Cataract is the most common condition requiring assessment and referral from optometric practice. This article examines the features of the main morphological types of age-related cataract: nuclear cortical and posterior subcapsular. The steps to take in the assessment and management of cataract patients are discussed including: examination for cataract, visual assessment methods to confirm whether vision loss is present, discussion with the patient to establish if visual disability is present, and establishing criteria for referral.