CGHS Eye Test Rate List: OCT, Perimetry, A-Scan and Corneal Topography

Eye tests are what a beneficiary actually pays for most often — the scans before cataract surgery, the field test that tracks glaucoma, the OCT that follows a retinal problem.

The 2025 memorandum lists them individually, and almost all of them are priced for both eyes together. The tables below give the rate for each.

CGHS Rates for Routine Eye Tests (effective 13 October 2025)

Rates are for both eyes unless the OM says otherwise. Super-speciality hospitals are billed at the NABH rate for these codes.

• Refraction with auto-refraction, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 170
• Refraction with auto-refraction, both eyes, NABH — Rs 200
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy (fundoscopy), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 255
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy (fundoscopy), both eyes, NABH — Rs 300
• 90D lens or three-mirror examination for retina, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 128
• 90D lens or three-mirror examination for retina, both eyes, NABH — Rs 150
• Schirmer test (dry eye), Non-NABH — Rs 255
• Schirmer test (dry eye), NABH — Rs 300
• Orthoptic check-up with synoptophore, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 170
• Orthoptic check-up with synoptophore, both eyes, NABH — Rs 200
• Lees or Hess charting, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 255
• Lees or Hess charting, both eyes, NABH — Rs 300

Glaucoma Tests

• Non-contact tonometry (NCT), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 128
• Non-contact tonometry (NCT), both eyes, NABH — Rs 150
• Intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 170
• Intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry, both eyes, NABH — Rs 200
• Intraocular pressure with Schiotz tonometer, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 85
• Intraocular pressure with Schiotz tonometer, both eyes, NABH — Rs 100
• Diurnal variation of intraocular pressure, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,275
• Diurnal variation of intraocular pressure, both eyes, NABH — Rs 1,500
• Gonioscopy, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 255
• Gonioscopy, both eyes, NABH — Rs 300
• Automated perimetry / Humphrey visual field test, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 680
• Automated perimetry / Humphrey visual field test, both eyes, NABH — Rs 800
• Goldmann perimetry (visual field testing), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 425
• Goldmann perimetry (visual field testing), both eyes, NABH — Rs 500
• Fundus photo / disc photo for glaucoma, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 425
• Fundus photo / disc photo for glaucoma, both eyes, NABH — Rs 500

Retina and Cornea Imaging

• OCT (optical coherence tomography) / ocular OCT angiography, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,785
• OCT (optical coherence tomography) / ocular OCT angiography, both eyes, NABH — Rs 2,100
• Fluorescein angiography of fundus or iris, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,700
• Fluorescein angiography of fundus or iris, both eyes, NABH — Rs 2,000
• Indocyanine green angiography, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,700
• Indocyanine green angiography, both eyes, NABH — Rs 2,000
• Ultrasound B-scan, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 425
• Ultrasound B-scan, both eyes, NABH — Rs 500
• Ultrasound A-scan / optical biometry (IOL Master, Lenstar), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 850
• Ultrasound A-scan / optical biometry (IOL Master, Lenstar), both eyes, NABH — Rs 1,000
• Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 850
• Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), both eyes, NABH — Rs 1,000
• Corneal topography / Pentacam, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,700
• Corneal topography / Pentacam, both eyes, NABH — Rs 2,000
• Corneal pachymetry (central corneal thickness), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 451
• Corneal pachymetry (central corneal thickness), both eyes, NABH — Rs 530
• Corneal endothelial cell count with specular microscopy, both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 510
• Corneal endothelial cell count with specular microscopy, both eyes, NABH — Rs 600

Electrophysiology Tests

• Electroretinogram (ERG), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,530
• Electroretinogram (ERG), both eyes, NABH — Rs 1,800
• Visually evoked potential (VEP), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,530
• Visually evoked potential (VEP), both eyes, NABH — Rs 1,800
• Electro-oculogram (EOG), both eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 1,760
• Electro-oculogram (EOG), both eyes, NABH — Rs 2,070

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Rates Are for Both Eyes

Unlike eye surgery, which is priced per eye, the ophthalmology investigation codes in the 2025 memorandum are written for both eyes. An OCT at Rs 1,785 (non-NABH) covers both eyes, not one.

Tests Before Cataract Surgery

The A-scan or optical biometry that calculates the lens power is Rs 850 (non-NABH), and specular microscopy for the corneal endothelial cell count is Rs 510. These are separate from the cataract surgery package, which itself excludes the intraocular lens.

How CGHS Package Rates Work

A CGHS package rate is an all-inclusive amount covering admission, surgeon and anaesthetist charges, operation theatre, nursing, routine investigations, medicines and accommodation for the standard length of stay. For an investigation, the rate is the whole charge for that test at an empanelled facility.

The 2025 memorandum lists three columns for every code: a non-NABH rate, a NABH rate that is about 15% higher, and for some categories a further super-speciality rate. Which column applies depends on the accreditation status of the hospital or laboratory you are treated at, not on your ward entitlement.

High-value implants, stents, lenses and devices are not part of the package. Where a code says the rate excludes an implant or a drug, that item is reimbursed separately against its own notified ceiling.

Referral and Prior Permission

For planned (non-emergency) procedures, a CGHS beneficiary needs a referral from the CGHS wellness centre and prior permission from the competent authority. Emergency treatment at an empanelled hospital is reimbursed up to CGHS rates without prior permission.

For investigations, the test has to be prescribed by a CGHS medical officer or by a specialist at a government or empanelled hospital for the empanelled laboratory to bill it as a cashless CGHS test.

• Carry a valid CGHS card and follow your ward entitlement (based on pay or pension)
• Use an empanelled hospital or laboratory for cashless treatment up to CGHS rates
• Obtain prior permission and a referral for planned surgery
• Ask for the OM code the hospital is billing against, and check it against the rate list

These Rates Are Revised

CGHS revises its package rates periodically, and the memorandum in force on the date of your treatment is the one that applies. The figures on this page are from the memorandum effective 13 October 2025. Before you plan a procedure, confirm the current figure for your code on the official memorandum linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CGHS rate for an OCT eye test?

Optical coherence tomography, including ocular OCT angiography, is Rs 1,785 (non-NABH) and Rs 2,100 (NABH) for both eyes, under the rates effective 13 October 2025.

What does CGHS pay for a visual field test?

Automated perimetry, the Humphrey visual field test, is Rs 680 (non-NABH) and Rs 800 (NABH) for both eyes. Goldmann perimetry is a separate code at Rs 425 and Rs 500.

Is the A-scan before cataract surgery covered?

Yes. Ultrasound A-scan or optical biometry using an IOL Master or Lenstar is Rs 850 (non-NABH) and Rs 1,000 (NABH) for both eyes, and is billed separately from the cataract surgery package.

Are spectacles covered under these rates?

No. These codes cover the tests themselves, such as refraction at Rs 170 (non-NABH). Spectacles and contact lenses are dealt with under separate CGHS rules, so check the current position with your wellness centre.

Related

• CGHS cataract surgery rate list
• CGHS retina surgery rate list
• CGHS eye surgery rate list
• CGHS rate list for common procedures

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.