This is an observational descriptive study with an analytical component. Consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation at the University College Hospital Ibadan and St Mary’s Catholic Eye Hospital Ago Iwoye, Nigeria were studied between May and October 2007. The study aimed at describing the satisfaction of patients with cataract surgical services and the impact of cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, in terms of visual function and vision- related quality of life among patients 40 years old and above in the two hospitals. The study also aims at highlighting the differences between the two centres with the purpose of bringing out the lessons that can be learnt from both centres. A total of 366 patients who presented to the two hospitals and met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered in the preoperative period from which the following information was obtained: demographic data, patient satisfaction with the preoperative services, and preoperative assessment of visual function using the Visual Function -14 tool. The second phase of data collection was in the immediate postoperative period to assess patient satisfaction with vision 1st day post surgery. The third phase of data collection was at 8 weeks postoperatively to assess patient satisfaction with postoperative care, subjective and objective visual outcome. Differences between the 2 hospitals were highlighted. Results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Significant association was taken at 95% confidence interval i.e. < 0.05. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic characteristics of the patients studied in the 2 hospitals. Two hundred and sixty eight patients (73.2%) were blind in the operated eye preoperatively while 91 patients (24.9%) were blind in both eyes at presentation. Mean patient satisfaction with preoperative care was better at St Mary’s Catholic Hospital (3.01 ± 0.65) than at the University College Hospital (2.89 ± 0.65) out of a total score of 4 points. However this difference was not statistically significant. Best corrected visual acuity after refraction at 8 weeks showed that 258 patients (81.1%) had good vision (6/6-6/18) in both hospitals while 42 patients (13.2%) had borderline vision (<6/18-6/60), and 18 patients (5.7%) had severe visual impairment (<6/60) out of 318 patients refracted. Forty-eight did not come for their postoperative refraction. Glaucoma was the commonest ocular co-morbidity accounting for 9.3% of patients 8 weeks after cataract surgery followed by age related maculopathy which accounted for 3.5% of patients. Prior to surgery, 105 patients (31.3%) had visual function score of 75% and above, however at 8 weeks after surgery, 306 patients (91.3%) had a visual function score of over 75%. Vision-related quality of life improved in 219 patients (65.4%). There was no statistically significant difference in the vision related quality of life of patients studied in the two hospitals (p = 0.48). Visual acuity at 8 weeks post surgery, ocular comorbidity, visual function assessment-14 scores and postoperative vision related quality of life were predictors of overall satisfaction with vision. Predictors of overall satisfaction with care were courtesy of health staff, pre-consultation waiting time and fulfilment of patient expectations. Patients who had cataract surgery at both hospitals showed that cataract surgery is an effective treatment in terms of improvement in visual acuity, postoperative visual function and patient’s opinion of quality of life. Further studies to address the long term satisfaction of patients with respect to visual function and quality of life after cataract surgery in our community is still necessary.