Cataract Surgery Cost in California (2026)

High-cost market · RPP 113.3 · CA

California Average

$5,665

Typical Range

$3,966 – $7,931

National Average

$5,000

▲ +13.3% above national average

Cataract Surgery in California: What to Know

California offers advanced cataract surgery options, with UCSF Health boasting Northern California's largest eye surgery program. For complex cases, the UCLA Health Stein Eye Institute and Doheny Eye Centers are nationally recognized referral centers. Cutting-edge robotic cataract surgery, using femtosecond lasers, is available at facilities like Orange Coast Eye Center in Fountain Valley and Sacramento Eye Consultants.

To potentially lower costs, consider ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), as CalPERS saw a 21.1% increase in ASC use and a price decrease after implementing reference pricing. Many patients also travel to California for specialized care, highlighting the state's expertise. Verify current pricing directly with providers.

Estimated Cost Breakdown in California

California is among the priciest states for cataract surgery. The elevated costs reflect the state's higher cost of living across these components.

Component	Estimated Range
Facility Fee	$1,190 - $2,209
Surgeon Fee	$1,190 - $2,209
Implants Supplies	$595 - $1,105
Post Op Care	$595 - $1,105
Anesthesia	$397 - $736
Total Estimated Cost	$3,966 – $7,931

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

Ranges adjusted for California's regional price parity (113.3). See the national percentage breakdown →

Facility Costs in California

These California facilities handle the most cataract surgery cases. The negotiated rate reflects what's actually paid after insurer discounts.

Facility	City	Negotiated Rate	Medicare Payment	Volume
Fresno Surgical Hospital	Fresno	$2,427	$1,927	2,519
Ronald Reagan Ucla Medical Center	Los Angeles	$2,651	$2,108	1,948
University Of California Irvine Medical Center	Orange	$2,464	$1,960	1,420
Stanford Health Care	Stanford	$3,240	$2,581	1,322
Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr	San Diego	$2,473	$1,969	1,239
University Of California Davis Medical Center	Sacramento	$2,873	$2,286	1,023
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center	Burlingame	$3,195	$2,539	984
Ucsf Medical Center	San Francisco	$3,225	$2,566	852
El Centro Regional Medical Center	El Centro	$2,443	$1,945	736
Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center Of Santa Cruz	Santa Cruz	$3,127	$2,488	702

Cataract Surgery Cost in Neighboring States

Among neighboring states, California has the highest cataract surgery costs. Patients near the border may find savings nearby.

Cataract Surgery in California: Common Questions

What should I expect to pay for cataract surgery in California?

Expect to budget around $5,665 for cataract surgery in California. The typical range spans $3,966 to $7,931 — where you land depends on your provider, whether you choose a hospital or outpatient center, and the specifics of your case.

Why are cataract surgery prices higher in California?

California's elevated cataract surgery costs reflect broader economic factors. The state's cost of living index (113.3) drives up overhead for medical practices, and that cost gets passed through to patients — resulting in prices 13.3% above the national benchmark.

Will my health insurance pay for cataract surgery?

Yes — cataract surgery is generally covered by insurance in California when your doctor documents medical necessity. Expect to pay your deductible and copay, but the bulk of the $5,665 cost should be covered by your plan.

How do I choose a cataract surgery facility in California?

Focus on three things: the facility's cataract surgery case volume, its accreditation status, and the out-of-pocket cost at your insurance tier. California has both hospital and outpatient options — outpatient centers typically offer significant savings.

Is it worth traveling to another state for cataract surgery?

Potentially. Nevada averages $5,025 for cataract surgery — a 11% savings over California. Whether it's worth the drive depends on how close you are to the border and whether you can arrange follow-up care locally.

How quickly can I recover from cataract surgery?

Recovery is quick compared to many procedures. At 2 to 7 days total, the short downtime keeps total costs lower in California — less time off work means the $5,665 procedure price is closer to your true all-in cost.

Can Medicaid help pay for cataract surgery in California?

Medicaid in California can cover cataract surgery when there's a documented medical need. The key is pre-authorization — your physician will need to submit clinical justification to your managed care organization before the procedure is approved.

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