Cataract Surgery Cost in Arkansas (2026)

Modest savings vs. the US average · AR

Arkansas Average
$4,560
Typical Range
$3,192 – $6,384
National Average
$5,000
▼ -8.8% below national average

Cataract Surgery in Arkansas: What to Know

Arkansas offers advanced cataract surgery options. McFarland Eye Care in Little Rock pioneered "no-stitch" surgery, a global standard, and now provides custom laser procedures with the LenSx laser and Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) for post-surgery vision adjustments. For those in Northwest Arkansas, BoozmanHof Eye Care Center has performed more cataract surgeries than any other center in the region, while Triad Eye Institute serves Bentonville and Fayetteville with laser-assisted options. Additionally, Arkansas Medicaid members can utilize the Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) Program for free rides to appointments.

For potential savings, consider ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) over hospitals, as they typically offer lower prices. Ozark Eye Center in Mountain Home, co-located with Mountain Home Surgery Center, has performed over 18,000 "no-stitch" cataract surgeries. Verify current pricing directly with providers.

Estimated Cost Breakdown in Arkansas

Cataract Surgery pricing in Arkansas comes in modestly under the US average. This is the typical expense structure.

ComponentEstimated Range
Facility Fee $958 - $1,778
Surgeon Fee $958 - $1,778
Implants Supplies $479 - $889
Post Op Care $479 - $889
Anesthesia $319 - $593
Total Estimated Cost $3,192 – $6,384

Prices reflect regional cost-of-living adjustments. How we calculate these numbers →

Ranges adjusted for Arkansas's regional price parity (91.2). See the national percentage breakdown →

Facility Costs in Arkansas

Here are the highest-volume cataract surgery providers in Arkansas. All rates come from CMS Medicare claims data — actual payments, not list prices.

Facility City Negotiated Rate Medicare Payment Volume
Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock Little Rock $3,484 $2,757 694
Conway Regional Medical Center, Inc Conway $1,918 $1,525 662
Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock Little Rock $1,904 $1,512 637
Uams Medical Center Little Rock $1,849 $1,469 386
Magnolia Regional Medical Center Magnolia $1,969 $1,563 176
Drew Memorial Health System Monticello $1,950 $1,546 139
Ouachita County Medical Center Camden $1,932 $1,534 135
Chambers Memorial Hospital Danville $1,974 $1,573 121
Uams Medical Center Little Rock $3,437 $2,736 111
Mena Regional Health System Mena $1,968 $1,565 93

Cataract Surgery Cost in Neighboring States

See how Arkansas's cataract surgery costs compare to neighboring states. Prices can vary significantly even across state lines.

Cataract Surgery in Arkansas: Common Questions

How much does cataract surgery cost in Arkansas?
The average cost of cataract surgery in Arkansas is $4,560. Prices typically range from $3,192 to $6,384, depending on the facility, provider, and your specific case.
How can Arkansas offer lower cataract surgery prices?
Lower operating costs are the main driver. Arkansas has a price parity index of 91.2, which means medical practices spend less on rent, staff, and utilities — savings that translate directly into 8.8% lower cataract surgery pricing for patients.
Can I use insurance for cataract surgery in Arkansas?
Most insurance plans cover cataract surgery when it's deemed medically necessary. You'll typically need pre-authorization from your insurer, and staying in-network with a Arkansas provider will minimize your out-of-pocket share.
What should I look for in a Arkansas cataract surgery provider?
Compare facilities on volume (higher volume correlates with better outcomes), accreditation status, and the negotiated rate vs. what you'd pay out of pocket. In Arkansas, check whether an outpatient surgery center can perform your cataract surgery — ASCs typically charge 30-50% less than hospitals for the same procedure.
Is it worth traveling to another state for cataract surgery?
Potentially. Mississippi averages $4,425 for cataract surgery — a 3% savings over Arkansas. Whether it's worth the drive depends on how close you are to the border and whether you can arrange follow-up care locally.
What's the downtime after cataract surgery?
Expect about 2 to 7 days of reduced activity after cataract surgery. The limited downtime is a plus from a budgeting standpoint — at Arkansas income levels, even a few extra days off work can add meaningfully to the total expense.
Is cataract surgery covered under Arkansas's Medicaid program?
Arkansas Medicaid may cover cataract surgery when it's medically necessary and your doctor provides supporting documentation. Coverage details vary by managed care plan, so check directly with your Medicaid provider for pre-authorization steps.

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