Cataract Surgery Cost in Illinois (2026)

Close to the national average · RPP 101.2 · IL

Illinois Average

$5,060

Typical Range

$3,542 – $7,084

National Average

$5,000

▲ +1.2% above national average

Cataract Surgery in Illinois: What to Know

Cataract surgery in Illinois offers advanced options and varied pricing. Facilities like Northshore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital perform over 2,500 procedures annually, while Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago handles around 1,500. Illinois also pioneered "dropless" cataract surgery at Loretto Hospital in 2014, and centers like the Illinois Eye Center offer the innovative RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens. Laser-assisted surgery is available at numerous locations, including Kirk Eye Center.

For cost-conscious patients, Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in Illinois typically offer significantly lower prices than hospitals. Springfield’s St. John's Hospital also presents a comparatively lower average charge. You'll find comprehensive care at institutions like the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System in Chicago, a major referral center. Verify current pricing directly with providers.

Estimated Cost Breakdown in Illinois

Pricing for cataract surgery in Illinois is roughly in line with the rest of the country. Here's the breakdown.

Component	Estimated Range
Facility Fee	$1,063 - $1,973
Surgeon Fee	$1,063 - $1,973
Implants Supplies	$531 - $987
Post Op Care	$531 - $987
Anesthesia	$354 - $658
Total Estimated Cost	$3,542 – $7,084

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

Ranges adjusted for Illinois's regional price parity (101.2). See the national percentage breakdown →

Facility Costs in Illinois

These Illinois 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
Northshore University Healthsystem Evanston Hosp	Evanston	$2,153	$1,712	2,508
Northwestern Memorial Hospital	Chicago	$2,193	$1,745	1,514
St Johns Hospital	Springfield	$1,920	$1,523	814
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital	Barrington	$2,185	$1,734	788
Advocate Condell Medical Center	Libertyville	$2,185	$1,734	740
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center	Mattoon	$2,045	$1,625	703
Carle Health Proctor Hospital	Peoria	$1,927	$1,529	613
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center	Chicago	$2,110	$1,665	516
Osf Saint Elizabeth Medical Center	Ottawa	$2,139	$1,700	507
Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago	Chicago	$2,179	$1,728	474

Cataract Surgery Cost in Neighboring States

Illinois runs close to the national average for cataract surgery, but it's the pricier option compared to its immediate neighbors.

Cataract Surgery in Illinois: Common Questions

What is the average price of cataract surgery in Illinois?

The average cost of cataract surgery in Illinois is $5,060. Prices typically range from $3,542 to $7,084, depending on the facility, provider, and your specific case.

Does insurance cover cataract surgery?

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 Illinois provider will minimize your out-of-pocket share.

How do I compare cataract surgery facilities in Illinois?

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 Illinois, check whether an outpatient surgery center can perform your cataract surgery — ASCs typically charge 30-50% less than hospitals for the same procedure.

Should I consider cataract surgery outside Illinois?

At $4,590, Missouri is the cheapest neighboring option — 9% below Illinois's average. If the savings justify your travel and lodging costs, it's a viable option. Many border-area patients do this, especially for elective procedures where timing is flexible.

How soon can I get back to normal after cataract surgery?

Cataract Surgery has a relatively short recovery period of 2 to 7 days. Most Illinois patients return to desk work within 2 days, though physical activity restrictions may last a bit longer. The quick turnaround keeps indirect costs like lost wages to a minimum.

Is cataract surgery covered under Illinois's Medicaid program?

Illinois 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.

Can I pay for cataract surgery with pre-tax health savings?

Absolutely. cataract surgery with a medical justification is a qualifying HSA/FSA expense. At Illinois pricing, paying $5,060 with pre-tax money effectively drops your real cost by your marginal tax rate. Ask your provider for a detailed invoice that separates each line item for your HSA administrator.

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