The cost of cataract surgery in New York City varies based on the type of procedure, surgeon, and lens used. On average, standard cataract surgery with a basic intraocular lens (IOL) costs $3,000–$5,000 per eye, while premium lenses, such as multifocal or toric IOLs, can increase costs to $5,500–$8,000 per eye. Prices also vary by borough, with Manhattan typically being the most expensive, followed by Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Cataract surgery cost in New York NY ranges $3,000–$8,000 per eye depending on lens type and procedure. Explore borough-wise and neighborhood-wise costs for 2025-2026.
Factors Affecting Cataract Surgery Costs in NYC
Several factors influence the cost of cataract surgery:
- Type of Lens: Standard monofocal lenses are less expensive, while premium multifocal or toric lenses cost significantly more.
- Surgeon’s Experience: Highly experienced ophthalmologists may charge higher fees due to their expertise and success rates.
- Surgical Facility: Hospitals typically have higher charges than specialized outpatient surgical centers.
- Pre- and Post-Operative Care: Costs include consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.
- Insurance Coverage: Some plans partially cover standard IOLs, but premium lenses are usually paid out-of-pocket.
Understanding these factors helps patients anticipate total costs and choose the best options within their budget.
Borough-Wise Cataract Surgery Costs in NYC
Surgery costs vary across New York City’s five boroughs:
1. Manhattan
- Standard cataract surgery: $4,000–$5,000 per eye
- Premium lenses: $6,000–$8,000 per eye
2. Brooklyn
- Standard: $3,500–$4,500 per eye
- Premium: $5,500–$7,500 per eye
3. Queens
- Standard: $3,300–$4,200 per eye
- Premium: $5,000–$7,000 per eye
4. Bronx
- Standard: $3,000–$4,000 per eye
- Premium: $4,800–$6,500 per eye
5. Staten Island
- Standard: $3,000–$4,000 per eye
- Premium: $4,800–$6,500 per eye
Neighborhood-Wise Cataract Surgery Costs
Within boroughs, costs fluctuate depending on the clinic, surgeon, and facility type:
Manhattan
- Upper East Side: $4,500–$8,000
- Midtown: $4,200–$7,800
- Lower Manhattan: $4,000–$7,500
Brooklyn
- Williamsburg: $4,000–$7,500
- Brooklyn Heights: $3,800–$7,200
- Bushwick: $3,500–$6,800
Queens
- Long Island City: $3,800–$7,000
- Astoria: $3,500–$6,800
- Flushing: $3,300–$6,500
Bronx
- Riverdale: $3,500–$6,500
- Fordham: $3,200–$6,200
- South Bronx: $3,000–$6,000
Staten Island
- St. George: $3,500–$6,500
- Tottenville: $3,200–$6,200
- Great Kills: $3,000–$6,000
How to Budget Cataract Surgery Costs in NYC
Budgeting for cataract surgery in NYC begins with understanding the type of lens needed—standard or premium—as this significantly affects cost. Include ancillary expenses such as pre-surgery evaluations, medications, and follow-up visits in your budget. Compare prices across boroughs and clinics, and verify insurance coverage to determine out-of-pocket costs. If surgery is needed for both eyes, plan spacing and financing accordingly. Setting aside funds in advance or using payment plans ensures smooth management of the total procedure cost.
Budgeting for cataract surgery involves:
- Understand Lens Options: Determine whether a standard or premium IOL suits your needs and insurance coverage.
- Include Ancillary Costs: Factor in pre-surgery tests, medications, and follow-up visits.
- Compare Facilities: Prices vary between hospitals and specialized outpatient surgical centers.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Verify what your insurance covers and what must be paid out-of-pocket.
- Plan for Both Eyes: If surgery is needed for both eyes, consider spacing procedures and budgeting accordingly.
Tips to Save on Cataract Surgery Costs
Saving on cataract surgery costs in NYC requires careful research and planning. Compare prices among hospitals, outpatient centers, and specialty clinics across different boroughs and neighborhoods. Opting for outpatient surgical centers often reduces fees without compromising quality. Use insurance coverage effectively by confirming what is included for standard lenses. Ask about package deals for both eyes or financing options. Scheduling during clinic promotions or discounts and selecting standard rather than premium lenses when appropriate can also help lower overall expenses.
- Research Multiple Clinics: Compare costs and services across different boroughs and neighborhoods.
- Consider Outpatient Centers: Outpatient surgical centers are often cheaper than hospitals.
- Use Insurance Wisely: Maximize coverage for standard IOLs and procedures; ask about bundled packages.
- Schedule During Promotions: Some clinics offer discounts or package pricing for multiple eye procedures.
- Ask About Payment Plans: Many facilities offer financing options to spread out costs.
Summary Table
| Borough | Standard Cataract Surgery | Premium Lens Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | $4,000–$5,000 | $6,000–$8,000 |
| Brooklyn | $3,500–$4,500 | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Queens | $3,300–$4,200 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Bronx | $3,000–$4,000 | $4,800–$6,500 |
| Staten Island | $3,000–$4,000 | $4,800–$6,500 |
FAQs About Cataract Surgery Cost in New York
Q1: How much does cataract surgery cost per eye in NYC?
A1: Standard surgery costs $3,000–$5,000 per eye, while premium lenses increase the price to $5,500–$8,000 per eye.
Q2: Does location affect cataract surgery costs?
A2: Yes, Manhattan and Brooklyn tend to be more expensive than the Bronx or Staten Island due to higher facility and surgeon fees.
Q3: Are premium lenses covered by insurance?
A3: Standard monofocal lenses are usually partially covered, but premium lenses like multifocal or toric are typically out-of-pocket.
Q4: Can I save money on cataract surgery?
A4: Yes, by comparing clinics, using outpatient centers, checking insurance, scheduling promotions, and exploring financing options.
Q5: Should I budget for both eyes at once?
A5: Planning for both eyes helps estimate total costs and allows spacing procedures for recovery, which can impact overall budgeting.