Ophthalmology
Cataract surgery in China
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery with premium IOL options at Class A ophthalmology centres — Zhongshan Ophthalmic, Aier Eye Hospital network. Per-eye USD 1,500–3,500 with international IOLs.
Cost comparison
All-in international-patient pricing in USD.
| Country | Typical price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China (Class A) | 1,500 – 3,500 | Per eye, IOL choice-dependent |
| United States | 4,000 – 7,500 | — |
| United Kingdom | 3,500 – 6,000 | — |
| Australia | 4,500 – 7,000 | — |
What's included in the China price
- Pre-op biometry (IOL Master, Lenstar)
- Phacoemulsification cataract surgery
- International-brand IOL (Alcon, J&J Tecnis, Zeiss, Bausch & Lomb)
- Day-1 + week-1 + month-1 follow-up
- Post-op medications
Length of stay
5–8 days in country. Fly-home clearance typically at day 2–4 post-procedure.
Standard pre-procedure workup
- IOL Master / Lenstar biometry
- Corneal topography
- Endothelial cell count
- Macular OCT to rule out concurrent retinal pathology
- Slit-lamp exam + dilated fundus exam
Outcomes signal
- Modern phacoemulsification at academic centres delivers visual rehabilitation in 24–48 hours for most patients
- Premium IOL options: trifocal (PanOptix, AT LISA tri), EDOF (Vivity, Symfony), toric, light-adjustable
- Bilateral surgery typically staged 1–2 weeks apart; same-day bilateral available in selected centres
Why centres like Zhongshan Ophthalmic
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center runs one of the highest cataract surgery volumes in Asia. Volume drives surgical-team specialisation, equipment depth, and operational excellence in pre-op biometry — the single most important determinant of refractive outcome with premium IOLs.
Frequently asked
Plain-language answers about cataract surgery in China.
- How much does cataract surgery cost in China?
- Per-eye at Class A ophthalmology centres: monofocal IOL USD 1,500–2,200; toric USD 2,000–2,800; trifocal / EDOF USD 2,800–3,500. US private rates: USD 4,000–7,500 per eye depending on IOL choice.
- Which IOL should I choose?
- Monofocal: best contrast, requires reading glasses for near. Toric: corrects astigmatism. Trifocal: full range glasses-free at cost of some contrast / haloes. EDOF: extended-depth-of-focus, smoother defocus profile. Decision is patient-specific based on visual goals, retinal health, and lifestyle.
- Can both eyes be done in one trip?
- Yes. Most centres stage bilateral surgery 1–2 weeks apart for safety. Plan for 14–21 days in country for bilateral cataract surgery with both follow-ups completed.
Related specialty
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