Cataract is one of the leading causes of vision loss in India, and if left untreated, it can significantly affect your daily life.
The good news: the Ayushman Bharat scheme (PMJAY) covers cataract surgery — India’s government health
insurance program
that provides coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family, per year, for eligible households.
When doctors advise cataract surgery, families often ask the same questions: Is the treatment expensive? Does any government scheme cover it? Can patients avoid an upfront payment?
This blog explains exactly what PMJAY covers for cataract surgery, who qualifies, how to check your eligibility, and how to get treated at EyeMantra Hospital.
What Is Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) and How Much Does It Cover?
When doctors advise cataract surgery, families often ask the same questions: Is the treatment expensive? Does any government scheme cover it? Can patients avoid an upfront payment?
Key facts:
- Covers up to ₹5 lakh per family, per year
- Covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation, including cataract surgery
- Treatment is available at both government and empanelled private hospitals
- Eligible families don’t need prior enrollment or premium payment — the SECC 2011 socio-economic database determines their coverage.
Am I Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Cataract Surgery?
You may be eligible if:
- The SECC 2011 database lists your household as eligible, or
- You already hold a valid Ayushman Bharat / PM-JAY card
Unsure about your coverage? Visit the official portal pmjay.gov.in, and enter your mobile number and state to confirm eligibility in under a minute.
EyeMantra, Approved Hospital Under Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY)
The Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) scheme officially approves EyeMantra Hospital for eye care and cataract treatment.
Eligible Ayushman cardholders can get cataract surgery at EyeMantra with no out-of-pocket cost for the standard treatment package. including surgery, standard IOL, evaluation, OT charges, surgeon fees, medicines, and follow-up visits.
You can check this yourself before your visit on the official PMJAY hospital
search tool: hem.nha.gov.in/ — search by state, district, and “Ophthalmology.”
Why patients choose EyeMantra for Ayushman cataract surgery:
- Officially approved and experienced in handling PMJAY cataract cases
- Clear guidance on eligibility, coverage, and approvals before admission
- Structured process to avoid delays or last-minute surprises
- Patient-friendly support, especially for senior citizens and attendants
- Dedicated team to handle documentation and approvals on your behalf
For families seeking financial relief through Ayushman Bharat and wanting cataract surgery done at a hospital that actually guides them properly, Eye Mantra offers a dependable and transparent pathway.
The goal is simple — timely cataract treatment without financial stress, while ensuring patient safety and proper medical care.
What’s Covered vs. What’s Optional Under PMJAY Cataract Surgery
Here’s what the PMJAY health scheme includes for people holding an Ayushman card:
| Category | Item | Covered? |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Complete cataract surgery procedure | ✅ Free |
| Surgery | Surgeon fees | ✅ Free |
| Surgery | Operation theatre (OT) charges | ✅ Free |
| Lens (IOL) | Standard Indian Monofocal IOL | ✅ Free |
| Lens (IOL) | Premium IOL (multifocal, toric, etc.) | ❌ Self-paid |
| Pre-surgery | Basic eye evaluation & investigations | ✅ Free |
| During surgery | Medicines & consumables used | ✅ Free |
| Post-surgery | Follow-up visits (as per package) | ✅ Free |
| Stay | Standard ward | ✅ Free |
| Stay | Room upgrade (private/semi-private) | ❌ Self-paid |
The standard monofocal lens helps restore clear vision for daily activities like walking, reading with glasses, and general tasks. It is a safe, widely used lens and fully approved under the Ayushman scheme.
If a patient wants a premium lens, they can opt for it only on a self-paid basis, after proper counselling and consent.
At Eye Mantra, we clearly explain which costs the standard package includes and which ones remain optional, so families can decide without confusion or pressure.
How to Get Cataract Surgery with an Ayushman Card at Eye Mantra
Getting cataract surgery under the Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) scheme at Eye Mantra Hospital is a straightforward process.
Here’s what to expect from your first visit to surgery day:
- Visit or call Eye Mantra for an initial check-up and eligibility verification
- Carry your Ayushman (PMJAY) card and a valid ID proof
- Meet our experienced team of doctors for consultation and eye examination to confirm cataract and surgical need
- The hospital’s support team handles the Ayushman approval process.
- The hospital schedules cashless cataract surgery once it receives approval.
- Do the post-surgery care and follow-up as per PMJAY guidelines
The focus is on keeping the process clear, fast, and stress-free, especially for senior citizens and attendants.
Get Rid Of Cataracts Today!
If you or a family member is experiencing vision loss due to cataract and holds a valid Ayushman Bharat card, timely treatment shouldn’t wait. EyeMantra is here to guide you through the process with clarity and care — from eligibility check to surgery and follow-up.
Call +91 9711115191 to speak with our team and book your Cataract Surgery Consultation now!
Frequently Asked Questions?
Ans. Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) covers eligible families up to ₹5 lakh per year for hospitalisation, which fully covers the standard cataract surgery package including surgery, standard monofocal IOL, pre-surgery evaluation, OT charges, surgeon fees, medicines, and follow-up visits, at no cost.
Ans. Eligibility is based on the SECC 2011 socio-economic database and covers economically weaker and vulnerable households across India. You can check your eligibility instantly at pmjay.gov.in using your mobile number and state, or ask our team to help you check.
Ans. Yes, for the standard treatment package. Surgery, the standard monofocal IOL, evaluation, OT charges, surgeon fees, medicines, and follow-up visits are all covered at zero cost. A premium lens upgrade, if chosen, is self-paid since it falls outside the standard PMJAY package.
Ans. Visit hem.nha.gov.in and select your state, district, and “Ophthalmology” as the specialty. You’ll find EyeMantra listed
there, or ask our Ayushman Mitra desk to confirm directly.
Ans. Your Ayushman (PMJAY) card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.). Our support team handles eligibility verification and the approval process once these are submitted.
Ans. Approval timelines vary by case, but hospitals experienced with PMJAY processing typically complete eligibility verification and approval within a
few days, so surgery isn’t delayed unnecessarily.
Ans. Yes, both eyes can be treated under the scheme, though they’re usually operated on separately (not the same day) as per standard cataract surgery protocol, each procedure is processed as its own claim.
Medically Reviewed By
Senior Eye Surgeon | LASIK, SMILE & Cataract Specialist
