Cataract Surgery Cost in Surat: CGHS, Govt & Private

Quick answer

Cataract surgery in Surat offers several options. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides subsidized rates for eligible central government employees and pensioners at empanelled hospitals. Government hospitals offer self-pay options at lower costs than private facilities. Private hospitals provide self-pay surgery with costs varying widely based on technology and lens type.

Cataract Surgery Costs in Surat

Understanding the cost involves looking at subsidized schemes, government self-pay, and private self-pay options.

Subsidized Scheme Rates (CGHS)

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers cataract surgery at government-fixed rates, which are lower than private charges. This scheme is for central government employees and pensioners. You need to be registered with CGHS and get a referral to an empanelled hospital. The CGHS package rate for cataract surgery excludes the intraocular lens (IOL) cost, which is reimbursed separately up to a set limit.

For Phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL, the CGHS package rate is ₹14,450 for non-NABH accredited hospitals and ₹17,000 for NABH accredited hospitals. For Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) with IOL, the rate is ₹11,390 for non-NABH and ₹13,400 for NABH accredited hospitals. Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with IOL has the same rates as SICS.

These rates can change and depend on hospital accreditation and city tier. CGHS beneficiaries can receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals in Surat.

Government Hospital Self-Pay Rates

Government hospitals provide cataract surgery at lower costs than private facilities. Specific cash tariffs for Surat are not always published, but they are generally more affordable for self-paying patients. Costs can range from free to approximately ₹10,000. A referral might be needed for planned procedures, even for self-pay patients using CGHS rates.

Private Hospital Estimates

Private hospitals in Surat offer cataract surgery with costs influenced by the surgical method, the type of IOL, hospital reputation, and surgeon experience.

• General Cost Range: The estimated cost in private hospitals ranges from approximately ₹25,000 to ₹1,10,000 per eye. Other estimates place the range between ₹22,000 to ₹1,30,000.
• Surgical Techniques:
• Phacoemulsification Surgery: Costs typically range from ₹20,000 to ₹60,000.
• Micro Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS): This advanced technique can cost between ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000.
• Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): This premium option ranges from ₹42,000 to ₹1,50,000, with an average around ₹1,00,000.
• Intraocular Lens (IOL) Costs: The IOL type significantly impacts the total cost.
• Monofocal Lenses: These basic lenses range from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. Basic packages including a monofocal lens can start from ₹15,000.
• Multifocal Lenses: These advanced lenses cost between ₹35,000 to ₹75,000.
• Toric Lenses: Used for astigmatism, these range from ₹40,000 to ₹90,000. Premium lenses can add ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 to the total cost.

Factors Influencing Private Costs:

• Hospital Type: Super-speciality hospitals may charge more.
• Surgeon's Experience: Experienced surgeons may have higher fees.
• Technology: Advanced technologies like laser surgery increase costs.
• Additional Services: Pre- and post-operative care, medicines, and tests add to the bill.

Practical Questions

What is CGHS and how does it work for cataract surgery? CGHS is a health scheme for central government employees and pensioners. Eligible individuals can get cataract surgery at CGHS-approved rates in empanelled hospitals, usually with a referral from a CGHS wellness center. The scheme covers surgery costs, and IOL costs are reimbursed separately up to a limit.

What is the difference between CGHS rates and government self-pay rates? CGHS rates are subsidized for eligible beneficiaries. Government self-pay rates are for those not covered by CGHS using government hospitals. These are generally lower than private costs but may not be as low as CGHS rates.

What factors determine the cost of cataract surgery in private hospitals? Costs depend on the surgery type (Phacoemulsification, MICS, Laser), the IOL type (monofocal, multifocal, toric), hospital facilities, and surgeon's fees.

Are there any government schemes other than CGHS that might cover cataract surgery? Yes, schemes like Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and ECHS (for ex-servicemen) may cover cataract surgery, subject to eligibility criteria.

What is included in the CGHS package rate for cataract surgery? The CGHS package typically covers admission, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, operation theatre charges, nursing, investigations, medicines, and standard accommodation. IOL cost is usually reimbursed separately.

Can I get cataract surgery done for free in Surat? Some government schemes aim for free or highly subsidized treatment based on eligibility. Government hospitals offer very low costs, and some schemes might cover the entire expense.

Technical Details and Rates

CGHS Cataract Surgery Package Rates (Effective October 13, 2025) These rates exclude the Intraocular Lens (IOL) cost, which is reimbursed separately.

• 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: Rates can vary based on

Sources

• HexaHealth - List of CGHS Rate for Cataract Surgery in India
• - Cataract Surgery Cost in Surat