AIM：To investigate the clinical effect and comprehension of the small incision extracapsular enucleation combined with intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of cataract in primary level hospital. METHODS：From January 2001 to December 2011, 2713 cases (3029 eyes) underwent small incision extracapsular enucleation combined with intraocular lens implantation, and the suitability of the surgery and treatment effects were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative vision was improved significantly, one day after operation, 2963 eyes(97.82%)whose visual acuity was better than 0.05 could obtain bright light. 2671 eyes (88.18%) whose visual acuity was better than 0.3 could get rid of disability. Seven day after operation, 3011 eyes (99.41%) whose visual acuity was better than 0.05 could obtain bright light. 2787 eyes (92.01%) whose visual acuity was better than 0.3 could get rid of disability. 3023 eyes (99.80%) implanted intraocular lens, main postoperative complications included 180 eyes of iritis,195 eyes of corneal edema, 138 eyes of post-capsular rupture, 30 eyes of iris damage（15 eyes of iridodialysis）, 23 eyes of intraocular hypertension, 25 eyes of hyphema and 24 eyes of crystalline lens residual.All complications could be cured by active treatment. The operation was simple and had less complications. CONCLUSION: The technique of small incision possesses satisfactory result, simple operation and cheap equipment, suitable for patients with cataract from poor areas in primary level hospital.