Cataract Surgery Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]

Quick Answer: Cataract surgery in the Philippines costs ₱25,000-₱80,000 per eye (about US$400-1,275) depending on the technique and lens implant (IOL) chosen. Standard phacoemulsification with a monofocal IOL runs ₱30,000-₱60,000/eye (about US$480-955). Premium multifocal or toric IOLs push the price to ₱50,000-₱80,000/eye (about US$795-1,275). PhilHealth now covers ₱20,200-₱80,900 per eye (about US$320-1,290) (updated January 2025), a massive increase from the old ₱16,000 flat rate. Top eye centers include Asian Eye Institute, Peregrine Eye and Laser Institute, and St. Luke's Eye Institute.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is Cataract Surgery?
• Price Breakdown by Surgery Type
• What Is Included in the Price
• Additional Costs to Expect
• Price by City
• Top Eye Surgery Centers
• PhilHealth Coverage for Cataract Surgery
• Recovery Timeline
• When to Get Cataract Surgery
• Cataract surgery for overseas and balikbayan patients
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable blindness in the Philippines. The condition develops when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, progressively blurring vision until daily activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces become difficult. Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL), restoring sharp vision in most cases.

The good news for Filipino patients in 2026: cataract surgery costs have remained stable while PhilHealth coverage has increased dramatically. Under PhilHealth Circular 2025-0001, benefits for adult cataract surgery jumped by over 400% from the old ₱16,000 flat rate, with coverage now reaching up to ₱80,900 per eye depending on the lens type. For many patients, this means PhilHealth can cover the majority of the surgical cost.

This guide breaks down every cost factor for cataract surgery in the Philippines, from procedure types and IOL options to real pricing at top eye centers, PhilHealth coverage details, and recovery expectations.

For eye clinics in specific cities, see our guides for eye clinics in Manila, eye clinics in Cebu, and eye clinics in Davao.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes the clouded natural lens of your eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, typically takes 15-30 minutes per eye, and is done on an outpatient basis — you go home the same day.

The most common modern technique is phacoemulsification (phaco), where the surgeon makes a tiny 2-3mm incision, inserts an ultrasound probe that breaks the cataract into small fragments, and suctions them out. A foldable IOL is then inserted through the same small incision. Because the incision is so small, stitches are usually not needed and healing is fast.

An older technique called extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) requires a larger incision (10-12mm) to remove the cataract in one piece. ECCE is less commonly performed today but remains an option for very dense or advanced cataracts that cannot be broken up by phacoemulsification.

The type of IOL implanted determines your post-surgery visual outcome and plays a major role in the total cost.

Price Breakdown by Surgery Type

Phacoemulsification — Standard (₱25,000-₱50,000 per eye)

Standard phaco without a premium IOL is the most affordable modern option. This typically includes a basic monofocal IOL that corrects distance vision, meaning you will still need reading glasses after surgery. The procedure is quick, safe, and has an excellent track record. Public hospitals and government-affiliated clinics tend to offer phaco at the lower end of this range.

Best for: Patients on a budget who are comfortable wearing reading glasses after surgery.

Phaco + Monofocal IOL (₱30,000-₱60,000 per eye)

This is the standard package at most private hospitals and eye centers. The monofocal IOL provides clear vision at one focal distance (usually set for distance), and the cost includes the surgeon's fee, facility fee, anesthesia, and the IOL itself. Prices vary depending on the hospital tier and the specific IOL brand used.

Best for: Most patients — this is the most common cataract surgery package in the Philippines.

Phaco + Multifocal or Toric IOL — Premium (₱50,000-₱80,000 per eye)

Premium IOLs reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. A multifocal IOL provides clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far). A toric IOL corrects pre-existing astigmatism. Multifocal toric IOLs combine both functions. These lenses cost significantly more than standard monofocal IOLs but deliver the best visual outcome.

Best for: Patients who want to minimize dependence on glasses after surgery and are willing to pay a premium for that convenience.

ECCE — Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (₱15,000-₱30,000 per eye)

ECCE is the older surgical technique that uses a larger incision. It is less dependent on expensive equipment than phacoemulsification, which makes it cheaper. Recovery is slower due to the larger wound and the need for stitches. ECCE is typically offered in public hospitals and during government-sponsored cataract surgery missions.

Best for: Patients with very dense or mature cataracts where phaco is not feasible, or patients in areas where phaco is not available.

Price Comparison Table

Converted at US$1 = ₱62.75 (24 September 2026).

What Is Included in the Price

A standard cataract surgery package at a private hospital or eye center typically includes:

• Pre-operative eye examination (visual acuity, biometry, IOL power calculation)
• The surgical procedure itself (surgeon's fee, facility/OR fee, anesthesia)
• The intraocular lens (IOL)
• Immediate post-operative medications (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops)
• Follow-up consultations (usually 3 visits: day 1, week 1, and month 1)

Some premium clinics bundle additional items like a protective eye shield, post-operative sunglasses, and extended follow-up periods. Always confirm what is included before booking.

Additional Costs to Expect

Beyond the base surgical package, you may encounter these additional charges:

• Pre-operative screening: ₱500-₱4,500 for a comprehensive eye exam if not included in the package
• Cataract screening (specialized): ₱2,250-₱4,500 at premium clinics like Asian Eye Institute
• Additional eye drops or medications: ₱500-₱2,000 if not covered by the package
• Conscious sedation: ₱45,000+ additional for hospital and anesthesiologist fees (if you request sedation beyond local anesthesia)
• General anesthesia: ₱80,000+ additional (rarely needed, only for patients who cannot cooperate under local anesthesia)
• Second eye surgery: Typically performed 1-2 weeks after the first eye, at the same per-eye rate
• Post-operative glasses: ₱1,500-₱5,000 if you still need reading glasses after monofocal IOL surgery

Price by City

Cataract surgery pricing varies by location. Manila commands the highest prices due to the concentration of premium eye centers, while provincial cities offer more competitive rates.

Top Eye Surgery Centers

1. Asian Eye Institute — Makati City

• Address: 9th Floor, PHINMA Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati City (satellites at Trinoma, SM MOA, Alabang)
• Cataract Surgery Types: Phacoemulsification, Femtolaser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), ECCE
• IOL Options: Monofocal, toric, multifocal, multifocal toric
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
• Standout Feature: The most comprehensive cataract program in the Philippines, with the Victus femtosecond laser for bladeless cataract surgery.

Asian Eye Institute is widely considered the top eye care facility in the country. Their cataract surgeons are fellowship-trained at institutions like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and UCLA. The institute offers every cataract technique from standard phaco to femtolaser-assisted surgery. Pricing is at the premium end, but patients get access to the widest range of IOL options and the most advanced surgical technology available in the Philippines.

2. Peregrine Eye and Laser Institute — Makati City

• Address: Makati City
• Cataract Surgery Types: Phacoemulsification with the Alcon CENTURION Vision System, Zeiss Callisto computer-guided surgery
• IOL Options: Full range including toric and multifocal
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
• Standout Feature: First clinic in the Philippines to use the Alcon CENTURION system and Zeiss Callisto computer-guided cataract surgery for astigmatism correction.

Peregrine Eye and Laser Institute (PELI) is a technology-forward cataract surgery center. Their use of computer-guided surgical systems for IOL alignment means more precise astigmatism correction during surgery. For patients choosing toric IOLs, this precision matters — it directly affects how well the astigmatism is corrected.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH

3. St. Luke's Eye Institute — Quezon City / BGC

• Address: E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., QC / 32nd St. & 5th Ave., BGC
• Estimated Price Range: ₱50,000 - ₱150,000 depending on IOL and technique
• Cataract Surgery Types: Phacoemulsification, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS)
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
• Standout Feature: Full hospital infrastructure with in-patient backup. The St. Luke's Foundation periodically offers free cataract surgery for indigent patients.

St. Luke's is a major private hospital with a well-established Eye Institute. FLACS at St. Luke's starts at approximately ₱84,000 per eye. The hospital environment provides full medical support in case of complications, which makes it a strong choice for patients with other health conditions like diabetes or hypertension that require monitoring during and after surgery.

4. The Medical City — Pasig City

• Address: Ortigas Ave., Pasig City
• Cataract Surgery Types: Phacoemulsification, advanced IOL options
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
• Standout Feature: The Eye and Vision Institute offers comprehensive cataract evaluation through to surgery within a single facility.

The Medical City's Eye and Vision Institute provides cataract surgery within the full infrastructure of a major tertiary hospital. Their ophthalmology department handles a high volume of cataract procedures annually, and the Ortigas location is accessible by MRT and major road networks.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH

5. Chong Hua Hospital Eye Institute — Cebu City

• Address: Don Mariano Cui St., Cebu City
• Estimated Price Range: ₱20,000 - ₱25,000 (hospital fees) plus professional fees
• Cataract Surgery Types: Phacoemulsification
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
• Standout Feature: The leading eye surgery center in the Visayas region. PhilHealth-accredited with competitive pricing well below Manila rates.

Chong Hua Hospital Eye Institute is the top choice for cataract surgery in Cebu. Hospital fees start at approximately ₱20,000-₱25,000 (professional fees additional), making it one of the most affordable options for phaco surgery at a private hospital. For Visayas-based patients, Chong Hua provides Manila-level surgical capability without the travel expense.

6. Davao Doctors Hospital Eye Center — Davao City

• Address: E. Quirino Ave., Davao City
• Cataract Surgery Types: Phacoemulsification, comprehensive diagnostic and laser procedures
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes
• Standout Feature: The pioneering eye center in Davao City, operating for over 30 years with complete diagnostic and surgical capabilities.

Davao Doctors Hospital Eye Center is the established leader for eye surgery in Mindanao. The center has been operating since 1991 and handles the full range of ophthalmic procedures including cataract surgery. Pricing in Davao is generally 10-15% lower than Manila, making it an accessible option for patients in Mindanao who would otherwise need to travel north.

View full profile on ClinicFinderPH

Comparison Table

PhilHealth Coverage for Cataract Surgery

PhilHealth coverage for cataract surgery increased dramatically under PhilHealth Circular 2025-0001, effective January 30, 2025. The old flat rate of ₱16,000 per eye has been replaced with a tiered benefit system based on the type of lens implanted.

Adult Cataract Surgery Coverage (per eye)

Pediatric Cataract Surgery Coverage

What This Means for Your Out-of-Pocket Cost

The updated PhilHealth benefits significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. For example, if standard phaco with a monofocal IOL costs ₱40,000 at your chosen hospital, PhilHealth now covers ₱28,300 — leaving you with only ₱11,700 out of pocket. For premium multifocal toric IOLs, PhilHealth coverage of ₱80,900 can cover the majority or even the entirety of the procedure cost at many hospitals.

Requirements for PhilHealth Coverage

• Active PhilHealth membership with at least 3 monthly contributions in the last 6 months
• Surgery performed at a PhilHealth-accredited hospital or ambulatory surgical clinic
• Pre-authorization from PhilHealth (your hospital's PhilHealth desk handles this)
• Valid PhilHealth ID or MDR (Member Data Record)

Senior Citizen Discount

Patients 60 years and older are entitled to a 20% senior citizen discount on top of PhilHealth coverage, which further reduces out-of-pocket cost. Most cataracts develop in patients aged 60+, so this discount applies to the majority of cataract surgery patients.

Recovery Timeline

Cataract surgery recovery is generally fast. Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours.

Post-Operative Care

• Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed (typically 4-6 weeks)
• Wear the plastic eye shield while sleeping for the first week
• Do not rub or press on your eye
• Avoid bending at the waist and lifting heavy objects (over 10kg) for the first week
• Avoid swimming, saunas, and dusty environments for 4-6 weeks
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against UV light and glare
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

When to Get Cataract Surgery

Cataracts develop gradually. Surgery is not always needed immediately. Here are the signs that it may be time:

• Blurred or cloudy vision that glasses can no longer correct
• Difficulty driving, especially at night due to glare and halos around lights
• Trouble reading small print even with reading glasses
• Colors appearing faded or yellowish
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription without lasting improvement
• Difficulty performing daily activities like cooking, working, or watching TV

Your ophthalmologist will assess your cataract during a comprehensive eye exam and recommend surgery when the cataract impairs your quality of life. There is no advantage to waiting until a cataract is "fully mature" — modern phacoemulsification actually works best on cataracts that are not yet extremely dense.

If you are over 60, annual eye exams are recommended to monitor for cataracts and other age-related eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Cataract surgery for overseas and balikbayan patients

Two overseas readers land on this page. One is a Filipino-American (or other overseas Filipino) arranging and paying for a parent's cataract surgery here — coordinating PhilHealth, choosing the hospital, sending money. The other is a foreign retiree or long-stay visitor planning to have their own cataracts done in the Philippines, where insurance, follow-up, and getting home safely matter more than the procedure itself.

What it costs at home, for comparison

"Covered by Medicare" is only half true. Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery with a standard monofocal IOL: after the Part B deductible, the beneficiary still pays 20% coinsurance on the Medicare-approved facility and surgeon fees (Medicare.gov, "Cataract surgery," 2026). A premium lens — toric or multifocal — is not covered at all, and the out-of-pocket amount varies by region and provider, so no single published figure exists to compare against a Philippine price. Medicare does not cover care received in the Philippines. Medicare.gov's guidance on travel outside the US says Medicare "usually doesn't cover health care while you're traveling outside the U.S.," with only narrow exceptions (an emergency near the Canadian border, or a cruise ship close to a US port) that do not apply to a planned operation in Manila or Cebu (Medicare.gov, "Travel outside the U.S.," 2026). Budget the full Philippine price; expect no reimbursement.

Canada's OHIP (Ontario) covers medically necessary cataract surgery and a standard lens in full, but excludes "intraocular lenses with enhanced features...that decrease or eliminate dependency on glasses" (ontario.ca, "What OHIP Covers," 2026) — again with no published premium-lens figure. Australia's Medicare Benefits Schedule rebates 75% of the scheduled fee for a private patient in a private hospital, not the facility or anaesthetist fee or any amount above the schedule — the "gap" is set case by case (MBS Online, Australian Government Department of Health, item 42702, 2026). In the UK, standard-lens surgery is provided under the NHS at no direct charge (NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, 2026); no official published price exists for the private/premium alternative, so none is quoted here.

Against that, the Philippine price — ₱25,000-₱80,000 per eye (about US$400-1,275, converted at US$1 = ₱62.75, 24 September 2026) — is the one fixed number in this comparison.

Lens choice drives the cost everywhere

A monofocal IOL keeps the Philippine cost at the low end (reading glasses still needed); toric corrects astigmatism; multifocal and multifocal toric reduce dependence on glasses but sit at the top. The same trade-off exists abroad — it shows up as an insurance exclusion there rather than a lower sticker price here.

PhilHealth for a parent; nothing for a visitor

A PhilHealth-member parent gets a meaningful benefit — amounts by lens type are summarized in the PhilHealth section above; see also what PhilHealth's cataract Z-package pays. A foreign retiree or tourist cannot enroll in PhilHealth for a single procedure, and a home-country HMO or insurer will not treat a Philippine hospital as in-network. Confirm this with your insurer, in writing, before booking.

The trip takes longer than the surgery

Cataract surgery is a same-day procedure with no overnight stay. A second eye is staged separately, typically one to two weeks later (see Recovery Timeline above). Budget time for post-operative reviews, not just the operation — your surgeon sets the follow-up schedule, the eye-drop regimen, and the clearance to fly. Leaving before that clearance is the most common way a routine recovery turns into a missed complication.

Verify the surgeon before you book

Check two things from overseas: the surgeon's Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license, and membership in the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology. A legitimate clinic sends both without hesitation. For a reputable facility, see our guide to the best hospitals in Metro Manila.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does cataract surgery cost in the Philippines?

Cataract surgery costs ₱25,000-₱80,000 per eye in the Philippines, depending on the surgical technique and the type of intraocular lens (IOL) implanted. Standard phacoemulsification with a monofocal IOL runs ₱30,000-₱60,000 per eye at most private hospitals. Premium multifocal or toric IOLs push the cost to ₱50,000-₱80,000 per eye. ECCE, the older surgical method, costs ₱15,000-₱30,000 per eye. Prices are generally lower in provincial cities compared to Metro Manila.

Does PhilHealth cover cataract surgery?

Yes. PhilHealth now covers ₱20,200-₱80,900 per eye for adult cataract surgery under Circular 2025-0001. The coverage amount depends on the IOL type: ₱28,300 for monofocal IOL, ₱43,800 for monofocal toric, ₱66,900 for multifocal, and ₱80,900 for multifocal toric. This is a major increase from the previous flat rate of ₱16,000. You need active PhilHealth membership and the surgery must be performed at a PhilHealth-accredited facility.

Is cataract surgery painful?

No. Cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia (eye drops or injection), so you will not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel mild pressure or see bright lights, but there is no sharp pain. After surgery, mild discomfort, tearing, and light sensitivity are common for the first 24-48 hours but are manageable with prescribed eye drops. Most patients describe the experience as surprisingly easy and comfortable.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The procedure itself takes approximately 15-30 minutes per eye. Including preparation and recovery in the surgical suite, expect to spend 1-2 hours at the hospital or clinic for your appointment. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure — you go home the same day. If both eyes need surgery, the second eye is typically scheduled 1-2 weeks after the first.

Should I choose a monofocal or multifocal IOL?

A monofocal IOL provides clear vision at one distance (usually set for far vision) and is the most affordable option. You will still need reading glasses. A multifocal IOL provides clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, potentially eliminating the need for glasses. However, multifocal IOLs cost more and some patients experience halos or glare at night during the adjustment period. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and tolerance for glasses. Discuss the options with your surgeon.

Can both eyes be done at the same time?

In most cases, surgeons operate on one eye at a time, with the second eye scheduled 1-2 weeks later. This approach allows the first eye to heal and ensures there are no complications before operating on the second eye. Simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (both eyes on the same day) is performed at some centers for select patients, but sequential surgery remains the standard practice in the Philippines.

Does Medicare cover cataract surgery done in the Philippines?

No. Medicare generally does not cover healthcare received outside the United States, and cataract surgery abroad is not one of the narrow exceptions (which cover only specific emergencies, such as one occurring in the US near a foreign hospital, or on a cruise ship close to a US port). If you are a Medicare beneficiary having surgery in the Philippines, plan to pay the full Philippine price yourself; check Medicare.gov's guidance on coverage outside the US before you travel.

Can a foreign retiree or tourist get cataract surgery in the Philippines?

Yes, plenty of hospitals and eye centers listed above treat foreign patients, and the process is the same as for a Filipino patient: eye exam, IOL selection, surgery, and staged follow-up visits. What does not carry over is insurance — PhilHealth is not available to a non-resident for a single procedure, and most home-country HMOs and private insurers will not reimburse care at a Philippine hospital. Confirm coverage with your insurer in writing before booking, and budget to pay directly.

How do I verify a Philippine ophthalmologist from overseas before booking?

Two checks: the surgeon's license through the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and their membership in the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, the specialty society for eye surgeons in the country. A hospital or clinic with nothing to hide will provide both without hesitation when asked by email.

How long should I plan to stay in the Philippines for cataract surgery?

Longer than just the day of surgery itself. Cataract surgery is a same-day outpatient procedure, but your surgeon will want to see you for post-operative reviews in the days and weeks after, and will decide when it's safe for you to fly. If a second eye needs surgery, that is typically staged one to two weeks after the first, which extends the trip further for anyone doing both eyes on one visit.

Conclusion

Cataract surgery in the Philippines is safe, effective, and increasingly affordable — especially with the dramatically expanded PhilHealth coverage under Circular 2025-0001. Standard phaco with a monofocal IOL costs ₱30,000-₱60,000 per eye, and PhilHealth now covers ₱28,300 of that, leaving a manageable out-of-pocket balance. For premium IOLs, PhilHealth coverage reaches up to ₱80,900 per eye.

The most important step is getting a comprehensive eye examination with an ophthalmologist to assess your cataract and determine the best surgical approach and IOL type for your situation. Top eye centers like Asian Eye Institute, Peregrine Eye, and St. Luke's offer the most advanced options in Metro Manila, while hospitals like Chong Hua in Cebu and Davao Doctors Hospital provide excellent regional alternatives.

Looking for eye clinics near you? Check our city guides:

• Eye clinics in Manila
• Eye clinics in Cebu
• Eye clinics in Davao
• LASIK cost in the Philippines (if you are also considering laser vision correction)

Ready to find an eye clinic? Browse eye clinics on ClinicFinderPH to compare cataract surgery providers, prices, and doctors near you.