Is cataract surgery covered by health insurance?

The short answer is "Yes." Many people are unsure whether eye surgery is supposed to be a Vision Insurance or Health (called Major Medical) Insurance benefit.

Vision Insurance is generally for routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Doctors of Optometry are the primary providers, along with Opticians. It can be confusing because Optometrists also diagnose and treat some ocular medical conditions.

Major Medical Insurance (Health Insurance) generally covers serious eye problems that may require surgery, such as as cataracts. Ophthalmologists (eye MDs) are the eye doctors who do surgery. But remember that "cover" does not mean "totally pay for." There are usually deductibles and co-payments involved, depending on the particular policy.

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic