Restore Your Vision
We are dedicated to helping you achieve a brighter, clearer future through advanced cataract surgery.
Precision & Safety
Enhanced Vision Options
Compassionate Care
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is an age-related condition where your eye's natural lens gradually becomes cloudy, dimming the vivid details of life. It all begins with subtle changes—a slight haze or glare—that over time can make daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing loved ones increasingly challenging.
Contributing factors such as sunlight exposure, smoking, and health conditions like diabetes can accelerate this process. By addressing cataracts early, you protect your independence and ensure that every moment shines clearly.
Explore Your Lens Options
Choosing the right lens implant can transform more than just your sight. Our range of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) addresses multiple vision needs:
Monofocal
Extended Focus Lens
Toric
A basic lens that will allow you to receive clarity in a single field of vision with glasses.
High-performance lenses tailored to support an active lifestyle, from hobbies to daily activities, offer vision transitions between distances. TORIC versions are available.
Advanced lens technology aims to correct astigmatism, providing a more balanced and stable field of vision for one range of vision.
Your Journey to Clear Vision Starts Here
Meet Our Trusted Surgeons
Start with a comprehensive eye exam and cataract consultation.
Undergo a quick, safe and effective cataract procedure using advanced technology tailored to your needs.
Have Your Cataract Surgery
See the world in full color and crisp detail again! After surgery, you'll be able to enjoy all the activities you love without cloudy vision or dull colors!
Enjoy Clear, Lasting Vision
I had my first eye done yesterday (cataract and upgrade) at the eye surgery center on Common Dr here in El Paso. I was pretty apprehensive since I have never had anything other than glasses made before. Amazing from start to finish! Not only professional but personal as well. During the process I must have had 10 people come and check on me and explain what was happening and what was next. Kept me relaxed and already today, although a little tender, "seeing" great results! I HIGHLY recommend these great folks! Looking forward to the second eye getting done in a couple of weeks!
-Curtis S. at our Common, El Paso location
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?
The type of lens you choose is one of the biggest factors in determining your cataract surgery cost. Your out-of-pocket cataract surgery cost depends on your insurance, deductible, and co-pay. Schedule a FREE Cataract consult so we can help you look at your coverage options.
Most people heal from cataract surgery within eight weeks, and some patients recover in as little as four weeks. Any soreness and discomfort from the procedure should disappear within a few days. You may also experience blurry vision at the beginning of the recovery period as your eye heals from the surgery.
Dropless cataract surgery is available to most patients considering traditional cataract surgery, except for those with glaucoma, a history of a reaction to steroids, or a high risk of inflammation. An eye surgeon can tell you more about the procedure and decide if you are a candidate for dropless cataract surgery.
Recovery from Cataract Surgery
Cataract Consultation & Surgery Locations
Mesa
4171 North Mesa Street
Building D, Suite 100
El Paso, TX 79902
Common
1400 Common Drive
El Paso, TX 79936
James Cole, MD
Refractive Cataract Surgeon
Refractive Cataract Surgeon
Marc Ellman
Lawrence TaFoya, MD, PhD
Refractive Cataract Surgeon
"Dr. Tafoya was really great with my father. Explain things very clear and gave us the best options and allowed us to make the choice of how to proceed with my father‘s cataract surgery."
"Dr. Cole removed cataratas from both of my eyes and corrected my very acute astigmatism with toric lenses. During my visit to their facilities I noticed nothing but professionals assisting every patient kindly and promptly."
Copyright © 2025 Southwest Eye Institute. All rights reserved.
Serving El Paso, Las Cruces, and New Mexico for over 20 years!
Your vision is part of every moment that matters—watching the Texas sunrise, seeing your grandchild’s first drawing, driving across town with confidence. But when cataracts cloud those moments, life can start to feel out of focus.
At Southwest Eye Institute, we provide personalized cataract solutions that restore clarity and renew freedom. We’re here to help you see life clearly again because your vision deserves nothing less.
Are you tired of looking at the world around you through a dirty window? Have you stopped doing the things you love because cataracts impair your vision? After cataract surgery, you can expect the cloudiness and blurriness to be reduced, leading to clearer vision. However, what if you could enhance the outcome and reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses? In today’s modern world, people stay updated with technology for their phones, computers, cameras, and so much more. Why wouldn’t you want to do the same regarding your eyesight and seeing clearly?
The image above shows what many patients experience as they move through their cataract journey
Solutions for Your Vision
Does Cataract Surgery Hurt?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. It typically takes 15–20 minutes per eye, and most patients are surprised by how quick and easy the experience is.
The procedure is safe and effective, with minimal discomfort. Most people report that it was far more comfortable than expected, and any mild irritation afterward usually fades within a day or two.
Our Trusted Surgeons with Decades of Experience
The images below shows what many patients experience as they move through their cataract journey
Calvin McNelly, MD
Refractive Cataract Surgeon
"Dr. McNelly explained the entire process to me and made me very relaxed for the procedure. If I had more eyes with cataracts I would certainly go see Dr McNelly at the Vista Surgery Center again."
"An unusual combination of superb surgical skill, confidence, and empathy in a gentleman who is very humble."
Light Adjustable Lens
Provides the highest degree of precision. After your eye has fully healed, you can adjust your vision after cataract surgery until your prescription is right for you.
Las Cruces
2301 Saturn Circle
Las Cruces, NM 88012
Dyer
9235 Dyer St
El Paso, TX 79924
Resler
150 S. Resler Drive
El Paso, TX 79912