The purpose of this study is to compare the usefulness of Maddox rod and light projection as potential tests in patients with operable cataract. It was a prospective observational hospital-based study in a cohort of 123 eyes of 105 patients booked for cataract extraction at E.C.W.A Eye Hospital, Kano. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively with Maddox rod and light projection tests and the test results marched with the post-operative visual outcome. The result showed Maddox rod test had a positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of 52%, 69% and 29% within 1 line of visual acuity (6/9+ 1 line) respectively in patients who gave a grade 1 response. The corresponding values for light projection test were 54%, 100% and 5% representing positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity respectively within 1 line of visual acuity in patients with grade 1 response. In view of their simplicity, both tests can be combined as useful potential vision tests in cataract patients taking advantage of the excellent qualitative screening property of light projection test and the relatively good quantitative property of Maddox rod test. A more precise potential vision test may however be indicated in certain subset of patients with dense cataract.