Cataract surgery
Biometry and records translated, the lens-choice consultation scheduled, a bilingual liaison on surgery day, and post-op review scheduling — including second-eye planning.
Conditions & symptoms
Cataracts, cloudy vision, and other conditions we coordinate around
This coordination is for patients dealing with gradually clouding, dimming vision or night glare from cataracts. We arrange the care around the day surgery at China's Grade-3A hospitals — records translation, a bilingual liaison, and post-op reviews — while every medical decision stays with your ophthalmologist.
- Cloudy or dim vision worsening gradually
- Night glare from oncoming headlights
- Reading or driving affected despite glasses
- A mature cataract found on examination
- Second-eye surgery after the first eye
- Lens-choice consultation, multifocal or monofocal
This list describes who this coordination is arranged around — it is not a diagnosis. Whether any procedure suits your condition is decided with your treating physician; MedicCN coordinates the care around it.
US vs China · reported
Reported treatment costs
Side by side: what the procedure is reported to cost a self-pay patient in the United States versus China, and how long each system typically makes you wait. Every figure links its source.
| Metric | United States | China |
|---|---|---|
| Self-pay price | US$3,000–6,000 per eye self-pay (basic monofocal) AllAboutVision ↗ | 2024 reported case: over ¥7,300 per eye after procurement vs over ¥12,000 before, for the same monofocal lens (before insurance reimbursement; not an international-patient quote) 健康时报 · 2024-06-20 ↗ |
| · IOL after procurement | No published figure — cost plan via consultation | Domestic monofocal ¥800 ≈US$114; imported monofocal ¥1,100 ≈US$157; trifocal ¥8,900 ≈US$1,270 (avg −60%) 新华社 ↗ |
| · Premium-lens upgrade | +US$1,000–3,500 per eye (toric/multifocal) AllAboutVision ↗ | No published figure — cost plan via consultation |
| Typical wait | Cataract surgery average wait 11.5–14.4 weeks (Ontario registry study; registry-based like US waitlists) PMC 2023 study (Ontario) ↗ | Timing confirmed by the hospital after review |
Third-party reference figures, not personal quotes. US cash prices are not your out-of-pocket cost after insurance or a UK/European price benchmark. Add MedicCN’s fixed USD 200–500 service fee (including visa fees, airport and hotel transfers, and 24-hour mobile Wi-Fi), the 10–25% medical coordination and bilingual accompaniment fee, accommodation, meals, flights, insurance and possible return visits. Confirm the total in your written plan. The rate depends on treatment type and accompaniment level and is confirmed in writing.
Planning your visit to China
What should a cataract surgery estimate specify?
Ask whether the estimate covers one eye or both, which lens model is proposed, and whether examinations, surgeon and facility fees, medicines and reviews are included. A lens procurement price is only a component price; it is not the total surgery bill. The reported case above is not an international-patient tariff. Confirm your own payment and insurance arrangements and ask for coordination and travel charges separately.
What should I discuss at the eye consultation?
Ask which existing eye examination records, prescriptions and previous treatment notes to bring. Discuss your daily visual needs and questions about lens options with the ophthalmologist. The clinician determines whether surgery is appropriate and which options to discuss; a higher lens price alone does not establish suitability. Confirm whether further examinations are needed before a final plan and quote can be issued.
How should I plan reviews and a possible second-eye visit?
Ask the treating team which reviews require an in-person visit, whether a second-eye appointment is part of the plan, and which dates can be confirmed. Do not assume both eyes will be treated on one trip. Before booking the return journey, clarify the team's travel guidance and how follow-up will work after you leave China. Request the treatment summary, lens details if implanted, and a clinical contact for questions.
Start with your visit and cost questions
Tell us what you need help arranging for Cataract surgery. We reply within 24 hours, including weekends, with the information needed, fee structure and next step. The initial conversation is free, by email or WhatsApp.