How Much Does LASIK Cost in India Compared to the US or UK?

How Much Does LASIK Cost in India Compared to the US or UK?

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a revolutionary eye surgery that corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism within a 15-minute outpatient procedure per eye. It helps to remove the hassle of eyewear and lenses.

India, with the support of the Indian government and skilled doctors, offers brilliant services for eye health at optimal prices to people. The intent of this guide is to compare and contrast the cost of LASIK in India with that of the USA or UK.

Different Reasons for Individuals to Prefer India for Cataract Surgery

There are several reasons why people prefer India for cataract surgeries. Here is a list of different reasons.

1. Cost Effectiveness: It is quite evident that the healthcare sector worldwide is expensive. Cataract surgery in India helps in saving around ₹15,000–₹50,000 for people across the globe when travelling from the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. India offers LASIK at 1/4th to 1/6th the price of developed countries, but that doesn’t mean a compromise on quality. Multiple hospitals also offer comprehensive packages which involve preoperative patient assessment, surgical interventions, medication, and follow-up after the surgery for foreigners. In addition to this, compared to the Western countries, premium cataract surgeries cost about 70 to 80% less in India.

2. Top Notch Medical Expertise: A lot of doctors have internationally gained experience and training from prestigious institutions of the Western world. Therefore, the skills and expertise of such doctors are brilliant, offering exceptional care in cataract treatment to patients across the globe seeking treatment opportunities. In addition to this, Indian facilities also have the latest equipment such as advanced diagnostic tools and femtosecond lasers.

3. Benefits During Travelling: It is commonly observed that individuals usually combine medical procedures or treatments with a vacation visit for the family. Multiple hospitals also partner with travel agencies to provide comprehensive arrangements to people while visiting for medical procedures such as cataract surgeries.

4. Financial Considerations: The Indian government wants to grow the medical tourism sector, and that is why dedicated services for international patients such as pickups from the airport, accommodation for travel, and translation services are provided for certain packages. In addition to this, advanced remote monitoring capabilities for post-operative care after returning abroad are also available via telemedicine follow-ups.

5. Time is Key: People can opt for a comprehensive evaluation followed by surgical interventions for cataract surgery in India immediately upon arrival or within the initial days of arrival. This may not be available in healthcare systems across the globe. Moreover, specialised medical tourist departments are also available to handle the documentation, verification, and approval-related work for NRIs in India.

6. Support of Indian Government: Several government schemes and initiatives have been launched by the government of India to support the eye health of Indian citizens falling below poverty line or those with Ayushman Bharat or state health cards with an aim to avoid avoidable blindness. The Indian government puts in a lot of effort to roll out government schemes and support private initiatives related to eye care to provide improved access to surgeries, such as those for cataracts, to prevent blindness. While there are certain structural challenges and administrative lapses in the conduction of such schemes, the facilities provided by the government are getting better day by day. 

Choosing the right LASIK facility 

It’s essential to choose the right city and the right LASIK clinic in India. While there are multiple options available, it is essential to opt for reliable and skilled surgeons for LASIK treatment. Here’s how you can choose the right LASIK surgeon or clinic.

• Always look for the credentials of the surgeon or ophthalmologist with over five years of LASIK experience. To do this, read real patient reviews with long-term results and understand the follow-up care plan of that surgeon.
• Ensure that the technology used by the surgeon is FDA-approved. Ask as many questions as you can before, during, and after the surgery to obtain adequate patient care and guidance.
• Avoid the concept of “too good to be true” when it comes to prices. It is essential for people to understand that both extremely cheap and overly expensive clinic and surgeon fees should be avoided. Always opt for a reasonably priced clinic, as safety, hygiene, and accuracy matter the most when it comes to the LASIK procedure.

Cost of LASIK surgery in India 

The cost of LASIK surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Clinic and surgeon expertise
• Technology used, such as conventional or femtosecond laser technology
• Comprehensive eye evaluations conducted before surgery
• Location and credibility of the clinic
• Hospital facilities and availability of different amenities
• Surgeon’s reputation, which may result in higher consultation and surgical fees
• Extent of vision correction, which may vary based on prescription differences
• Post-operative care, including follow-up visits, medications, and recovery support
• Insurance coverage and available discounts
• Personalized corrections and enhancements based on individual needs

Usually, the standard LASIK procedure costs ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 in India and is suitable for minor corrections. The Wavefront LASIK costs somewhere between ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 in India, helping in customised mapping for accurate vision. On the other hand, blade-free or Femto LASIK procedures cost between ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 in India, as they involve the creation of a flap without an incision. The most advanced and FDA-approved type of LASIK is Contoura Vision, which costs between ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 in India for one eye.

Understand that the above-mentioned costs include everything from surgery to consultation to follow-up. Western countries such as the USA or UK are quite costly when it comes to LASIK procedures and are usually not covered by insurance. While doctors in Western countries are extremely skilled, it’s difficult for people to undergo LASIK considering the expenditure for the procedure and follow-up treatments.

Learn more about LASIK treatments at Surya Eye Hospital.

Comparing global pricing starts with understanding LASIK surgery cost in Mumbai.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Indian cataract surgeons reliable?

Absolutely. A lot of doctors have internationally gained experience and training from prestigious institutions of the Western world. Therefore, the skills and expertise of such doctors are brilliant, offering exceptional care in cataract treatment to patients across the globe seeking treatment opportunities.

What documents are required to avail free cataract surgery?

Usually, one needs an Aadhaar card, income certificate or Below Poverty Line (BPL) card, Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) card, and a medical referral along with address proof to avail of the services under such schemes.

How many days do I need in India for cataract surgery?

Ideally 7–10 days for both eyes, but even 5–7 days may suffice for single-eye surgery with expedited care. It is recommended to always consult an ophthalmologist virtually to discuss the patient’s condition and expectations.

Does LASIK eye surgery feel painful during the procedure?

Majority of patients do not experience any pain during the LASIK procedure. The surgeon ensures numbing the eyes using anaesthetic eye drops for maximum patient comfort. One may feel slight pressure when the surgeon creates the corneal flap, which typically lasts for 30 seconds per eye.