– Dr. Cyres Mehta Leads Mumbai’s Leap into Next-Generation Cataract Surgery –

Mumbai has once again placed itself firmly on the global medical innovation map becoming the first in Maharashtra and in Western India to introduce the state-of-the-art ‘UNITY Robotic 4D Cataract Surgery System’, a breakthrough that marks the next era in cataract care. At the helm of this advancement is Dr. Cyres Mehta, Chief of Surgery at the ‘International Eye Centre’, who has consistently brought global firsts to Indian eye care. Installed in January 2026 at the Centre at Colaba, this cutting-edge technology represents a decisive leap forward in precision, safety and visual outcomes for patients.

With only one such UNITY 4D system each, in Bangalore and Delhi so far, this technology was released internationally only recently, following its European launch in October 2025. Dr. Mehta trained extensively at the European Society convention in Copenhagen before introducing it to Mumbai, reinforcing his reputation as a surgeon who leads from the front when it comes to adopting transformative technologies.

Parsi Times (PT) speaks with Dr. Cyres Mehta in an exclusive interview about what makes 4D Robotic Cataract Surgery a game-changer and how it directly benefits patients.

PT: Mumbai is being described as a pioneer with the arrival of the UNITY Robotic 4D system. What makes this technology such a landmark development?
Dr. Cyres Mehta: This is the first true four-dimensional cataract removal technology. Earlier systems worked in a single plane. UNITY 4D operates dynamically, adapting continuously to the tissue inside the eye. It allows us to plan and execute each step of surgery with extraordinary precision, using advanced sensors and artificial intelligence. For patients, this translates into safer surgery, lower energy use inside the eye and faster recovery.

PT: How does this differ from conventional cataract surgery that patients may be familiar with?
Dr. Cyres Mehta: Traditional cataract surgery relies on an ultrasound tip that vibrates in one direction to break the cataract. While effective, it generates heat and requires higher energy, especially in dense cataracts. This can stress delicate eye tissues. UNITY 4D dramatically reduces that stress. The energy used is nearly one-fifth of earlier systems, which is a major advantage for healing and visual clarity.

PT: Laser-assisted cataract surgery was once considered revolutionary. Where does 4D technology stand in that journey?
Dr. Cyres Mehta: Laser-assisted surgery, introduced around 2016, was a big step forward. Lasers helped pre-fragment the cataract and create precise openings, reducing surgical effort. UNITY 4D builds on that foundation and takes it further. It combines robotic precision with real-time adaptation inside the eye, making it the next quantum leap rather than an incremental upgrade.

PT: Safety is always a concern for patients. What reassurances does this system offer?
Dr. Cyres Mehta: One of the most important features is its in-built thermal monitoring system. It actively prevents heat build-up inside the eye, something that was not previously available in cataract surgery. This significantly enhances safety, particularly in complex or hard cataracts, and protects sensitive ocular structures.

PT: How soon can patients expect visual recovery after surgery with this system?
Dr. Cyres Mehta: Recovery is noticeably faster. Many patients experience clear vision as early as the next day. Because the eye undergoes far less trauma during surgery, inflammation is reduced and healing is smoother. This is a meaningful improvement in the patient experience.

PT: Modern lifestyle lenses are becoming increasingly popular. How does UNITY 4D support these advanced implants?
Dr. Cyres Mehta: Trifocal and extended depth-of-focus lenses demand perfect positioning to deliver spectacle-free vision. Even a minor deviation can affect results. UNITY 4D allows for unmatched accuracy in lens placement, which is crucial for achieving the full benefits of these premium implants.

PT: Your centre is also the first in Western India to house both the Catalys laser and the UNITY 4D system. Why is this combination important?
Dr. Cyres Mehta: Having both systems gives us the ability to customise surgery to each patient’s eye and lifestyle needs. It reflects a comprehensive approach rather than a one-size-fits-all philosophy. This dual capability places Mumbai firmly at the forefront of global cataract care.

The introduction of UNITY Robotic 4D cataract surgery is yet another chapter in Dr. Cyres Mehta’s remarkable journey of innovation. Widely celebrated as the International Hero of Indian Ophthalmology, he has performed over 35,000 surgeries across a distinguished 25-year career. His International Eye Centre attracts patients from more than twenty countries and has been the launchpad for several national firsts, including Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery using the Catalys system in 2015.

In November 2025, Dr. Mehta was honoured with the Benedetto Strampelli Medal Lecture by the Società Oftalmologica Italiana in Rome, becoming the first Indian in twenty-five years to receive this rare distinction. The same month, he received the Subodh Agarwal Memorial Gold Medal from the Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society of India. His invitation to speak at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Congress in Copenhagen further underscored his global standing.

For patients, the arrival of UNITY 4D means access to the world’s most advanced cataract care, right here in Mumbai! For our community and the city, it is a moment of great pride to witness Dr. Cyres Mehta consistently redefining excellence in eye care. As world-class innovation is guided by compassion and integrity at Dr. Mehta’s ‘International Eye Centre’, Maharashtra claims its place on the global stage as a beacon of advanced and responsible vision care.