Cataracts—clouding of the natural eye lens—are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. The good news? Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine. In India, it’s also remarkably affordable compared to many other countries, making quality eye care accessible to millions.
In this guest post, we’ll explore the average cost of cataract surgery in India, the factors that influence pricing, and options for patients seeking affordable treatment.
What Does Cataract Surgery Cost in India?
The cost of cataract treatment depends on the type of procedure, lens used, and hospital.
- General Range: ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000 per eye
- Standard Phacoemulsification with monofocal lens: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000
- Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS): ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 (cost-effective option)
In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, costs tend to be on the higher end, while regional or government hospitals often charge less.
Factors That Influence the Cost
- Type of Surgery – MSICS is the most affordable, while laser-assisted surgeries are premium
- Lens Choice (IOL):
- Monofocal IOLs: Cheaper, but limited to single-distance vision.
- Multifocal/Toric IOLs: Advanced lenses offering wider vision correction, but at higher cost.
- Hospital Type & Location: Government facilities and charitable hospitals are often subsidized; private hospitals offer premium packages.
- Surgeon’s Expertise: Highly experienced specialists may charge more.
- Additional Services: Pre-operative tests, medications, and follow-up visits add to the final bill.
Affordable & Free Options
India has an extensive network of charitable and government hospitals offering low-cost or free cataract surgeries:
- Aravind Eye Hospitals (Tamil Nadu): Pioneers in high-volume, low-cost eye care with global recognition.
- Sankara Eye Hospital (Coimbatore): Performs over 150,000 free eye surgeries annually using an 80:20 cross-subsidy model.
- Sankara Nethralaya (Chennai): Offers free and subsidized cataract surgeries through outreach programs.
- Government Initiatives: States like Maharashtra are funding mass free cataract surgeries through public hospitals.
Quick Cost Snapshot
| Type of Surgery | Estimated Cost per Eye (INR) |
|---|---|
| MSICS (Manual) | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Phaco + Monofocal Lens | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| FLACS (Laser-Assisted) | ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Premium Lenses (Multifocal/Toric) | Add ₹20,000 – ₹50,000+ |
| Subsidized/Govt Programs | Often Free – ₹10,000 |
Final Thoughts
Cataract surgery in India offers a unique balance of world-class medical expertise and affordability. With costs starting as low as ₹8,000 in some hospitals and premium options available for those who want advanced technology, patients have flexible choices.
If you or a loved one is considering cataract surgery, it’s important to:
- Compare hospitals and packages.
- Ask about the type of lens included.
- Explore government and charitable hospitals if cost is a concern.
With the right planning, cataract treatment in India can restore vision without creating a financial burden.
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