Cataract Surgery Cost in Lucknow: CGHS, Govt & Private

Quick Answer

Cataract surgery in Lucknow can be covered by government schemes, paid for by the government out-of-pocket, or paid for privately. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers fixed package rates for eligible beneficiaries, which include central government employees and pensioners. These rates cover most aspects of the surgery, but the cost of the intraocular lens (IOL) is reimbursed separately. For those not covered by CGHS, government hospitals offer services at subsidized rates. Private hospitals provide a range of options, with costs varying based on the technology used, the surgeon's experience, and the type of lens implanted.

The CGHS package rate for phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL (excluding the lens itself) is ₹14,450 for non-NABH accredited hospitals and ₹17,000 for NABH accredited hospitals, as of October 2025. The cost of the IOL is reimbursed separately by CGHS up to a certain limit. For Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with IOL, the CGHS rate is ₹11,390 for non-NABH and ₹13,400 for NABH accredited hospitals.

Government hospitals in Lucknow, such as King George Medical University (KGMU), offer cataract surgery at very low costs, ranging from approximately ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Other government institutions like RML Institute of Medical Sciences also provide affordable options.

Private sector costs for cataract surgery in Lucknow can range widely, from around ₹4,000 to ₹48,000 per eye. More advanced procedures like femto laser surgery with premium lenses can cost between ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000. The type of lens chosen significantly impacts the price, with monofocal lenses being the most economical and multifocal or toric lenses being more expensive.

Understanding Your Options

1. CGHS/Government Schemes:

If you are a central government employee, pensioner, or their dependent, you may be eligible for CGHS benefits. To avail of these services, you typically need a referral from your CGHS wellness center. Treatment is provided at CGHS-approved rates in empanelled hospitals. Cashless treatment is available for eligible beneficiaries. The CGHS rates are revised periodically, so it's always best to check the latest rates on the official CGHS website or with your wellness center.

The CGHS package rates for cataract surgery (excluding the IOL) are as follows, effective October 2025:

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

The cost of the IOL itself is reimbursed separately by CGHS up to its notified ceiling rate. For pediatric cataract surgery, the CGHS rate is ₹20,000 in metro cities (Tier X, NABH), ₹18,000 in Tier Y cities, and ₹16,000 in Tier Z cities, excluding the IOL cost.

Other government schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana also provide free or cashless cataract surgery for eligible economically weaker sections at empanelled hospitals.

2. Government Hospitals (Self-Pay):

If you are not covered by CGHS or other specific schemes, government hospitals offer cataract surgery at significantly lower rates than private facilities. King George Medical University (KGMU) is mentioned as providing very affordable options, with costs ranging from approximately ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Other government institutions also provide subsidized treatment.

3. Private Hospitals (Self-Pay Estimates):

In the private sector, the cost of cataract surgery in Lucknow can vary widely. The general price range is between ₹4,000 and ₹48,000 per eye. However, this can increase significantly depending on the technology and lens used.

Here's a breakdown of estimated costs in the private sector:

• Basic Cataract Surgery (e.g., ECCE, SICS): Can start from around ₹8,000 to ₹15,000.
• Phacoemulsification Surgery: Typically ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 for a standard monofocal IOL.
• Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS): Starts from around ₹25,000.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS/FLACS): This advanced procedure can cost from ₹42,000 to ₹1,50,000 or more.

Cost of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs):

The type of IOL implanted is a major factor in the overall cost.

• Monofocal Lenses: These are the most basic and cost-effective, often included in standard packages. Prices can range from ₹6,000 to ₹35,000 depending on the brand and type.
• Premium Lenses (Multifocal, Toric, EDOF): These offer better vision at multiple distances or correct astigmatism. They are significantly more expensive, with costs ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more per eye. For example, TECNIS Multifocal lenses can cost between ₹65,000 to ₹75,000, and TECNIS Synergy Toric lenses can range from ₹80,000 to ₹90,000.

Other Potential Costs:

• Pre-operative tests: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.
• Surgeon's fee: Can range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 or more.
• Hospital charges/Daycare: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000. Some sources indicate daycare costs around ₹3,000.
• Post-surgery medicines and spectacles: ₹3,000.

Practical Questions to Ask:

• What is included in the package price? Clarify if it covers pre-operative tests, the surgery, IOL, post-operative care, and medicines.
• What type of IOL is being used? Understand the difference between monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses and their implications for your vision and cost.
• Are there any additional charges for complications? Discuss potential scenarios and their associated costs.
• What is the surgeon's experience with this specific procedure?
• What are the payment options and any financing plans available?
• If I have insurance or a government scheme, what is the process for cashless treatment or reimbursement?

Government Schemes and Insurance:

• CGHS: For central government employees and pensioners. Requires a referral from a CGHS wellness center.
• Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Provides free or cashless treatment for eligible economically weaker sections. Requires an Ayushman card.
• ESIC: For insured workers and their dependents.
• National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI): Runs campaigns for cataract surgeries.

Important Note: Costs provided are estimates based on available information and can vary. It is crucial to get a detailed quote from the healthcare provider after a thorough eye examination.

Sources

• CGHS Cataract Surgery Package Rates (effective 13 October 2025)
• Cataract Surgery Cost in Lucknow (2026)
• Government Hospitals in Lucknow
• CGHS Empanelled Hospitals in Lucknow
• Ayushman Bharat Yojana for Cataract Surgery
• Cost Breakdown of Cataract Surgery
• Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) and their costs
• Other potential costs associated with cataract surgery