How much does cataract surgery cost in Varanasi?

Cataract surgery cost in Varanasi ranges from ₹18,000-25,000 (standard monofocal IOL) to ₹70,000-1,10,000 per eye (premium trifocal IOL). Aspheric monofocal ₹25,000-35,000, extended monofocal ₹40,000-45,000, toric monofocal ₹40,000-60,000, EDOF ₹50,000-1,00,000. Prices are for the surgery + IOL only; biometry, OPD visits, medicines and YAG capsulotomy are billed separately.

Is cataract surgery covered under Ayushman Bharat in Varanasi?

Yes — Shantanu Netralaya is empanelled under Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY). The scheme covers only an IOL implant worth approximately ₹3,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Which option applies to your case and any out-of-pocket amount is clarified at the hospital — message us on WhatsApp before you visit.

Which IOL is best for cataract surgery?

There's no universal 'best' IOL — the right choice depends on your lifestyle. If you're happy with reading glasses, a standard monofocal is fine. If you want to eliminate glasses entirely, a trifocal or EDOF is better. If you have significant astigmatism, a toric IOL is essential.

Is same-day discharge safe after cataract surgery?

Same-day discharge is the current international standard for uncomplicated cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. For most patients, this involves arriving in the morning, surgery, a couple of hours of observation and discharge by early afternoon. Cases with additional risk factors may be advised a longer observation or overnight stay.

Transparent Pricing

Cataract Surgery Cost in Varanasi — Every IOL Option, Every Price Tier

Honest, itemised cataract surgery pricing at Shantanu Netralaya. Ranges reflect the IOL brand tier + insurance category — not hidden fees. Ayushman Bharat and all major cashless TPAs accepted.

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IOL tier pricing

Cost by IOL choice, not by upselling

Standard monofocal IOL

Patients happy with reading glasses; single-focus vision (distance OR near).

₹18,000 – ₹25,000

Cashless with most private TPAs — policies typically cover a package of approx ₹25,000–30,000.

Aspheric monofocal (premium optics)

Patients wanting sharper night driving vision; single-focus.

₹25,000 – ₹35,000

Cashless with most private insurance policies — your policy covers approx ₹25,000–30,000 and the difference is borne by you, depending on final authorisation by the insurer.

Extended monofocal (functional near-intermediate)

Patients wanting slightly extended range beyond a standard monofocal, without upgrading to EDOF.

₹40,000 – ₹45,000

Cashless with private policies — the difference above your policy's package (approx ₹25,000–30,000) is borne by you, depending on final authorisation by the insurer.

Toric monofocal (astigmatism correction)

Patients with >1.5 D corneal astigmatism who want reduced spectacle dependence for distance vision.

₹40,000 – ₹60,000

Cashless with most private policies — the difference above your policy's package (approx ₹25,000–30,000) is borne by you, depending on final authorisation by the insurer.

EDOF (Extended Depth-of-Focus)

Patients wanting distance + intermediate (dashboard, computer) with reduced dependence on glasses.

₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000

Cashless approvals available — the difference above your policy's package (approx ₹25,000–30,000) is borne by you, depending on final authorisation by the insurer.

Trifocal / Panoptix (multifocal)

Patients wanting reduced spectacle dependence at distance, intermediate and near.

₹70,000 – ₹1,10,000 per eye

Cashless on most policies — the difference above your policy's package (approx ₹25,000–30,000) is borne by you, depending on final authorisation by the insurer.

What the price INCLUDES

The surgical procedure — Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS) via 2.2 mm phacoemulsification
The IOL (intraocular lens) at the tier chosen
Topical anaesthesia (drops only, no injection); same-day discharge for uncomplicated cases
Operating theatre + consumables charges
Surgeon and support-staff fees

What is NOT included

Pre-operative biometry (IOL power calculation) — billed separately as an OPD investigation
OPD consultation visits (before and after surgery)
Post-operative eye drops and other medicines
YAG capsulotomy laser (if needed later, usually 6-24 months after surgery for capsular opacification)
Systemic pre-anaesthesia workup (usually done by patient's physician)
Complications from uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension not disclosed pre-op
Bilateral surgery on the same day (billed separately per eye)

Interactive calculator

Get an instant estimate — try the calculator

Pick your IOL tier, insurance scenario and one/both eyes. The interactive calculator returns a live out-of-pocket range in seconds.

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Interactive tool

Not sure which IOL fits your lifestyle & budget?

Our free 3-5 minute IOL selector suite recommends the right lens category based on your daily habits, driving patterns and reading needs — reviewed by Dr. Shantanu Kumar Gupta.

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Insurance

Cashless insurance & Ayushman Bharat

We handle the paperwork before your surgery date. Bring your policy card and government ID; our front desk arranges pre-authorisation with your TPA typically within 24-48 hours. Most private policies cover a cataract package of approx ₹25,000–30,000. For any package above that, the difference is borne by you — the exact amount depends on your individual policy and the final authorisation given by the insurance company, which we obtain in writing before surgery.

→ See the full list of accepted insurers

No surprise bills

Get a written estimate before you decide

Share your prescription or biometry (if done) and we'll email you an itemised estimate with your IOL options.

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