Surgery Costs and Insurance

Surgery costs depend on your insurance and the options you choose. This page explains which procedures insurance usually covers, which are elective, and how we make sure you know your cost before surgery. We do not post set prices because your cost depends on your plan and your eyes.

Covered by insurance

These procedures are medical treatments. Medicare and most PPO plans cover them when medically necessary, subject to your deductible, copay and coinsurance.

• Standard cataract surgery with a standard lens implant
• Glaucoma laser and surgery, including MIGS and traditional glaucoma surgery
• Medical eye care, such as treatment for eye disease, infections and injuries

Optional upgrades during cataract surgery

These add an out of pocket fee on top of what insurance covers:

• Premium lens implants, such as toric, multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses
• Laser assisted cataract surgery
• Extra testing and planning needed for premium options

You can always choose standard cataract surgery. Choosing an upgrade does not change your insurance coverage for the surgery itself.

Elective vision correction

EVO ICL and clear lens exchange are elective procedures that insurance does not cover. We give you a written quote at your consultation. See our EVO ICL and clear lens exchange page.

What affects your cost

• Your plan’s deductible, copay and coinsurance, and how much of your deductible you have met this year
• Whether you have a secondary or supplemental plan
• The surgery center’s and anesthesia fees, which are billed separately
• Whether you choose any upgrades

How we help you plan

• We check your insurance benefits before surgery
• We give you a written quote for any upgrade before you decide
• We collect your estimated share before surgery so there are no surprises later

Good Faith Estimate

If you do not have insurance or choose not to use it, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected charges before your care, under the federal No Surprises Act. Ask our staff for one at least three business days before your procedure, or when you schedule.

Insurance plans

We work with Medicare and most PPO plans. Some HMO plans, including Kaiser, require you to see their own doctors. See the plans we accept on our insurance page, or call us to check your plan.

Common questions

Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?

Yes. Medicare covers medically necessary cataract surgery with a standard lens. You may owe your Part B deductible and coinsurance unless a supplemental plan covers it.

Why do premium lenses cost extra?

Medicare and insurance pay for a standard lens that corrects one distance. Premium lenses and the extra testing to plan them go beyond that, so the difference is paid out of pocket.

Can I get an exact cost before surgery?

Yes. After your evaluation, we check your benefits and give you a written estimate of your share, including any upgrades you choose.

Is EVO ICL covered by insurance?

No. Vision correction surgery is considered elective by insurance plans. Some vision plans offer discounts, so ask us about yours.