Had "Lasik" eye surgery done long ago and the results were life-changing (20/250 to 20/20). Had cataract surgery this year on both eyes, opted for cheaper lenses. Night vision (oncoming headlights, reflective road signs) improved remarkably but close vision did not.
Pick an opthomoligist (SP?) who's done thousands, not the one just back from a seminar. I'd have it done again, but opt for the best lenses. At least now, when I'm lost, I can read those road signs.
A few thoughts and points, Sheriffjohn: You are ever so correct to go to an Ophthalmologist eye surgeon who has done a great many cataracts, if at all possible.
However no one will get perfect close plus far vision from replacing your own clouded eye lenses with new ones. Removing the clouded lens means there is no longer an inborn mechanism present to alter the form of the lens and thus allow good vision at any distance.
My wife had her cataracts done about three years before I did, and got the usual long-distance-vision lenses. This means she needs reading glasses, and "cheater" cheap glasses for open sights on her guns or bow. But as a retired Physician myself, I was astonished to learn that the Surgical Clinic had a whole array of possible lens implants. All I had to do was
ask about the alternative lenses and
say what I wanted.
In my case, I have worn glasses since as long as I can remember, and that fact has saved my eyes a great number of times, both in the shop and hobbies, and especially in the fields and forests. So I opted for the reverse of the usual, and got lenses put in which give me excellent vision at about 16-18" for book reading in my lap (right eye), and also excellent vision at about 22" for computer work (left eye). Since this is not commonly done, to my knowledge, I was amazed that my surgeon knew just what lenses to put in to achieve both goals, from his large lens inventory.
What this means is that I can function around the house just fine without glasses, but must put on my glasses to drive and go about outdoors. This forces me to have my lifelong eye protection (glasses) when I am afield. And they give me 20-15 long distance vision! I highly recommend this option to hunters and shooters, to protect your eyes. But do discuss it with your surgeon at least a couple weeks in advance, in case they do not have what you need in stock, or your surgeon needs to discuss the best closeup lenses for you with colleagues.
Aloha, Ka'imiloa