AIM: To compare the short-term visual outcomes, residual refractive cylinder, and rotation stability after Tecnis toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (Femto phaco) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery (Conventional phaco). METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, Conventional phaco and Femto phaco (anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation by a femtosecond laser) with Tecnis toric IOL implantation were performed in 40 eyes from 36 patients and 37 eyes from 33 patients, respectively. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and manifest refraction were assessed during 1d, 1wk, and 1mo follow-ups. The orientation of the Tecnis Toric IOL was evaluated during 1wk and 1mo follow-ups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in UDCA or CDVA between two groups at 1mo postoperatively, though relatively more subjects had UDVA values of 20/25 or better in Femto phaco group than in the Conventional group (P>0.05). A lower but not significantly lower rate of having more than 5° of IOL rotation was observed in Femto phaco group at the 1-month follow-up, while a significant lower rate of residual astigmatism of ≤1 D was observed in Femto phaco group. CONCLUSION: The Femto phaco group has significantly more subjects with the residual astigmatism of ≤1 D, but there are no significant differences in rotation stability and visual outcomes as compared with the Conventional phaco group after the application of the Tecnis toric IOL in this cohort.