Cataract Surgery Cost in Kolkata: CGHS, Govt & Private

Quick Answer

Cataract surgery in Kolkata can be accessed through different avenues, each with varying costs. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers subsidized rates for eligible beneficiaries, which include central government employees and pensioners. These rates are significantly lower than private sector costs and cover the surgery as a package, though the cost of the intraocular lens (IOL) is often reimbursed separately.

Government hospitals in Kolkata provide highly subsidized or nearly free cataract surgery. While these options are the most affordable, they may involve longer waiting times.

Private hospitals and clinics offer a wide range of options, from standard procedures to advanced laser surgeries with premium lenses. The costs in the private sector are the highest, with prices varying based on the technology used, the type of IOL, and the hospital's facilities.

CGHS and Government Scheme Rates

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has set package rates for cataract surgery. For phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL, the CGHS rate is approximately ₹14,450 for non-NABH accredited hospitals and ₹17,000 for NABH-accredited hospitals, effective from October 13, 2025. For Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with IOL, the rate is ₹11,390 (non-NABH) and ₹13,400 (NABH) per eye, excluding the IOL cost. These package rates generally cover the surgery, surgeon's fees, anesthesia, operation theatre charges, and standard medicines. However, the cost of the intraocular lens (IOL) is typically reimbursed separately by CGHS up to a notified ceiling rate.

West Bengal also has schemes like 'Chokher Alo' that aim to provide free eye care, including cataract surgery, to those in need, especially senior citizens and the economically disadvantaged.

Government Hospital Cash Pay Rates

Government hospitals in Kolkata, such as SSKM Hospital and NRS Medical College, offer cataract surgery at very low costs, ranging from approximately ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. These rates are highly subsidized, making them the most economical option. However, patients may experience longer waiting periods for appointments and procedures in government facilities.

Private Sector Estimates

In the private sector in Kolkata, the cost of cataract surgery can vary significantly. Basic procedures like Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) might start from around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per eye. Phacoemulsification, a more common modern technique, typically ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 for a standard procedure with a monofocal IOL.

Advanced procedures like Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS) can cost between ₹25,000 and ₹1.2 lakh. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is the most advanced and can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1.2 lakh or even higher, especially when combined with premium lenses.

The cost of the intraocular lens (IOL) is a major factor in the overall expense. Monofocal lenses are the most basic and affordable, while multifocal, toric, and Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses, which offer correction for distance, near, and astigmatism, are considerably more expensive. For example, monofocal lenses can range from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000, while premium lenses can cost ₹30,000 to over ₹1,00,000 per eye.

Practical Questions for Patients

What is CGHS and who is eligible? The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is a healthcare program for central government employees, pensioners, and their dependents. It provides access to medical services, including cataract surgery, at subsidized rates in empanelled hospitals.

How do I avail CGHS benefits for cataract surgery? Eligible CGHS beneficiaries need a referral from their CGHS wellness center and prior permission for planned surgeries. They can then seek cashless treatment at CGHS-empanelled hospitals up to the approved CGHS rates.

What is the difference between government and private hospital costs? Government hospitals offer highly subsidized or free treatment, but may have long waiting lists. Private hospitals offer more flexibility and advanced options but at a higher cost.

What factors influence the cost of cataract surgery in the private sector? The cost depends on the surgical technique (e.g., SICS, Phacoemulsification, Laser), the type of intraocular lens (IOL) chosen (monofocal, multifocal, toric), the surgeon's experience, and the hospital's facilities and location.

Does health insurance cover cataract surgery? Most health insurance policies cover cataract surgery, often after a waiting period. However, they usually cover the cost of standard monofocal lenses. If you opt for premium lenses, the additional cost is typically out-of-pocket. It is important to check your specific policy for coverage details and any sub-limits.

CGHS Cataract Surgery Package Rates (Effective October 13, 2025)

These rates are generally for a package that includes surgery, anesthesia, and post-operative care, but often exclude the cost of the IOL.

• Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL / PMMA IOL / MICS, per eye (excluding lens):
• Non-NABH: ₹14,450
• NABH: ₹17,000
• Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with IOL, per eye (excluding lens):
• Non-NABH: ₹11,390
• NABH: ₹13,400
• Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with IOL, per eye (excluding lens):
• Non-NABH: ₹11,390
• NABH: ₹13,400

*Note: These rates are subject to revision and may vary based on hospital accreditation (NABH) and city tier. The published rates are typically for semi-private wards.*

Government Hospital Estimates (Kolkata)

• SSKM Hospital / NRS Medical College: Approximately ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per eye.

Private Sector Estimates (Kolkata)

• Basic Procedures (e.g., SICS): Starting from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per eye.
• Standard Phacoemulsification with Monofocal IOL: ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 per eye.
• Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS): ₹25,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per eye.
• Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): ₹50,000 to ₹1.2 lakh or more per eye.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Costs (Estimates)

• Monofocal Lenses: ₹5,000 to ₹35,000 per eye (depending on brand and type).
• Toric Lenses (for astigmatism): ₹15,000 to ₹90,000+ per eye.
• Multifocal/Trifocal Lenses: ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000+ per eye.

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