Abstract: A universal port/seal device is provided for ocular surgery, notably for cataract surgery. The device is inserted into an ocular incision and is adapted to serve as (1) a port for inserting, manipulating and withdrawing a surgical instrument, e.g., the tip of a phacoemulsification handpiece, so as to protect the surrounding tissue from mechanical and thermal injury, and (2) a seal to prevent leakage of fluid from the eye. The device comprises (1) a housing having an internal passageway that permits it to function as a cannula or port for a surgical instrument, (2) at least two jaws that are movable toward and away from one another and are shaped so as to (a) serve as a seal to prevent leakage from a surgical eye incision and (b) accommodate a surgical instrument or tool that is inserted between them via the housing's internal passageway, and (3) sealing member for preventing leakage of fluid via the housing's internal passageway while allowing relative movement of an inserted surgical device.