Cataract Surgery (per eye, premium IOL): what it costs in China (2026)
| Country | Typical price | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,500–$7,000 | 4–12 weeks |
| United Kingdom | $3,000–$5,500 | 4–9 months (NHS) |
| Thailand | $1,500–$3,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| China | $1,200–$3,000 | Same week |
Suggested trip length: 4–6 days for one eye; 7–9 days for both.
UK NHS waits for cataract surgery have stretched to many months in some regions; China pricing includes premium multifocal lens options.
Common questions
Is the quality comparable to home?
MedBridge partners with international departments of Grade-A tertiary hospitals and accredited private specialty chains — the same institutions that treat diplomats and expatriates in China. Surgeon volumes for high-frequency procedures (LASIK, implants, joint replacement) often exceed those of typical Western practices.
Do I need a visa for this treatment?
If your nationality is on China's visa-free list and the trip fits within 30 days, no visa is needed. Otherwise an S2 medical visa applies. Check your route with the Visa Wizard →
What's included in the price?
Hospital fees and standard consumables. Travel, accommodation and interpretation services are quoted separately — or bundled in a MedBridge care package.
Get a written quote for cataract surgery (per eye, premium iol)
We respond within 24 hours with 2–3 hospital options, doctor credentials and a fixed-price quote.