Cataract surgery and lens replacement
If you have cataracts, you may notice that your eyesight is getting worse and that it is not better with glasses or contact lens. If it’s hard for you to do regular activities because of your eyesight it may be time for cataract surgery.
In cataract surgery, the cloudy, natural lens is removed from the eye and, in most cases, a plastic lens replaces the natural lens to return eyesight.
Lens options and costs
Most replacement lenses are made of a flexible material and are smaller than a dime. There are two categories of lenses available:
Standard lens (monofocal foldable)
- Covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) at no cost.
- Includes consultation, testing, and surgery.
- Provide clear vision at one distance.
- Used in about 90% of surgeries in BC.
Specialty lenses (non-insured)
- May correct additional vision issues, reducing the need for glasses.
- If you choose this option, you will pay only the difference in cost between the standard lens and specialty lens.
- Payment is made directly to Northern Health before surgery. Your ophthalmologist will provide payment instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an intraocular lens?
A clear plastic lens implanted during cataract surgery to replace the cloudy natural lens. They come in rigid and foldable types, with foldable being more common today.
What is the standard lens for cataract surgery?
Since 2012, BC has used foldable monofocal lenses as the standard, based on expert and patient input.
How much does a standard lens cost?
Nothing. It's fully covered by MSP, including the lens, surgery, and doctor services. You should not pay the surgeon or the hospital any fee.
How much will I pay if I choose a specialty lens?
You will only have to pay the difference in price between the standard lens and the specialty lens you choose. You will not pay the full price of the specialty lens.
How do I pay for a specialty lens?
If you decide to purchase a specialty lens for your cataract surgery, you will pay the health authority directly. You can pay at the cashier’s office at the hospital before surgery.
Will specialty lenses become insured in the future?
No. Your medical services plan covers only what is medically necessary to fix your cataract. Specialty lenses are optional for enhanced vision.
Have lens prices changed?
No, but as of May 2013 all health authorities will pay a lower price for the standard monofocal foldable lenses through a provincial contract with lens suppliers. This is saving our health care over four million dollars each year.
Will my doctor have other brands of lenses that I can buy?
No. All lenses for publicly funded surgeries are supplied by the health authorities. This means that doctors do not purchase or sell lenses directly to patients.
How many people have cataract surgery in BC?
In 2018/2019 there were 69,463 cataract surgeries performed in British Columbia.