Cataract surgery in Port Charlotte

Ready to see clearly again?

Cloudy, dim or glare-filled vision doesn't have to be your new normal. Our board-certified ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery close to home, with no need to leave Charlotte County.

Request an Appointment (941) 624-4500

Team ophthalmology consultants since 2009
Best of Charlotte winner 2023, 2024 and 2025

Dr. Zusman caring for Charlotte County since: 1988
Needle injections in our cataract technique: 0
Tampa Bay Rays eye consultants since: 2009

Request an appointment

Take the first step toward clearer days

Send us a few details and our team will call you to find a time that works. Tell us your insurance up front so we can confirm your coverage before you come in.

Medicare and select PPO plans accepted
No insurance? Comprehensive eye exam for $270 self-pay
Cataract surgery without leaving the county
Se habla español

Dr. Daniel Solano & Dr. Neil Zusman
Your board-certified cataract surgeons

Request your appointment

Takes about a minute. We'll call you back to schedule.

Full name

Phone number

Email (optional)

Insurance or payment

We accept medical insurance only. We don't accept HMO plans or vision plans (like VSP or EyeMed). Don't see your plan? Choose self-pay.

Reason for visit

Please don't include medical details. Privacy

Dr. Daniel Solano and Dr. Neil Zusman in surgical scrubs in front of the Harborside Eye Specialists sign — Your surgeons, Dr. Daniel Solano and Dr. Neil Zusman, right here in Port Charlotte

Cataract surgery in Charlotte County

Yes, we do cataract surgery. Right here in Charlotte County.

Many people are surprised to learn that Harborside Eye Specialists performs cataract surgery. There's no need for a long drive out of the county. Your care stays close to home, with surgeons who already know Charlotte County.

Board-certified surgeons. Your care is led by experienced ophthalmologists from your cataract evaluation to your final follow-up.
A clear new lens. Your cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear lens implant, chosen after careful measurements of your eye.
A gentler technique. Numbing drops instead of a needle injection, with no stitches and no patch.

Schedule a cataract evaluation

60 second self-check

Is the world looking a little foggy lately?

Cataracts develop slowly, so many people adapt without noticing how much they've lost. Tap anything that sounds familiar.

For information only, not a diagnosis. Sudden vision changes need prompt care: call (941) 624-4500.

Vision looks cloudy, blurry or dim Headlights glare at night Colors seem faded or yellowed You need brighter light to read Halos appear around lights Your prescription keeps changing

Select any symptoms above to see your result.

A gentler approach

No needle. No stitch. No patch.

Many people put off cataract surgery because they picture a needle near the eye. Dr. Solano's technique uses numbing drops instead, so you can relax and look forward to the results.

No needle

Your eye is numbed with drops instead of an injection, avoiding the risks of a needle placed around the eye.
No stitch

A tiny incision lets your surgeon replace the cloudy lens. It's designed to seal on its own as you heal.
No patch

No injection means no need to cover the eye. Expect a little blur on day one from dilation.

Cost and coverage

What will cataract surgery cost me?

It depends on your insurance and the lens you choose. Here is how it usually works. Our team confirms your coverage and walks you through any costs before anything is scheduled.

Standard lens: generally covered

Medicare generally covers medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard lens implant. Your plan's usual deductible and coinsurance may apply.
Lens upgrades: an extra cost

If you choose an upgraded lens implant instead of the standard lens, there is an additional out-of-pocket cost that insurance does not cover. We review pricing with you first.
No insurance? Self-pay

A comprehensive eye exam is $270 self-pay. If you need surgery, we explain the costs clearly before you decide.

Plans we accept

Medicare

Medicare
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO
AARP Medicare Advantage PPO (out of network)
Aetna Medicare PPO (out of network)
Humana Medicare PPO (out of network)

Commercial insurance and PPO networks

Cigna PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (not Blue Select)
Beech Street
PHCS / MultiPlan
First Health
Choice Care Network
Evolutions PPO
Great-West
TRICARE / CHAMPUS

We accept medical insurance only. We don't accept HMO plans or vision plans (like VSP or EyeMed).

Check my coverage

Recognized by our community

Four Best of Charlotte awards in three years

Harborside Eye Specialists and Dr. Solano have been named Best of Charlotte winners in ophthalmology and eye surgery.

2023Ophthalmology
2024Ophthalmology, Dr. Solano
2025Ophthalmology, Dr. Solano
2025Eye Surgery Center

Meet your cataract surgeons

Experienced surgeons who treat you like family

Two board-certified ophthalmologists who know Charlotte County, and who take the time to explain your cataract surgery before you decide.

Best of Charlotte 2024 and 2025

Board-certified ophthalmologist

Daniel Solano, D.O.

Cataract surgery
Minimally invasive technique
Habla español

Dr. Solano started in eye care as an ophthalmic technician in high school and kept at it all through college. Today he focuses on minimally invasive, needle-free cataract surgery. A South Florida native, he speaks fluent Spanish.

Board certified, American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
D.O., Nova Southeastern University
Ophthalmology residency, Doctors Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Best of Charlotte winner, Ophthalmology, 2024 and 2025
Tampa Bay Rays team ophthalmology consultant since 2021

Portrait of Dr. Neil Zusman in the Harborside Eye Specialists optical center

Caring for Charlotte County since 1988

Board-certified ophthalmologist

Neil B. Zusman, M.D., FACS

Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Tampa Bay Rays consultant

The son of an optometrist, Dr. Zusman has cared for Charlotte County families since 1988. Patients know him for his experience, his steady hand and the time he takes to explain every option. He and his wife, Amy, raised their three children right here.

Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
M.D., Wayne State University
Named Charlotte County's Best Ophthalmologist
Consumers' Guide to Top Doctors and Florida Monthly's Top Florida Doctors
Rays consultant and Charlotte Stone Crabs team eye physician

Dr. Levy, Dr. Zusman and Dr. Solano standing on the field at Tropicana Field — Drs. Levy, Zusman and Solano on the field at Tropicana Field

Big league trust, close to home

Eye doctors to the pros since 2009

Since 2009, the Tampa Bay Rays have relied on the doctors of Harborside Eye Specialists as team ophthalmology consultants. Dr. Solano has served the Rays since 2021, and Dr. Zusman has also served the Charlotte Stone Crabs and the Texas Rangers during spring training.

That same attention to detail goes into every cataract evaluation. No roster spot required.

Book your cataract evaluation

Patient reviews

Friendly. Professional. Caring.

What patients say about Harborside Eye Specialists, in their own words.

"First visit and follow-up surgery and care impressive. Will be our new eye health providers."

Kenneth
Google review

"As usual great staff and very happy with Dr. Zusman."

Ron
Google review

"Friendly, check. Professional, check. Caring, check. That says it all."

John
Google review

Individual experiences vary.

What happens next

Three easy steps to clearer days

Request your visit

Fill out the short form or call us. We'll confirm your insurance and find a time that fits.
Get a thorough cataract evaluation

Plan on 1 to 2 hours. Your eyes will likely be dilated, so bring sunglasses and a driver.
Leave with a clear plan

Your surgeon explains what they found and whether cataract surgery is right for you, in plain language and without pressure.

FAQ

Answers before you call

Still have a question? Use the chat button or call us. A real person answers during office hours.

(941) 624-4500

Do you really do cataract surgery here?

Yes. Harborside Eye Specialists performs cataract surgery, so there's no need to leave Charlotte County. Your evaluation, surgery planning and follow-up visits are all handled by our board-certified ophthalmologists.

I live in Punta Gorda, North Port or Englewood. Is that close?

Patients come to our Port Charlotte office from across Charlotte County and nearby towns, including Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood, Venice and Arcadia. We're in the Harbor Professional Centre at 3430 Tamiami Trail, Ste. A.

What insurance do you accept for cataract care?

We accept Medicare and select Medicare Advantage PPO and commercial PPO plans, including Cigna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and TRICARE. We are an out-of-network provider for AARP, Aetna and Humana Medicare PPO plans. We don't accept HMO plans or vision plans. If your plan isn't listed in the form, a comprehensive eye exam is $270 self-pay.

Does Medicare cover cataract surgery? What will I pay?

Medicare generally covers medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard lens implant, though your plan's usual deductible and coinsurance may apply. Upgraded lens implants have an additional out-of-pocket cost. Our team will review your benefits and any costs with you before your procedure.

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

It depends on your eyes and your lens implant. With a standard lens, most people still wear glasses for reading. Upgraded lens implants are designed to reduce how often you need glasses, at an extra cost, but results vary and no lens can promise glasses-free vision. Your surgeon will help you set realistic expectations.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

Your eye is numbed with drops, so there is no injection. The goal is a calm, comfortable experience, and your surgeon will talk you through each step before you begin.

How fast will I recover?

Many patients get back to their normal routine quickly. Expect some blur on the first day because your pupil is still dilated. Your doctor will give you personal aftercare instructions.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Your insurance cards, photo ID, a list of medications, your current glasses or contacts and sunglasses. Your eyes will likely be dilated, so please arrange a driver. Plan on 1 to 2 hours.

Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?

Sí. Dr. Solano habla español con fluidez. Llámenos al (941) 624-4500 para hacer su cita.

Harborside Eye Specialists