Cataract Surgery Cost in India: CGHS, Govt, Private & Insurance

Quick answer

Cataract surgery costs in India vary widely. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers set, lower rates for eligible individuals, often covering surgery and reimbursing for the lens separately. Government hospitals may provide very low-cost procedures, potentially from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per eye. Private hospitals have a broad cost range, starting around ₹15,000 for basic options and going up to over ₹2,00,000 for advanced methods. Health insurance usually covers cataract surgery after a waiting period, typically 1-2 years, but policy details like sub-limits per eye are crucial.

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

CGHS provides fixed rates for cataract surgery at empanelled hospitals. For phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL, rates were around ₹14,450 (non-NABH) and ₹17,000 (NABH) as of October 2025. These package rates often exclude the intraocular lens (IOL) cost, which is reimbursed separately up to a ceiling. Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with IOL (excluding IOL cost) rates were ₹13,400 in metro cities (Tier X, NABH), ₹12,060 in Tier Y, and ₹10,720 in Tier Z cities. Confirm current rates and coverage with your CGHS centre or hospital.

Government Hospitals

Government hospitals offer highly subsidized or free cataract surgery. Costs can be as low as ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per eye. The National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) aims to provide free surgeries nationwide. Some state-specific schemes, like Telangana's Kanti Velugu, offer surgery and all related services at no cost.

Private Hospitals and Clinics

Costs in private facilities depend on the surgical technique, IOL type, hospital facilities, and location.

• Surgical Techniques:
• Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS): ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per eye.
• Phacoemulsification (Phaco): ₹15,000 to ₹60,000 per eye.
• Micro Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS): ₹45,000 to ₹1,50,000 per eye.
• Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): ₹70,000 to ₹2,00,000 per eye.

• Intraocular Lenses (IOLs):
• Standard monofocal lenses are usually included in basic packages.
• Premium lenses (multifocal, toric, EDOF) add ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 per eye.

Overall private costs range from approximately ₹15,000 to ₹2,00,000 per eye.

Health Insurance

Most private health insurance plans cover cataract surgery as a daycare procedure, but check policy terms carefully:

• Waiting Periods: Coverage usually starts after 1-2 years. Pre-existing cataracts might have a longer waiting period (up to 3 years).
• Sub-limits: Policies often have a maximum coverage amount per eye, regardless of the total sum insured. For example, a ₹20 lakh policy might cap cataract surgery at ₹40,000 per eye.
• Coverage Scope: Basic surgery and IOLs are typically covered. Premium lenses or advanced techniques may require additional payment.
• Network Hospitals: For cashless treatment, use hospitals within your insurer's network.

Government Schemes:

• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Offers cashless treatment, including cataract surgeries, for eligible beneficiaries.
• Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana: Fully covers cataract surgery and related care in empanelled hospitals.
• Other State-Specific Schemes: Various states have their own health schemes covering cataract surgery.

Related guides

• Health Insurance Claims and Portability in India
• NRI Guide: Buying Health Insurance for Parents in India
• Cashless vs Reimbursement Claim in Health Insurance: A Guide
• Cataract Surgery Insurance Claim Rejected: Reasons & Next Steps
• Co-payment in Health Insurance: Room Rent Limits & Sub-limits Explained
• Does Health Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery? Cashless Claim Guide

Sources

• Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Rates for Cataract Surgery.
• Cataract Surgery Cost in India: What You Need to Know Before Your Procedure.

Disclaimer: This guide offers general information on cataract surgery costs in India. It is not a substitute for professional medical or financial advice. Costs vary, and consulting healthcare providers and insurance companies for personalized details is essential. Medical terms are explained within the text.