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What is and is not reimbursed
Eye surgery covers very different procedures, with opposing pricing logic. Cataract surgery, necessary when the lens becomes cloudy, is a medical procedure covered by basic insurance. Refractive surgery, which corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia to free you from glasses, by laser or implant, is generally paid by the patient. Between the two lie intermediate situations: a more sophisticated lens implant during cataract surgery, for which the extra charge is billed to the patient. This page gives an overview of prices and links to our detailed pages. For the procedures themselves, see our guide to ophthalmic surgery.
Cataract surgery is covered by basic insurance: the patient pays their deductible, their co-payment and, if they choose a premium implant, the corresponding extra charge. Refractive surgery, laser or phakic implant, is generally paid by the patient, sometimes with a contribution from certain supplementary policies. Prices are often calculated per eye. The pre-operative assessment, the technology and the follow-up explain the differences between centres.
Overview of procedures and budgets
Corneal laser surgery, such as LASIK or surface techniques, corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. Phakic intraocular implants, placed in front of the natural lens, correct high myopia when laser surgery is not possible. Lens replacement, for refractive purposes or during cataract surgery, implants an artificial lens. Each procedure has its own budget.
| The procedure | Insurance coverage | Budget for the patient |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract, standard implant | Basic insurance | Deductible and co-payment |
| Cataract, premium implant | Basic cover plus extra charge | Extra charge paid by the patient |
| Corneal laser | Generally not | Moderate to high |
| Phakic implant | Generally not | High |
| Refractive lens exchange | Generally not | High |
Our detailed price pages
Each procedure has a dedicated price page: LASIK price, cataract surgery price and intraocular lens price. They detail what is included, the variations and the regional differences.
The pre-operative assessment
Before any eye surgery, a full assessment is essential: measurement of vision, corneal topography and thickness, examination of the back of the eye, and measurement of the eye's length to calculate an implant. This assessment is often included in the refractive surgery package, or charged separately; for cataract surgery, it is covered. A thorough assessment, even if it has a cost, avoids operating on eyes that are not suitable.
| Examination | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Vision measurement | Correction required |
| Corneal topography | Shape of the cornea |
| Pachymetry | Thickness of the cornea |
| Biometry | Implant calculation |
| Fundus examination | Health of the retina |
Technology and price
Refractive surgery centres use lasers with high purchase and maintenance costs, which are reflected in prices. The most recent techniques, or those customised to the cornea, are often more expensive. For cataract surgery, the use of a laser for certain steps may incur an extra charge, which is rarely covered.
Regional differences
The following tables show the cost of laser refractive surgery on both eyes by city and canton, compared with Geneva. For cataract surgery, which is covered by insurance, the differences mainly concern extra charges.
| City | Canton | Consultation deducted from the price | Price comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Geneva | Often | Geneva baseline |
| Lausanne | Vaud | Often | 2 to 7% less |
| Sion | Valais | Sometimes | 6 to 11% lower |
| Delémont | Jura | Sometimes | 5 to 10% less |
| Biel/Bienne | Bern | Sometimes | 4 to 7% lower |
| Bern | Bern | Often | 5 to 7% lower |
| Basel | Basel-City | Often | 2 to 7% less |
| Zurich | Zurich | Often | 1 to 5% less |
| Winterthur | Zurich | Sometimes | 3 to 6% lower |
| Zug | Zug | Often | 2 to 6% less |
| Lucerne | Lucerne | Sometimes | 5 to 7% lower |
| Lugano | Ticino | Often | 4 to 7% lower |
| Canton | Accessible centres | Consultation deducted from the price | Price comparison | Waiting time for an appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau | Baden, Aarau | Sometimes | 4 to 9% less | Two to three weeks |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden | St. Gallen, Herisau | Sometimes | 6 to 9% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | St. Gallen, Zurich | Sometimes | 5 to 9% lower | Varies with the season |
| Basel-Country | Basel, Liestal | Often | 0 to 4% less | Two to four weeks |
| Basel-City | Basel | Often | 1 to 6% less | About one month |
| Bern | Bern, Biel | Sometimes | 5 to 8% lower | One to two months |
| Fribourg | Fribourg, Bern | Often | 2 to 6% less | Three to five weeks |
| Geneva | Geneva | Often | Geneva baseline | One to two weeks |
| Glarus | Zurich, Glarus | Sometimes | 4 to 10% less | Two to three weeks |
| Graubünden | Chur | Sometimes | 7 to 12% lower | Varies with the season |
| Jura | Basel, Neuchâtel | Sometimes | 6 to 13% less | Varies with the season |
| Lucerne | Lucerne, Zug | Sometimes | 4 to 6% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds | Sometimes | 4 to 10% less | One to two months |
| Nidwalden | Lucerne, Stans | Often | 1 to 6% less | About one month |
| Obwalden | Lucerne, Sarnen | Often | 3 to 9% less | Two to four weeks |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen, Zurich | Sometimes | 6 to 8% lower | One to two weeks |
| Schaffhausen | Schaffhausen, Zurich | Sometimes | 4 to 9% less | Three to five weeks |
| Schwyz | Lucerne, Zug | Often | 3 to 5% lower | One to two months |
| Solothurn | Solothurn, Olten | Often | 3 to 7% less | A few weeks |
| Ticino | Lugano, Locarno | Often | 2 to 6% less | Two to four weeks |
| Thurgau | Frauenfeld, Zurich | Often | 3 to 9% less | One to two weeks |
| Uri | Lucerne, Altdorf | Often | 2 to 9% lower | One to two weeks |
| Valais | Sion, Martigny | Sometimes | 6 to 12% lower | A few weeks |
| Vaud | Lausanne, Morges | Often | 2 to 6% less | One to two weeks |
| Zug | Zug, Zurich | Often | 0 to 4% less | One to two months |
| Zurich | Zurich, Winterthur | Often | 2 to 4% lower | About one month |
Basic and supplementary insurance
Basic insurance covers cataract surgery with a standard implant, as well as medical treatments such as those for glaucoma or certain retinal diseases. Refractive surgery intended to do away with glasses is considered non-essential. Some supplementary insurance policies contribute partially to refractive surgery, often with a cap. It is worth checking your policy before committing.
Comparing centres
To compare, check whether the price is given per eye or for both, what it includes (assessment, operation, eye drops, check-ups, any touch-up) and the technology used. The main criterion remains the quality of the assessment and the surgeon's experience: a centre that refuses to operate on unsuitable eyes is protecting your sight.
Three scenarios
A thirty-year-old with short-sightedness and no other problems: corneal laser, at their own expense, moderate to high budget. A seventy-year-old with cataracts: operation covered, limited out-of-pocket costs, unless a premium implant is chosen. A fifty-year-old with presbyopia who wants to do without glasses: refractive lens exchange, at their own expense, high budget.
Additional costs
Plan for eye drops, sunglasses, a few days off work and travel for check-ups, often the next day, then after one week and one month.
Age and choice
Before forty, laser surgery is often the solution; after forty-five, presbyopia sometimes points towards other techniques; after sixty, cataracts become common. The right choice at the right age avoids successive expenses.
Follow-up, part of the price
After refractive surgery, several check-ups are necessary: the next day, after one week, one month, then three to six months. In reputable centres, these check-ups are included in the package, as is any laser touch-up within a given period if the correction is not perfect. After cataract surgery, check-ups are covered by insurance. Checking that follow-up is included is essential: a low package price that charges for each check-up separately may end up costing more.
| Supervision | Usual timing |
|---|---|
| First check-up | Next day |
| Second | One week |
| Third | One month |
| Assessment | Three to six months |
The cost of glasses and contact lenses
To assess the financial value of refractive surgery, some patients compare its price with the cumulative cost of glasses and contact lenses over several years. Over ten to fifteen years, these expenses can add up to a significant sum. This calculation should not be the only criterion, but it helps put the budget in perspective.
Further reading
To understand the procedure itself, its techniques, recovery and risks, see our guide: Guide to eye surgery in Switzerland.
Other prices to consult
Our guides
What people ask us about the price: eye surgery
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about cost.
Your questions
Is an assessment mandatory before laser surgery? Yes, it determines the decision to operate.
Can laser surgery be refused? Yes, if the cornea is too thin or irregular.
Does the price include a touch-up? Often, within a defined period.
Is eye surgery reimbursed? Cataract surgery yes; refractive surgery to stop wearing glasses generally not.
How much does laser eye surgery cost? The price is often calculated per eye; see our dedicated page.
Is the price given per eye or for both? Both options exist; check the quote.
Does cataract surgery cost the patient anything? The deductible, the co-payment and any extras.
Is a premium implant reimbursed? The extra charge for a multifocal or toric implant is often paid by the patient.
Are pre-operative examinations charged? They are included or charged depending on the centre.
Is topography included? It is often part of the assessment before refractive surgery.
Is follow-up included? Often for refractive surgery, during the first year.
Is a laser touch-up included? Some centres include it under certain conditions.
Are intraocular lenses more expensive than laser? Often, as it involves intraocular surgery with an implant.
Can presbyopia be corrected? Yes, with techniques of varying cost.
Does the price vary by city? Slightly; see our tables.
Are university centres more expensive? Contracted rates are similar; refractive surgery varies between centres.
Is a very low price for laser surgery risky? Check the assessment, the technology and the follow-up.
Are post-operative eye drops included? They are prescribed; their cost is moderate.
Does supplementary insurance reimburse laser surgery? Some supplementary policies contribute partially.
Can I pay in instalments? Some centres offer it.
Is the first appointment charged? Often, sometimes deducted if you go ahead with surgery.
Is transport reimbursed? No, except in special circumstances.
Do I need someone to accompany me? Yes, on the day of the operation; this has no effect on the price.
Is the time off work long? A few days for most procedures.
Is glaucoma treatment reimbursed? Medically indicated treatments are.
Is eyelid surgery ophthalmic surgery? It can be; see our page on blepharoplasty.
Does the price include both eyes? Not always; check.
Can children have laser surgery? No, vision must be stable.
Are complications covered? For reimbursed procedures, yes; for laser surgery, depending on the centre's terms.
Is the quote valid for long? A few months.
Does technology affect the price? Yes, particularly for laser surgery.
Does age influence the choice? Yes, the appropriate technique changes with age.
Are glasses still needed after cataract surgery? Sometimes for reading, depending on the implant.
Are follow-up examinations reimbursed? After cataract surgery, generally yes.
Is a monofocal implant free? It is covered by insurance as part of cataract surgery.
Is refractive surgery tax-deductible? Some medical expenses may be, depending on cantonal rules; check before you proceed.
Are deposits refundable? Depending on the centre's terms.
Does the price include protective glasses? They are often provided after the operation.
Is a second opinion useful? Yes, especially before refractive surgery.
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