Cataract Surgery Cost in Guwahati: CGHS, Govt & Private

Quick answer

Cataract surgery in Guwahati can be covered by government schemes like CGHS, paid for by the government directly, or paid for privately. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers cashless treatment or reimbursement for eligible beneficiaries at empanelled hospitals. For those not covered by CGHS, government hospitals offer self-pay options, often at lower rates than private facilities. Private hospitals provide a range of options, with costs varying based on the technology used and the type of lens implanted.

CGHS beneficiaries can receive treatment at CGHS-approved rates. For phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL (excluding the IOL cost), the CGHS rate is ₹15,300 per eye in non-NABH accredited facilities and ₹17,000 in NABH-accredited facilities. The cost of the IOL itself is reimbursed separately by CGHS up to a certain limit. Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with IOL (excluding the IOL cost) has a CGHS rate of ₹13,400 in metro cities (Tier X, NABH), ₹12,060 in Tier Y cities, and ₹10,720 in Tier Z cities, effective from October 13, 2025.

Government hospitals like Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) offer cataract surgery at subsidized rates. Prices can range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 at GMCH. Some government schemes, like Ayushman Bharat and Atal Amrit Abhiyan (an Assam state scheme), may cover cataract surgery for eligible families, potentially making it free of cost at empanelled hospitals.

Private cataract surgery costs in Guwahati can range significantly. Standard phacoemulsification with a monofocal IOL typically costs between ₹15,000 to ₹35,000. More advanced procedures like femtosecond laser-assisted surgery with premium multifocal or trifocal IOLs can cost much higher, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000 or even up to ₹1,50,000 for laser cataract surgery. The overall cost can range from ₹4,000 to ₹1,30,000 or more, depending on the chosen lens and technology.

Understanding Cataract Surgery Costs in Guwahati

Cataract surgery is a common procedure to restore vision when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy. In Guwahati, the cost can vary widely. This guide helps you understand the different pricing structures.

CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) Rates

If you are a CGHS beneficiary, you can get treatment at approved rates. CGHS has empanelled eye centers in Guwahati. For procedures like phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL (excluding the IOL itself), the rate is ₹15,300 per eye in non-NABH accredited hospitals and ₹17,000 in NABH accredited hospitals. The cost of the Intraocular Lens (IOL) is reimbursed separately by CGHS up to its notified ceiling rate. Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with IOL (excluding the IOL cost) has a CGHS rate of ₹13,400 in metro cities (Tier X, NABH), ₹12,060 in Tier Y cities, and ₹10,720 in Tier Z cities, effective from October 13, 2025. You will likely need a referral from your CGHS wellness center for planned procedures.

Government Hospitals (Self-Pay)

Government hospitals offer a more affordable option for those not covered by CGHS or other schemes. Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) is a primary government hospital in Guwahati. Cataract surgery at GMCH can range from approximately ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Some state and national government health schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat and Atal Amrit Abhiyan (an Assam state scheme), may cover cataract surgery for eligible individuals, potentially making the procedure free of cost at empanelled facilities.

Private Hospitals and Clinics

In the private sector, the cost of cataract surgery in Guwahati can range from ₹4,000 to ₹1,30,000 or more per eye. This wide range depends on several factors:

• Type of Intraocular Lens (IOL): This is a major cost driver.
• Monofocal Lenses: These are the most basic and least expensive, typically costing between ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. They usually provide clear vision at one distance, meaning you might still need reading glasses. Standard phaco surgery with a monofocal lens can cost around ₹15,000 to ₹35,000.
• Multifocal/Trifocal Lenses: These advanced lenses can provide clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), potentially reducing or eliminating the need for glasses. They are more expensive, with costs ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 extra per eye.
• Toric Lenses: These are designed to correct astigmatism along with cataract removal, and their cost can range from ₹15,000 upwards.

• Surgical Technique: - Phacoemulsification (Phaco): This is the most common and widely used technique, involving an ultrasonic probe to break up the cataract. It usually requires a small incision. Costs for standard phaco surgery with a monofocal IOL are typically between

Sources

• Cataract Surgery Cost in Guwahati 2026: Real Prices from Hospitals Compared
• Cataract Surgery Cost in Guwahati - Medifee
• Cataract Surgery Cost In guwahati - Get Price Estimate -
• CGHS Empanelled Eye Centres in Guwahati — 2 Facilities (2026)
• Laser Cataract Surgery Cost in Guwahati - Calculate Estimated Cost - HexaHealth
• Guwahati Eye Centre - CGHS Hospitals
• Best Cghs Empanelled Eye Clinics Near me in Guwahati - Justdial
• CGHS Cataract Surgery Rate List (Phaco + IOL) - Zospital
• Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with… · CGHS Rate
• Cataract Surgery Cost in India: Complete Guide - Ditto Insurance
• Government Schemes Covering Cataract Surgery in India - Dayal Eye Centre