Cataract is still the leading cause of blindness worldwide. The majority of cataracts are relatively straightforward to remove, but there is a substantial group of patients in whom cataract surgery will be more challenging. Whether this is due to factors related to the patient, such as diabetes or a systemic inflammatory condition; or factors related to the eye itself, such as corneal endothelial dystrophy, glaucoma or a small pupil; preparation of the surgeon, the equipment and the eye team will ensure that patients receive the best possible visual outcomes.