The aim of this study was to establish that day case cataract surgery can be performed without the establishment of a dedicated day case unit. We compare the results of 100 consecutive day case cataract cases without such facility, with similar number of cataract operations amongst in-patients. All patients had standard extracapsular cataract extraction with intra-ocular lens implantation under local anaesthesia without pre-operative sedation in the day case group and the same procedure was carried out in the in-patient group under either local or general anaesthesia according to patient preference. Patients were assessed on first post-operative day, then at 2 and 6 weeks. They were also questioned about their satisfaction with the procedure. Post-operative results were comparable in the two groups. There were few complications. Most patients were satisfied with the quality of care. It was concluded that with careful assessment and counselling, day case cataract surgery can be performed successfully without setting up a dedicated day case unit.