in each eye to achieve a personalized visual outcome) is only possible when a surgeon has deep fluency with multiple lens platforms and the willingness to think beyond a one-size-fits-all protocol.
“The beauty of all the technology is making sure it’s right for every patient — because what one person wants isn’t what the next one wants. And so we tailor the plan for what each patient wants.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
A Patient’s Perspective: “My Experience Has Been Fantastic”
For one of Dr. Patel’s recent patients, the journey to PureSee began mid-trip. She was traveling when she noticed her vision had changed in a way she could not ignore any longer. She had held onto Dr. Patel’s card for some time, passed along by a friend who had recommended him, and when she returned home, she made the appointment.
The process that followed was remarkably fast. She had her consultation on a Monday, her surgery on Thursday, and by Friday morning she was already noticing improvement.
Speaking just 24 hours after surgery, she reflected on how much the experience had exceeded her expectations:
“The nurses have been great. They’ve gone through hoops that a lot of people wouldn’t. My experience so far has been fantastic.”
— UCF Health patient, 24 hours post-surgery
She had been avoiding nighttime driving because of her vision: a quiet quality-of-life concession that many patients make without fully realizing how much it costs them. The decision to choose PureSee over the standard insurance-covered lens was not made lightly, but her reasoning was clear:
“It’s a little expensive. But the good sides are more positive when you put them on a weight scale.”
— UCF Health patient, 24 hours post-surgery
She also shared something that may resonate with anyone who has gone down the rabbit hole of medical research online: she had learned to stop over-researching and to trust her surgeon instead. Dr. Patel had taken the time to explain why PureSee was the right fit for her specifically — and that clarity gave her confidence to move forward without anxiety.
(Patient narrative is based on a recorded post-operative interview conducted 24 hours after surgery, supplemented by verified contextual notes provided by the care team. Paraphrased elements are labeled as such. The patient’s identity is not disclosed.)
Dr. Patel’s Philosophy: The Relationship Comes First
Ask Dr. Patel what sets UCF Health’s approach to cataract surgery apart, and he does not lead with technology. He leads with conversation.
“The most important thing patients need to know when they’re thinking about cataract surgery is getting to know their cataract surgeon. You want to be able to talk about what you want, what you don’t want, what you like and don’t like. The most important thing is being able to talk to your surgeon — be available so that you can customize the plan as you go through this very important step in life.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
That philosophy extends to how much time he is willing to invest before a single instrument touches an eye:
“My philosophy is: I will talk to you about a lens for as long as you want, on as many different visits as you want, to make sure that we get it right the first time. The lens that goes in your eye is your lens forever.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
It also shapes how he thinks about his role in a community where access to premium cataract care matters:
“It’s a blessing to be a cataract surgeon. I tell all of my patients — I hope I get to live long enough so that I need cataract surgery too. Because if you live long enough, everybody will eventually need it — and it’s life-changing.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
How PureSee Compares to Other Premium Cataract Lenses
Dr. Patel offers the full spectrum of IOL options and does not advocate for any single brand or lens type. His goal is always to match the right lens to the right patient. Here is how PureSee fits into the broader landscape:
- Standard Monofocal: Covered by insurance. Excellent distance vision. Glasses needed for reading and computer work. No halos or contrast issues.
- Enhanced Monofocal (e.g., Tecnis Eyhance): Slight improvement in intermediate vision. Small premium. Still requires reading glasses for most near tasks.
- TECNIS PureSee™ (EDOF): Premium upgrade (~$2,500–$3,500/eye out of pocket). Excellent distance and superior intermediate vision. No contrast loss. No FDA contrast warning. Minimal halos. Light reading glasses may still be needed for fine print.
- Alcon Vivity (EDOF): Premium. Good intermediate vision. Carries an FDA contrast-sensitivity warning. Non-diffractive design.
- Alcon PanOptix / Trifocal: Premium. Excellent near, intermediate, and distance. More noticeable halos and glare — less ideal for patients who drive frequently at night.
As Dr. Patel puts it: every company will say their lens is the best. His job — and his preference — is to be fluent in all of them and choose based on what each individual patient actually needs.
“Unlike other places where everyone gets the same brand of lens and the same type of lens for every patient, we customize and plan to make it as suitable as possible so that patients are as happy as they can be.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
What to Expect: Surgery and Recovery
Cataract surgery with PureSee follows the same standard phacoemulsification procedure used in all modern cataract surgery. The clouded natural lens is gently broken up with ultrasound energy and removed through a small incision (approximately 2.4 mm). The IOL is then injected using a preloaded delivery system. The procedure is outpatient and typically takes less than 30 minutes.
There is no additional learning curve or special equipment required for experienced cataract surgeons. For patients, the surgical experience is identical to any modern cataract procedure.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1: Many patients notice some visual improvement within the first 24 hours, even while the eye continues to settle.
- Week 1: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are used as directed. A follow-up visit checks pressure and wound healing.
- Months 1–3: Vision stabilizes. Final prescription (if any is needed) is determined during this window.
- Long-term: PureSee is a permanent implant. If posterior capsule opacification develops later, it is treated with a brief, painless in-office laser procedure.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cataract surgery itself is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. The upgrade from a standard monofocal IOL to PureSee is an elective out-of-pocket expense, typically in the range of approximately $2,500 to $3,500 per eye, depending on the practice.
Many patients find that when they weigh the cost against the quality of life impact (fewer glasses, better night vision, more independence) the investment makes sense for them. Financing options such as CareCredit are commonly available. UCF Health’s team can walk you through the full cost breakdown during your consultation.
Questions to Bring to Your Consultation
- Am I a good candidate for an extended depth-of-focus lens based on my eye health and lifestyle?
- Do I have astigmatism that would affect which version of PureSee is right for me?
- What are the realistic trade-offs between PureSee and a multifocal or trifocal lens for how I live my life?
- Will I still need reading glasses, and for what kinds of tasks?
- What is the total cost, and are financing options available?
- What visual outcome can I reasonably expect based on my prescription?
- Can we discuss doing one eye first before deciding on the second?
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Frequently Asked Questions
The TECNIS PureSee™ IOL is an extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens by Johnson & Johnson Vision, FDA-approved on March 12, 2026. It uses a purely refractive design (OptiCurve™ technology) to extend clear vision from distance to intermediate without splitting light. It is the first U.S. EDOF IOL without an FDA contrast-sensitivity warning.
Being an early adopter of a new FDA-approved technology requires confidence in the clinical evidence, preparedness in surgical technique, and a commitment to offering patients the most current options available. Dr. Patel began offering PureSee on May 1, 2026 (the first day it became available in Orlando) meaning his patients had access to this technology before it became widely available across the region.
PureSee is specifically designed to minimize these issues. In the FDA clinical trial, 97% of patients reported no bothersome visual disturbances. Its refractive design avoids the light-splitting that causes halos in multifocal lenses, and it is the only current U.S. EDOF lens without an FDA contrast-sensitivity warning. Individual results vary; Dr. Patel will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific anatomy.
The cataract surgery itself is covered. The upgrade to PureSee is an elective out-of-pocket expense, typically $2,500–$3,500 per eye. Financing options are available.
It means seeing clearly across a wider range of distances without switching glasses. Most PureSee patients can use a computer, read a car dashboard, and see across a room comfortably without glasses. Some may still use light reading glasses for fine print.
7. Does Dr. Patel always use the same lens for both eyes?
Not necessarily. Dr. Patel intentionally stages cataract surgery — not operating on both eyes the same day — so he can fine-tune his approach for the second eye based on what the first eye experiences. In some cases, he uses different lens types in each eye to achieve an optimal combined visual result. This tailored approach is part of what distinguishes UCF Health’s cataract program.
8. What is the recovery like?
Recovery follows the same timeline as standard cataract surgery. Most patients notice improvement within 24–48 hours. Eye drops are used for several weeks. Final visual stability typically occurs within 1–3 months. No special recovery requirements are unique to PureSee.
9. How do I know if I need cataract surgery?
Common signs include blurry or hazy vision, increased difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, faded colors, and double vision in one eye. A comprehensive eye exam is the right first step. Dr. Patel offers full cataract evaluations at UCF Health in Lake Nona.
10. How do I get started?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel at UCF Health. He will perform a comprehensive evaluation, walk you through every available lens option, and — in his own words — talk with you for as long as it takes to make sure the plan is right for you.
Conclusion: Better Technology, Personalized Care, Right Here in Orlando
The TECNIS PureSee™ IOL represents one of the most meaningful advances in cataract surgery in years — a lens that extends vision without the nighttime trade-offs that have long frustrated patients who want premium outcomes. That it is now available in Orlando, and that Dr. Mehul Patel was one of the first in Central Florida to offer it, says something important about the level of care available at UCF Health.
Dr. Patel does not adopt new technology because it is new. He adopts it because it is better and because his patients deserve access to the best options medicine has to offer.
“It’s a blessing to be a cataract surgeon. I hope I get to live long enough so that I need cataract surgery too. Because if you live long enough, everybody will eventually need it. And it’s life-changing.”
— Dr. Mehul Patel, UCF Health
For patients in Lake Nona, Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and surrounding areas of Central Florida, UCF Health offers accessible, world-class eye care without traveling out of the region. The practice accepts most major insurance plans. To confirm coverage or schedule an appointment, call 407-266-3627 or click here.