- Cataract surgery is priced per eye; published prices on the pages we read ran from about 69,000 to 125,000 baht.
- The lens implant is the main variable: multifocal and extended-depth-of-focus lenses cost more than standard monofocal lenses.
- Check whether the lens is included; one Bangkok package excludes the lens implant from its price.
- Consultation and pre-operative tests are frequently charged separately.
- Ask how many follow-up visits are included and when the second eye can be treated.
| Provider | Published price | What the page says is included | Valid | Source page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok | Phacoemulsification with monofocal lens: 85,400 | Package covers the lens types it specifies; the initial consultation and suitability tests are excluded. | To 31 Dec 2026 | bumrungrad.com — Monofocal lens for phacoemulsification |
| Bangkok Hospital (Headquarters), Bangkok | Phaco with monofocal lens: 69,000; with trifocal or EDOF lens: 82,000 | Fly-in patients; local anaesthetic for the monofocal package. The lens implant itself and specialist consultations are excluded. | To 31 Dec 2026 | bangkokhospital.com — Eye surgery packages |
| TRSC International LASIK Center, Bangkok | Phaco with monofocal IOL: 85,000; with multifocal or EDOF IOL: 125,000 | Per-eye fees; the centre says fees can change without notice. | Effective 1 Jan 2025 | trsclasik.com — Service fees for cataract surgery |
| St Peter Eye Hospital, Chiang Mai | From 68,850 (premium monofocal lens); from 98,850 (multifocal lens) | Starting prices including a lens implant of the stated type. | No date published | stpeter-eye.com — Cataract |
| Rutnin Eye Hospital, Bangkok | Cataract eye screening for foreign patients: 4,400 | Screening only, not surgery; Rutnin's cataract surgery package excludes doctor and consultation fees. | To 31 Dec 2026 | rutnin.com — CATARACT Vision Care (Inter) |
What cataract surgery involves
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. Surgery removes the cloudy lens, usually by phacoemulsification (often shortened to 'phaco'), in which the lens is broken up with ultrasound and removed through a small incision, and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is usually done under local anaesthetic as a day case, one eye at a time.
Because each eye is a separate operation, prices in Thailand are almost always quoted per eye. If both eyes need surgery, expect two bills and, often, a gap of days or weeks between operations. Ask the hospital how it schedules the second eye and whether there is any price difference.
The lens is what changes the price
Standard monofocal lenses give clear vision at one distance, and most people still need glasses for reading or near work afterwards. Multifocal, trifocal and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses aim to reduce dependence on glasses at more than one distance, and toric lenses also correct astigmatism. These lenses cost more, and some people experience side effects such as halos around lights.
On the pages we read, the step from a monofocal to a multifocal or EDOF lens added 30,000 baht at St Peter Eye Hospital and 40,000 baht at TRSC. Bangkok Hospital's fly-in packages exclude the lens implant itself, so its 69,000 and 82,000 baht figures are for the surgery without the lens, and the lens would be added on top. Ask every provider for a total that names the lens manufacturer and model.
Consultations and tests before surgery
Before surgery, the eye is measured to calculate the lens power, and the surgeon checks for other conditions that could affect the result. Several providers charge for this separately. Bumrungrad's eye packages exclude the initial consultation and suitability tests, and Rutnin publishes a cataract screening for foreign patients at 4,400 baht while noting that its cataract surgery package excludes doctor and consultation fees.
If you are travelling, ask whether measurements taken by your own optometrist or ophthalmologist can be used, or whether the hospital needs its own. Most will want their own, because lens calculations depend on the equipment used.
Follow-up and timing
Patients are usually seen the day after surgery and again over the following weeks, and use eye drops for several weeks. Ask how many visits are included, what eye drops cost, and when you can fly, swim or drive. Some people later develop clouding behind the new lens that is treated with a laser; ask whether that is included or what it would cost.
If you need both eyes done, ask how long you should stay between operations, and plan your trip around the hospital's schedule rather than fitting surgery into a fixed holiday.
Insurance and public hospitals
Cataract surgery is often covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary, but premium lenses may not be. Ask your insurer which lenses it covers and whether it needs pre-approval. Hospitals generally want a guarantee of payment or a deposit before planned surgery.
Public and university hospitals perform cataract surgery at lower cost, mainly for patients under Thai public schemes, and waiting lists can be long. Fees for foreigners at public hospitals are not usually published in English, so ask the hospital directly.
Whichever route you take, ask for an itemised bill that separates the surgeon's fee, the lens, theatre charges and medicines. Insurers usually want to see the lens type and the medical reason for surgery, and an itemised bill also makes it easier to compare what you were quoted with what you paid.
Checking the surgeon
Ask which ophthalmologist will operate and check their registration with the Medical Council of Thailand. Standalone eye clinics are licensed by the Department of Health Service Support, whose lookup at hosp.hss.moph.go.th shows a facility's licence status. This guide does not replace clinical advice; ask an ophthalmologist which lens suits your eyes and lifestyle.
Questions to ask before you book cataract surgery
- Is the quoted price per eye, and does it include the lens implant?
- Which lens do you recommend, by manufacturer and model, and what does each option cost?
- Are the consultation, eye measurements and pre-operative tests included?
- How many follow-up visits and which eye drops are included?
- When can the second eye be done, and when can I fly home?
- Will my insurer cover this lens, and does it need pre-approval?
Frequently asked questions
How much does cataract surgery cost in Thailand?
On the official pages we read in October 2026, per-eye prices ranged from about 69,000 baht (surgery only, lens excluded, at Bangkok Hospital) to 125,000 baht for a multifocal or EDOF lens at TRSC. Bumrungrad listed monofocal phaco at 85,400 baht.
Is the price for one eye or both?
Per eye. If both eyes need surgery, expect two operations and two charges.
Is the lens included?
It depends on the provider. Bangkok Hospital's fly-in cataract packages exclude the lens implant; St Peter Eye Hospital's starting prices include a named lens type. Ask for the total with the lens model.
Why do multifocal lenses cost more?
The lenses themselves are more expensive and may need more detailed measurements. At the two providers on the pages we read whose prices include the lens, they added 30,000–40,000 baht per eye compared with a monofocal lens.
Can I have both eyes done on one trip?
Often, if you allow enough time. Ask the hospital how many days it leaves between eyes and how many follow-up visits each needs.
Sources
- Bumrungrad International Hospital — Monofocal lens for phacoemulsification (single eye)
- Bangkok Hospital (Headquarters) — Eye surgery packages
- TRSC International LASIK Center — Service fees for cataract surgery
- St Peter Eye Hospital, Chiang Mai — Cataract
- Rutnin Eye Hospital — CATARACT Vision Care (Inter) screening promotion
- Thai PBS — Medical Council advises checking a doctor's registration (check_md lookup)
- Pattaya Mail — Public urged to check clinic licences on the Department of Health Service Support system
