Cataract surgery prices in Switzerland

Cataract surgery replaces the clouded natural lens with an artificial lens implant. It is one of the most frequently performed procedures, short and most often carried out as an outpatient. Unlike refractive surgery, it is a medical procedure covered by basic insurance when indicated. The patient pays their deductible and co-payment, as for any treatment. Extras may however be added if the patient chooses a more sophisticated lens that also corrects presbyopia or astigmatism, or certain technologies such as the femtosecond laser. For the procedure itself, see our page on cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery with a standard lens is covered by basic insurance; the out-of-pocket cost corresponds to the deductible and the co-payment. Choosing a multifocal lens, a toric lens in some cases or laser assistance incurs an extra charge, generally paid by the patient and billed per eye. Regional differences mainly concern these extras.

Basic insurance covers prescribed pre-operative examinations, the operation, anaesthesia, the standard monofocal lens, listed eye drops and check-ups. You pay the portion of the deductible not yet used this year and, in principle, a ten per cent co-payment, capped by law. As the two eyes are often operated on a few weeks apart, scheduling both in the same calendar year can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

The standard monofocal lens corrects distance vision; glasses are generally still needed for reading. The toric lens also corrects astigmatism. Multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses allow both distance and near vision, reducing dependence on glasses, but can cause halos at night and are not suitable for every eye. For these so-called premium lenses, the extra cost compared with the standard lens is generally paid by the patient. It must be presented in writing before the operation.

Certain steps of the operation can be performed with a femtosecond laser instead of manual instruments. This assistance is not essential for a good result in most cases; its extra cost is generally paid by the patient. The surgeon will explain whether it offers an advantage in your situation.

The following tables show, by city and canton, the level of extra charges billed for a multifocal lens, compared with Geneva. The operation itself follows similar contractual tariffs throughout the country.

Out-of-pocket costs depend on the chosen deductible, the expenses already incurred during the year, the co-payment and the extras chosen. A person with a low deductible that has already been reached and a standard lens will pay little; a person with a high deductible and multifocal lenses will pay considerably more.

For standard cataract surgery, differences between centres are small; the surgeon's skill and the follow-up matter more. For a premium lens, compare the extra cost per eye, additional examinations, check-ups and the conditions if the multifocal lens is not tolerated.

A seventy-five-year-old who is happy to wear reading glasses: standard lens, limited out-of-pocket costs. A sixty-five-year-old with astigmatism: toric lens, possibly with an extra charge. An active person who wants to do without glasses: multifocal lenses, extra cost per eye at their own expense.

You should budget for new glasses after the operation, suited to your new vision, except with a multifocal lens; sunglasses; and travel to check-ups.

A few months or years after the operation, clouding may form behind the lens implant. It is treated in a few minutes with a laser, as an outpatient, and is covered by basic insurance.

Surgery is offered when the cataract interferes with daily life: reading, driving, glare. Waiting too long saves no money and can make the operation more complicated.

Both eyes are generally operated on a few weeks apart, to check that the first is progressing well before the second. Scheduling both operations in the same calendar year means paying the deductible only once. At the end of the year, it may therefore be wise to discuss this with the ophthalmologist, if the medical schedule allows.

Choosing a premium lens deserves careful thought: it reduces dependence on glasses, but it comes at an extra cost, and some eyes, for example those with retinal disease or severe dryness, do not fully benefit from it. A thorough assessment and a frank discussion with the surgeon will help you decide whether the extra cost is worthwhile in your case.

Find out how the procedure is carried out on our page Cataract surgery in Switzerland.

Compare with related procedures

• LASIK: prices in Switzerland
• Intraocular lens: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to eye surgery in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

The essentials about the bill, in plain terms.

Budget and reimbursement

Is cataract surgery reimbursed? Yes, by basic insurance, when it is medically indicated.

How much will I pay out of pocket for a standard lens? Only what your policy leaves you to pay: the remaining deductible and co-payment.

Is the standard lens covered? Yes, the standard monofocal lens is covered.

Is a multifocal lens reimbursed? The extra cost compared with the standard lens is often paid by the patient.

Is a toric lens covered? It depends on the situation; an extra charge is common.

Is the femtosecond laser reimbursed? Generally, its extra cost is paid by the patient.

Are both eyes operated on the same day? Generally not; a few weeks apart.

Is the operation performed as an outpatient procedure? Yes, in most cases.

Is a private room covered? Only with suitable supplementary insurance; often unnecessary for outpatient surgery.

Are pre-operative examinations reimbursed? Yes, if they are prescribed.

Are post-operative eye drops reimbursed? Those that are prescribed and listed, according to the rules.

Are check-ups covered? Yes.

Are glasses after the operation reimbursed? A limited contribution may be available depending on age and policy; check beforehand.

Am I free to choose my surgeon? Within the framework of your policy and hospital planning.

Is a private clinic possible? Yes, depending on agreements and your cover.

Is prior approval required? Generally not for the standard lens.

Must the premium extra appear on a quote? Yes, separately and in advance.

Does having cataract surgery in Lugano rather than Geneva change the bill? Little for the reimbursed procedure; premium extras vary more.

Is secondary cataract treatment reimbursed? Yes, laser treatment of secondary clouding is covered.

Is anaesthesia charged? It is part of the reimbursed procedure.

Do I need someone to accompany me? Yes, for the journey home; it does not affect the price.

Is transport reimbursed? Generally not.

Do I have to pay the hospital and then claim reimbursement? It depends on the billing system; often the facility bills the insurer directly.

Can I choose to correct presbyopia? Yes, with a multifocal lens, at extra cost.

Are premium lenses worth the extra cost? For those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses, often yes; they are not suitable for everyone.

Is the extra cost the same for both eyes? It is generally charged per eye.

Does the deductible apply twice? It is annual; two eyes in the same year do not double it.

Should both eyes be done in the same year? This can reduce out-of-pocket costs, depending on your deductible.

Does supplementary insurance cover premium lenses? Rarely; check your policy.

Are complications covered? Yes, as it is a reimbursed procedure.

Can children have cataracts? Rarely; coverage follows the same principles.

Is the first appointment reimbursed? Yes, if it is a medical consultation.

Is time off work needed? A few days; no effect on the price.

Is the operation performed under general anaesthesia? Rarely; most often with eye drops or local anaesthesia.

Does the operation take long? Often fifteen to thirty minutes per eye.

Does the price include biometry? Yes, it is part of the covered assessment.

Your canton is all we need: an ophthalmologist near you can see you, and we will put you in touch free of charge.