Purpose: Patients undergoing cataract surgery in New Zealand's district health boards do not have access to premium lenses for correcting surgical presbyopia. This study aims to portray monovision (MV) as a viable technique using surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction rates. Method: A retrospective study of patients offered MV in the Hawkes Bay district between January 2020 and May 2021 was conducted. Target refraction for near vision (NV) was aimed between -1.0D and -2.0D. Contact lens trial for MV tolerance was not performed. Pre and postoperative visual acuities (VA) and refraction were collected. A visual function questionnaire was used to gauge patient satisfaction. Results: Seventy patients, averaging 71.8 years of age, underwent MV. The target refraction for NV was between -1.0 and -2.0 dioptres (D), averaging at -1.35D. Distance vision was improved from a mean of 6/20 to 6/7.5 with an average spherical equivalent of -0.1D. NV was improved from best corrected VA of N9 to uncorrected VA of N7, with an average spherical equivalent of -1.43D. Ninety-two percent of patients were satisfied with their visual outcome. Three patients reported symptoms consistent with reduced stereopsis. Nineteen percent reported spectacle independence. Conclusion: Limited resources prevent district health boards from funding premium lenses and patients' ability to afford spectacles. MV requires no additional visits and utilises currently funded lenses which add no further financial burden to both the hospital and patients by reducing spectacle dependence. Meticulous patient selection and in-depth discussion about patient expectations is vital in achieving patient satisfaction and good visual outcomes.
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