Cataract Surgery Cost in the Philippines (2026): Prices per Eye, Hospitals & PhilHealth
Published private cataract surgery packages in the Philippines range from ₱20,000 to ₱190,000 per eye among the providers reviewed, depending on the surgeon, artificial lens and services included. Olivarez General Hospital advertises a package starting at ₱20,000 per eye, while ROQUE Eye Clinic publishes specialist packages priced at ₱100,000–₱190,000 per eye.
Government hospitals may publish lower procedure charges. For example, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center lists ₱12,070 for phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, although this is not necessarily the complete surgery bill.
PhilHealth covers ₱20,200–₱80,900 per eye for adult cataract surgery, depending on the lens type. The benefit for a standard monofocal lens is ₱28,300. Eligible members receiving covered standard care in basic or ward accommodation are entitled to no co-payment under PhilHealth’s cataract policy.
Cataract Surgery Price in the Philippines 2026 Comparison
| Hospital or Surgery Option | Published Price | What the Amount Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center | ₱12,070 | Government hospital procedure charge, not a complete package |
| Olivarez General Hospital | From ₱20,000/eye | Surgery, IOL, doctor’s fee and hospital bill |
| Cardinal Santos Medical Center | ₱65,500 | Hospital, operating room, phaco machine and professional fees; lens inclusion unclear |
| ROQUE Eye Clinic — Core | ₱100,000/eye | Phaco surgery with a basic monofocal lens |
| ROQUE Eye Clinic — Contemporary | ₱140,000/eye | Enhanced monofocal or qualifying toric lens |
| ROQUE Eye Clinic — Premium | ₱190,000/eye | Premium multifocal or EDOF lens |
| ROQUE Eye Clinic — surgeon’s fee only | ₱56,000/eye | Professional fee; hospital and lens charges separate |
These are selected published prices, not a national average. The prices are not all directly comparable. Some represent complete packages, others are partial charges, and some offers were originally published before 2026.
The ₱20,000 and ₱100,000–₱190,000 figures are advertised per-eye packages. Cardinal Santos does not explicitly specify the number of eyes covered in its online package description, so patients should confirm this directly.
For anyone considering surgery, the most useful price is the complete written quotation for the recommended procedure and lens, showing what the patient must actually pay.
Cataract Surgery Prices by Hospital and Eye Clinic
Olivarez General Hospital
Olivarez General Hospital Eye Center in Parañaque advertises an all-inclusive cataract surgery package starting at ₱20,000 per eye. According to its official website, the package includes:
- Cataract surgery procedure
- Intraocular lens (IOL)
- Doctor’s professional fee
- Hospital bill
This is one of the lower-priced private cataract packages identified among the reviewed providers.
However, the hospital’s promotional image is marked 2025. Although the offer remains displayed online, patients should confirm that it is still available for their appointment. Ask which lens is included and whether preoperative consultation, biometry, medicines and follow-up visits require separate payment.
Cardinal Santos Medical Center
Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan advertises a Machine Assisted Cataract Surgery Premium 2 Package for ₱65,500. Its published inclusions are:
| Service | Included |
|---|---|
| Operating room use | Yes |
| Phacoemulsification machine | Yes |
| Procedure-related hospital fees | Yes |
| Drugs and medicines used during the procedure | Yes |
| Surgical supplies and consumables | Yes |
| Ophthalmologist’s professional fee | Yes |
| Anesthesiologist’s professional fee | Yes |
| Intraocular lens implant | Not explicitly stated |
The hospital states that the package cost can be reviewed depending on the patient’s medical concerns. The most important question is whether the lens implant is included in the ₱65,500 amount. Its online description does not explicitly confirm this.
Also verify whether the published rate is for one eye and whether diagnostic tests or postoperative medicines are charged separately.
ROQUE Eye Clinic
ROQUE Eye Clinic publishes three cataract surgery packages for procedures performed at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City or Asian Hospital and Medical Center.
| Package | Published Price | Included Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ₱100,000/eye | Basic monofocal IOL |
| Contemporary | ₱140,000/eye | Enhanced monofocal, monofocal plus or qualifying monofocal toric IOL |
| Premium | ₱190,000/eye | Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) or multifocal IOL |
The Contemporary package is advertised as reduced from ₱150,000, while the Premium package is advertised as reduced from ₱200,000.
These are prices displayed on the provider’s package pages. Some pages retain older website formatting and publication material, so patients should reconfirm whether the advertised packages are still available under the same terms.
ROQUE Eye Clinic
It lists a standard phacoemulsification surgeon’s fee of ₱56,000 per eye. The provider states that femtosecond laser assistance adds a 50% premium to this professional fee. Sedation or general anesthesia can also affect professional fees.
A discounted ₱40,000 standard surgeon’s fee is published for eligible senior citizens and PWDs. The following are billed separately under this arrangement:
- Hospital and operating room charges
- Intraocular lens
- Medications and consumables
- Applicable anesthesiologist’s professional fees
The professional-fee amount should never be confused with ROQUE’s advertised complete package prices.
Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila publishes ₱12,070 for cataract extraction through phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in its 2026 procedures pricing schedule.
That is the hospital’s listed procedure charge. The document also includes separately priced ophthalmology tests, supplies and other services. Therefore, ₱12,070 should not be interpreted as a guaranteed total cash price for every patient.
If you are a PhilHealth member, ask the hospital’s billing or PhilHealth office how the cataract benefit and no-co-payment policy apply to your planned care.
Government vs. Private Hospital Cataract Surgery
| Consideration | Government Hospital | Private Hospital or Eye Center |
|---|---|---|
| Published prices | Often individual procedure charges | May provide packages or itemized bills |
| Artificial lens | Depends on facility and availability | Standard and premium options may be offered |
| PhilHealth | Available at accredited facilities | Available for eligible care at accredited facilities |
| Surgery schedule | Depends on surgeon and operating room capacity | Depends on provider availability |
| Actual patient payment | Depends on coverage and treatment arrangement | Depends on package, coverage and chosen services |
A public hospital is not automatically free for everyone, while a private hospital is not automatically excluded from PhilHealth coverage.
For qualifying cataract treatment under basic or ward accommodation, PhilHealth’s no-co-payment policy can significantly affect the patient’s final bill.
Cataract Surgery Cost by Procedure and Lens Type
A cataract develops when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Surgery removes the cloudy lens and usually replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The surgical technique and artificial lens are major factors affecting cost.
Cataract Surgery Methods
| Procedure | How It Works | Cost Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) | Removes the cloudy lens through a relatively larger incision | May have lower facility charges in some hospitals |
| Manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) | Removes the cataract through a smaller self-sealing incision | Availability and charges vary |
| Phacoemulsification | Uses ultrasound to break up and remove the cloudy lens | Requires specialized equipment and consumables |
| Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) | Uses a laser for selected surgical steps | Can add considerable fees |
Phacoemulsification is widely used, but the most expensive technique is not automatically necessary for every patient. The ophthalmologist considers the condition of the eye, cataract density, other eye diseases and available techniques.
Cataract Lens Types Compared
| Lens Type | Main Benefit | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Clearer focus at one primary distance | Glasses may still be needed |
| Monofocal toric | Corrects certain forms of astigmatism | Requires appropriate measurements |
| Enhanced monofocal | May provide a greater range of useful vision than a basic monofocal lens | Benefits differ by design |
| Multifocal | Provides more than one focal distance | Can produce halos or glare |
| EDOF | Extends the range of focus | Suitability depends on visual needs |
| Multifocal toric | Combines multifocality and astigmatism correction | Requires careful assessment |
A more expensive lens does not automatically produce the best outcome for every person. Some patients prioritize clear night vision. Others may prefer greater freedom from reading glasses. Lens selection should be based on eye health, lifestyle, expected visual results and affordability.
Cataract surgery is not the only eye procedure Filipinos compare by price. If a family member is instead considering vision correction, you can also check the LASIK surgery cost in the Philippines.
How Much Does PhilHealth Cover for Cataract Surgery in 2026?
PhilHealth increased its cataract surgery benefit rates effective January 30, 2025, under Circular No. 2025-0001. The benefit depends on the procedure and implanted artificial lens.
PhilHealth Cataract Surgery Benefit Table
| Adult Cataract Surgery | PhilHealth Benefit Per Eye |
|---|---|
| Cataract extraction without IOL | ₱20,200 |
| Cataract extraction with monofocal IOL | ₱28,300 |
| Cataract extraction with monofocal toric IOL | ₱43,800 |
| Cataract extraction with multifocal IOL | ₱66,900 |
| Cataract extraction with multifocal toric IOL | ₱80,900 |
These are PhilHealth reimbursement rates, not hospital surgery prices or cash payments to members. The official circular confirms ₱43,800 as the benefit for a monofocal toric IOL.
Is Cataract Surgery Free with PhilHealth?
Eligible members receiving covered standard cataract care in basic or ward accommodation are entitled to no co-payment at accredited public and private facilities.
PhilHealth’s cataract circular explicitly provides this protection. This does not mean every premium private surgical package or optional upgrade is automatically free.
Services beyond covered minimum-standard care under an eligible private non-basic accommodation arrangement can involve additional patient charges under the applicable rules.
For example, if a clinic advertises a ₱100,000 private package, you should not automatically calculate the patient’s bill by subtracting ₱28,300.
Instead, the provider must identify the relevant covered care, accommodation arrangement, optional services and permitted patient payment.
If a facility proposes a charge for covered standard care that should qualify for no co-payment, ask its PhilHealth desk for a written explanation.
How to Use PhilHealth for Cataract Surgery
- Get an ophthalmologist’s assessment. Confirm the cataract diagnosis and whether surgery is medically indicated.
- Choose an accredited facility. Check whether the hospital or ambulatory surgical clinic participates in the PhilHealth cataract benefit.
- Ask about Cataract Pre-Surgery Authorization (CPSA). The accredited provider coordinates the required approval.
- Confirm the lens and procedure. Ask which PhilHealth package applies.
- Request a written billing explanation. Clarify whether no-co-payment applies and which services, if any, would be extra.
- Attend the required postoperative follow-up. Appropriate documentation is needed for the PhilHealth claim.
PhilHealth Advisory 2025-0034 accepts claims containing a best-corrected visual acuity report dated day 1 through day 14 after surgery. It also requires healthcare facilities to specify the intraocular lens type and corresponding amount on the patient’s statement of account.
What If You Buy Your Own Intraocular Lens?
PhilHealth has a specific rule for patient-supplied or donated lenses. When the lens is supplied by the patient or received through donation, the hospital must use the applicable cataract-extraction-only reimbursement package, rather than the higher package for a facility-provided IOL.
This means buying a premium lens separately does not automatically preserve the higher PhilHealth reimbursement rate. Discuss any outside lens purchase with the accredited facility before proceeding.
Does PhilHealth Cover Cataract Surgery on Both Eyes?
Yes, subject to medical indication and authorization. For adult bilateral cataract surgery, the PhilHealth circular provides for a minimum interval of two days between operations on the two eyes.
This is a benefit-policy minimum, not a recommendation that every patient should have the second operation exactly two days later. The ophthalmologist determines the appropriate schedule.
PhilHealth Benefits for Pediatric Cataract Surgery
Children have separate PhilHealth cataract packages.
| Pediatric Cataract Procedure | PhilHealth Benefit |
|---|---|
| Without IOL, one eye | ₱135,000 |
| Without IOL, both eyes | ₱139,050 |
| With IOL, one eye | ₱179,000 |
| With IOL, both eyes | ₱187,100 |
These are specialized pediatric benefits and should not be confused with the adult rates.
Before the operation, most clinics ask for routine clearance tests such as a blood count, so you may want to check the CBC test price in the Philippines as part of your pre-surgery budget.
What Can Increase Your Cataract Surgery Bill?
Not every advertised package includes all appointments, diagnostic tests and postoperative expenses.
| Possible Additional Expense | When It May Apply |
|---|---|
| Initial ophthalmologist consultation | Surgical assessment |
| Biometry and keratometry | Measurements for choosing the correct IOL |
| Retinal OCT or other eye tests | If other eye conditions require assessment |
| Premium lens upgrade | When choosing a lens beyond the package’s standard lens |
| Surgeon or anesthesiologist’s fee | When separately billed |
| Operating room and consumables | If excluded from the quoted fee |
| Sedation or general anesthesia | When medically indicated |
| Specialized surgical devices | For selected complex cases |
| Eye drops and postoperative medicines | If excluded from the package |
| Additional follow-up visits | Beyond the included visits |
For example, ROQUE’s package terms exclude preoperative consultation and diagnostic testing. Cardinal Santos does not explicitly list the IOL among its package inclusions.
Always request a complete written quotation rather than relying only on an advertised starting price.
Senior Citizen and PWD Cataract Surgery Discounts
Eligible senior citizens aged 60 and above and qualified persons with disabilities may receive statutory discounts and VAT exemptions on qualifying healthcare services. However, you should not simply subtract 20% from every published package and then deduct the full PhilHealth case rate.
The actual billing depends on eligible service components, tax treatment, benefit coordination and PhilHealth’s no-co-payment rules. Ask the billing office to show the statutory discounts, PhilHealth treatment and final patient payment on an itemized statement.
Does HMO Cover Cataract Surgery?
Some HMO and private health insurance policies cover medically necessary cataract surgery, but benefits vary by plan. Before scheduling surgery, ask your insurer:
- Is cataract surgery covered?
- Are the hospital and ophthalmologist accredited?
- Is a Letter of Authorization (LOA) required?
- Does the benefit include the IOL implant?
- Are premium lenses or laser-assisted procedures excluded?
- Are preoperative tests and postoperative visits included?
- How will PhilHealth be coordinated with the HMO?
- Are there deductibles, co-payments or annual limits?
Do not assume that having an HMO card guarantees approval for a specific surgical package.
Coverage can significantly lower what you pay out of pocket for cataract surgery, whether through PhilHealth or a private health card. Our guide to the best HMO in the Philippines explains how these plans compare.
Free or Low-Cost Cataract Surgery in the Philippines
There are several potential options for patients who cannot afford private surgery.
PhilHealth-Covered Standard Cataract Care
For eligible members, covered standard cataract care in basic or ward accommodation is subject to the no-co-payment policy.
Ask accredited public and private facilities whether an appropriate covered treatment arrangement is available.
Government Cataract Surgery Missions
Government and local health agencies sometimes conduct free cataract screening and surgical missions.
In May 2026, the Cebu Provincial Government reported that patients received free cataract and other eye procedures during a medical mission in Argao.
That was a specific event, not a permanent free surgical service. Ask your barangay, city or provincial health office about future medical missions and their screening requirements.
Tzu Chi Foundation Eye Care
The Tzu Chi Foundation has supported charitable eye care and surgical services for underserved patients in the Philippines.
Eligibility, screening procedures and appointment availability depend on the organization’s current programs.
Malasakit Centers and Government Medical Assistance
Patients who cannot afford surgery may seek an assessment through a hospital social worker or Malasakit Center.
Potential assistance programs include:
- DOH medical assistance
- DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS)
- PCSO medical assistance
- Local government assistance
Bring identification, medical records, relevant clinical documents and a hospital quotation when requesting assistance. Financial assistance depends on eligibility assessment and available funding. It is not guaranteed.
Cataract Surgery Recovery: What to Expect
Cataract surgery is commonly performed as an outpatient or day procedure. Many patients can go home after a period of postoperative monitoring. Visual improvement may begin within a few days, although full healing can continue over several weeks.
Patients are commonly prescribed eye drops and asked to attend scheduled follow-up visits. Arrange transportation after surgery rather than planning to drive yourself home.
Seek urgent medical attention for severe eye pain, sudden worsening vision or other serious postoperative symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Magkano ang cataract surgery sa Pilipinas?
May private hospital cataract package na nagsisimula sa ₱20,000 bawat mata sa Olivarez General Hospital. May specialist packages din na ₱100,000–₱190,000 bawat mata, depende sa lens at mga serbisyong kasama.
Sa government hospitals, maaaring mas mababa ang nakalistang procedure charge, pero hindi iyon palaging buong bill.
How much is cataract surgery per eye without PhilHealth?
Published private package examples reviewed range from ₱20,000 to ₱190,000 per eye, with substantial differences in the lens and included services. The amounts do not represent a guaranteed nationwide range.
Magkano ang cataract surgery gamit ang PhilHealth?
PhilHealth’s adult cataract benefits range from ₱20,200 to ₱80,900 per eye. The benefit for a standard monofocal IOL is ₱28,300. Eligible covered standard care in basic or ward accommodation is subject to the no-co-payment policy.
Is cataract surgery free for senior citizens?
Being a senior citizen does not automatically make every private surgical package free. However, eligible PhilHealth members receiving qualifying covered standard care are entitled to no co-payment under the applicable policy. Senior discounts may also apply to qualifying separately payable services.
How much does cataract surgery cost for both eyes?
The amount depends on each eye’s surgical and lens requirements, facility charges and applicable benefits. Ask for a written quotation covering both procedures and associated tests, medicines and follow-up appointments.
Is laser cataract surgery better than phacoemulsification?
Not automatically. Laser assistance can be useful for selected surgical steps, but conventional phacoemulsification is also an established procedure. The most appropriate technique depends on the patient’s eye condition and the ophthalmologist’s assessment.
Will I still need eyeglasses after cataract surgery?
Possibly. Monofocal lenses generally provide focus at one main distance, so glasses may be needed for other tasks. Some premium lenses can reduce glasses dependence but may introduce trade-offs such as halos or glare.
Can cataracts return after surgery?
The natural lens removed during cataract surgery does not grow back. However, the membrane behind the implanted IOL may become cloudy later. This is called posterior capsule opacification and can sometimes be treated with a YAG laser procedure.
Before Booking: Questions to Ask the Hospital
Before paying a deposit, request a written estimate covering:
- Is the price for one eye or both eyes?
- Is it a complete package, a hospital procedure fee or a surgeon’s fee only?
- Which surgery method is recommended?
- What IOL type and brand are included?
- What would a lens upgrade cost?
- Are consultation, biometry and other tests included?
- Are the operating room, surgeon and anesthesia fees included?
- Are medicines and postoperative visits included?
- Is the facility PhilHealth-accredited, and does no-co-payment apply?
- What is the estimated final amount after applicable benefits and discounts?
Compare complete quotations for the same medically appropriate surgery and lens, not simply the lowest advertised price.
How CareCostPH Checked These Prices
CareCostPH reviewed publicly available Philippine hospital fee schedules, private cataract surgery package listings, specialist professional-fee information and official PhilHealth documents on October 8, 2026.
Sources included Olivarez General Hospital, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, ROQUE Eye Clinic and PhilHealth.
Each quoted amount was classified according to what it represents: an advertised surgical package, individual procedure charge, professional fee or PhilHealth reimbursement rate.
No hospital visits or direct price-confirmation calls were conducted as part of this review.
Some provider listings were originally published before 2026, and promotional prices may change. Patients should confirm current availability and the total expected charge before proceeding.
Read more about how CareCostPH researches healthcare prices.
Medical note: This article provides general cost information, not individualized medical advice. Discuss the treatment plan with a qualified ophthalmologist and confirm current pricing and benefit eligibility with the facility.
