COST OF CATARACT SURGERY

Cataracts are a result of the clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. Consequently, over time, this causes blurred vision, light halos, and difficulty seeing in low light situations. Having Cataract Surgery will ensure you can see clearly again, and often without the need for glasses.

Understanding the investment required for your new clearer vision is an important and necessary part of the informed consent process. However, the total cost of cataract surgery can be confusing at times and is unique to each person.

The costs associated with cataract surgery are based on a number of factors, including:

We offer a NO GAP option for Cataract patients who have health insurance. We understand it can be quite frustrating trying to understand the cost of Cataract surgery even when you are a member of a health fund. Moreover, not all health fund policies cover Cataract surgery.

Numerous recent changes to health policies, for example, new levels such as silver and gold, and changing excess payments, make it even more confusing. However don’t worry, our friendly and experienced team will take the time to help you understand all of your options and associated fees.

Most importantly, if you are considering using private health insurance, and you are not currently a member, most policies have a waiting period. Typical waiting periods range from three to twelve months.

If you are uninsured you can elect to have your cataract surgery in either a public hospital or a private hospital.

If you chose the public hospital system, and once you on the waiting list, your cataract surgery is covered by Medicare or bulk billed. However, it’s important to note there is a significant difference in the waiting periods depending on your location and the type of cataract. Additionally, the overall patient experience between public and private can vary significantly.

KindSIGHT will always try to find an affordable option to support un-insured pensioners to achieve better vision. Medicare contributes to the cost of the surgeons and anaesthetists fee. However, it does not assist with the cost of Day Hospital, the IOL and viscoelastic.

Australian citizens who are on an age pension, and don’t have health insurance, will need to invest approximately $2,000 to $3,500 per eye. However, this depends on the Day Hospital and the type of lens you chose. During your assessment, we will also discuss our payment plan options.

Medicare will cover or contribute towards the consultation as well as most of the pre-operative testing fee’s associated with Cataract surgery. In addition, they will contribute towards the surgeons and anaesthetist’s fees. However, they will not contribute to the Day surgery theatre and recovery fees, any special replacement IOL or viscoelastic materials associated with the surgery.

Unfortunately, not all costs incurred for cataract surgery are covered by Australia’s Medicare system. Medicare rebates are not indexed to inflation, and because the operating costs of a medical practice rise each year a gap payment is required.

The Medicare safety net applies only to Medicare item numbers which attract a Medicare benefit, and are related only to medical services provided at KindSIGHT.

Also, only those eligible for a Medicare card will receive any subsidies to assist with the cost of surgery.

Contact us to arrange a Medicare only assessment and to discuss your potential cataract surgery options. We will discuss the various treatment options, detailed costs and payment options.

Did you know you can apply for the Compassionate Release of your Superannuation(CRS) to pay for your eye surgery? Similarly, it can also be used for any of your family member’s.

We would like to introduce SuperCare, an external service provider that can assist you to make an application via the CRS Program. The CRS Program is operated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to cover medical treatment or surgery costs.

Firstly, SuperCare’s intention is to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the financial burden of medical treatments and surgery. This in turn supports the health of all Australians. SuperCare is the only company in Australia specifically established to assist patients with their CRS Applications.

Secondly, SuperCare’s caring, knowledgeable, and professional Consultants will efficiently case manage every CRS Application. As a result, this ensures a stress-free and timely outcome.

Finally, each Applicant is kept fully informed and supported throughout the process and, as such, is made to feel ‘special’.

Your eyesight is vital to maintaining well-being and lifestyle therefore our team works with you to ensure you can access the best care possible. We strive to provide all patients with affordable cataract surgery options.

KindSIGHT uses only the best licensed day hospitals in Brisbane. They all have facilitates accredited to the highest quality standards, state-of-the-art equipment and highly experienced teams. This combination means our patients achieve benchmark outcomes delivered in a caring and customer-focused atmosphere. As a result, we receive many 5 star reviews.

We recommend a preliminary cataract assessment to enable us to better understand your specific eye health issues and vision goals.

After the assessment, we will be able to personalise your vision solution plan and be specific about the associated costs of your cataract surgery. You will be provided with a complete breakdown of the total investment required.

You can book your consultation online, or call us on 07 3063 1600.