I had cataract removal and a multifocus lens installed in my eye to correct astigmatism. The hand out stated that my final vision would be established between two and three months. At this point just several days after the operation both distance and close up vision are blurred. How long does it usually take before a genuine difference is noted?

Wow! A multifocus lens. When my cataract surgery was performed, that was not available. A standard lens was used on both eyes because the astigmatism was present in both eyes. Astigmatism lenses in glasses were used & worn only while driving at night because that was the only time the astigmatism was a problem. The follow-up visit was performed the day after surgery & the vision was nearly 20/20 at that point and was definitely 20/20 at the 6 week checkup.
The handout is probably correct about the long wait for final vision acuity because of the mulitfocus lens & the time it takes your body to adjust to this new lens. That is not good news now but if you eventually end up with perfect vision with no glasses then it is well worth the wait. The vision should improve daily. Each morning, my vision gave me a new surprise of sharpness that had long been forgotten.
The handout probably also explained that the vision may cloud 12-18 months after surgery. This caused by leftover remains of the original human lens becoming cloudy. This is treated quickly with the use of a laser to remove the remaining cloudy material. It's a 10 minute process.
The handout may also caution you to report any signs that appear like a curtain starting to close across your eyes. This typically starts on one side of the eye & gradually over weeks will begin to close across the vision of just one eye. DO NOT IGNORE THIS! See your doctor as soon as this symptom appears. It is very rare but does occur. It happened to me & was ignored until it was too late. If caught early, it is completely correctable by surgery. If you wait, surgery can still be performed but the results will be less effective. My right is now useless from a Detached Retina.
Don't worry! This condition was not caused by the cataract surgery. It happened years later.

Bones is correct. It does take the brain a while to understand and adjust to this multi-focal lens. Because remember this is a MULTI focal lens, not a bi or trifocal. So the brain has a lot to do, which it will (in time). When is/was your last check-up on the lens. If your worries persist, I would suggest going back to the surgeon that performed the procedure just for your own reassurance.

Thank you both. I am reassured.