FEATURED
Ophthalmology Treatment in China
50%–80% lower costs than the US and Europe · Shorter waiting times
SMILE Pro · ICL Implantation · Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Corneal Transplantation · Combined Anterior and Posterior Segment Surgery
25-/27-Gauge Vitrectomy · Secondary Reconstruction After Ocular Trauma
Nationally recognized ophthalmology expertise
Ophthalmology centers in China provide care across a wide range of subspecialties, including cataract, refractive surgery, corneal disease, retinal disease, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, ocular trauma, and oculoplastic disorders. Treatment is also available for more complex conditions requiring corneal transplantation, vitreoretinal surgery, anterior segment reconstruction, or management of retinal complications related to high myopia.
Technologies including femtosecond laser surgery, customized laser vision correction, implantable collamer lenses (ICL), femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, intraoperative imaging, 25-/27-gauge vitrectomy, micropulse laser treatment, and photodynamic therapy are used across a range of ophthalmic procedures. For selected patients with severe ocular trauma or end-stage corneal disease, specialized options such as the Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body (FCVB) and keratoprosthesis may also be considered.
MGH helps international patients connect with ophthalmology specialists and medical resources in China, coordinating medical record preparation, specialist assessment, and arrangements for treatment in China.
Explore
Ophthalmology Treatments
Corneal Transplantation and Complex Corneal Disease
For patients with prolonged donor cornea waits, previous graft failure, high-risk transplantation, severe ocular surface disease, or corneal damage caused by infection or chemical injury. Complex cases involving cataract, glaucoma, or retinal disease can also be assessed for combined treatment.
Main Treatments: Penetrating keratoplasty · Lamellar keratoplasty · Endothelial keratoplasty · High-risk and repeat corneal transplantation · Ocular surface reconstruction · Limbal stem cell–based therapy · Corneal cross-linking
Complex Retinal and Vitreous Conditions
For patients with recurrent retinal detachment, persistent problems after previous vitrectomy, long-term silicone oil tamponade, complex macular disease, or advanced diabetic retinopathy. Cases requiring both retinal surgery and anterior segment reconstruction can also be evaluated.
Main Treatments: 25-/27-gauge vitrectomy · Complex and recurrent retinal detachment repair · Surgery for macular hole and myopic foveoschisis · Membrane peeling · Silicone oil–related procedures · Retinal laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy · Combined anterior and posterior segment surgery
Eye Preservation and Reconstruction After Ocular Trauma
For patients who remain at risk of structural damage, progressive shrinkage of the eye, or eye removal after emergency treatment for severe ocular trauma. Further surgery may help preserve the eye, reconstruct damaged structures, and maintain existing visual function where possible.
Main Treatments: Combined anterior and posterior segment reconstruction · Traumatic cataract surgery and anterior segment reconstruction · Complex retinal surgery · Silicone oil–related management · Globe-preserving treatment · Assessment for Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body (FCVB) implantation
Complex Cataract and Anterior Segment Reconstruction
For patients whose cataract is complicated by lens or IOL dislocation, inadequate capsular support, iris defects, previous vitrectomy, or coexisting corneal or retinal disease. These cases may require reconstruction or combined surgery rather than routine cataract treatment alone.
Main Treatments: Scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation · Iridoplasty · Anterior segment reconstruction · Cataract surgery combined with corneal or retinal procedures
Pathologic Myopia
For patients with high myopia complicated by myopic foveoschisis, macular hole, retinal detachment, posterior staphyloma, or cataract. Retina, cataract, and refractive specialists can assess the condition together and determine whether treatment should be performed in stages.
Main Treatments: Multidisciplinary assessment of high myopia · Macular surgery · Retinal detachment repair · Evaluation for posterior scleral reinforcement · Treatment of coexisting cataract · Refractive correction assessment after retinal stabilization
Cataract and Refractive Surgery
For patients considering cataract surgery, presbyopia correction, or surgical correction of myopia and astigmatism. These are well-established procedures with relatively predictable treatment pathways, while the choice of lens or refractive technique is tailored to individual visual needs.
Main Treatments: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery · Toric, multifocal, and extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses · SMILE Pro · Customized laser vision correction · ICL and Toric ICL implantation
Specialized
Treatment Options
For a small number of patients with limited conventional treatment options, China may offer alternative technologies or treatment pathways that can be considered based on the individual condition
Keratoprosthesis
(Artificial Cornea)
Selected patients with multiple failed corneal transplants, severe ocular surface disease, or poor candidacy for conventional corneal transplantation may be evaluated for keratoprosthesis. Whether treatment can proceed depends on the individual condition, device availability, and the feasibility of long-term follow-up.
Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body
(FCVB)
Selected patients with severe ocular trauma, complex retinal detachment, or long-term dependence on silicone oil may be evaluated for FCVB implantation. The main goals are to help maintain the structure and shape of the eye and support globe preservation; this does not mean restoration of normal vision.
Ophthalmology Care
Options
Cataract Surgery
Estimated Cost Range: RMB 12,000–44,000 per eye (approximately US$1,800–6,600 per eye)
Treatment & Early Follow-up: Approximately 6 days for one eye; approximately 10 days for both eyes
Actual costs depend on the type of intraocular lens, surgical plan, and individual ocular condition. Some customized intraocular lenses may require additional lead time.
Laser Vision Correction
Estimated Cost Range: RMB 14,000–35,800 (approximately US$2,100–5,400)
Treatment & Early Follow-up: Approximately 10 days
The estimated cost includes preoperative examinations and related medications
ICL Implantation
Estimated Cost Range: RMB 31,800–50,800 (approximately US$4,800–7,600)
Treatment & Early Follow-up: Approximately 10 days, excluding lens ordering or delivery time
Lenses that are already in stock generally have shorter waiting times, while specially ordered or customized lenses may take longer.
Glaucoma Surgery
Estimated Cost Range: RMB 8,000–28,000 per eye (approximately US$1,200–4,200 per eye)
Treatment & Early Follow-up: Approximately 5–12 days
The actual treatment period depends on the type of glaucoma, surgical procedure, need for inpatient observation, and postoperative recovery. If both eyes require surgery, the timing of surgery for the second eye will depend on the recovery of the first eye.
Corneal Transplantation
Estimated Cost Range: RMB 44,000–134,000 (approximately US$6,600–20,100)
Donor Cornea Waiting Time: Usually around 1 month, depending on donor tissue availability and individual clinical requirements
Hospitalization is usually required. The length of stay and postoperative observation period depend on the patient’s condition and type of transplant.
Vitreoretinal Treatment
Cost: Determined after case review
Treatment & Early Follow-up: Depends on the treatment required; intravitreal injection may be completed in as little as 2 days, while vitrectomy and retinal surgery usually require hospitalization.
The actual treatment time and cost depend on the diagnosis, surgical complexity, whether combined procedures are required, and the length of hospital stay.
All cost and waiting time figures are sourced from publicly available hospital pricing, official national health system statistics, and industry reference data. Costs vary depending on case complexity, choice of hospital, surgical plan, type of intraocular lens or other specialized materials, and length of stay. Treatment timelines and donor cornea waiting times are general estimates and may vary according to the patient’s condition, availability of donor tissue, lenses or other required medical materials, specialist availability and scheduling, and individual circumstances. Figures are for reference only and do not constitute a quotation or guarantee of actual waiting time for any individual patient.
Which Eye Conditions Require Prompt Local Treatment?
The following conditions should not be left untreated while arranging international travel for medical care:
- New or rapidly progressing retinal detachment
- Open-globe injury
- Intraocular foreign body
- Severe chemical eye injury
- Suspected endophthalmitis
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Sudden severe vision loss
Once emergency treatment has been completed and the condition is stable, further treatment in China may be considered for any remaining or complex problems.
Get a Remote Second Opinion Before Your Next Medical Decision
- Get a records-based written or video Remote Second Opinion from specialists in China.
- Better understand your existing diagnosis, test results, and treatment recommendation.
- Clarify whether to continue local care, prepare additional records, or seek further specialist evaluation.
- If in-person evaluation is recommended, explore possible care coordination options in China.
How MGH Supports
Ophthalmology Treatment in China
MGH assists international patients with the medical coordination required for ophthalmology treatment in China, including organizing ophthalmic test results and medical records, coordinating specialist case review, matching patients with appropriate hospitals and ophthalmology teams, and supporting the care journey from initial consultation and treatment in China through follow-up after returning home.
Medical Records Organization
Gathering and organizing existing ophthalmic test results, imaging studies, diagnostic reports, and medical records — reviewing for completeness and ensuring they meet the format and information commonly required for specialist review in China.
Remote Specialist Review
Connecting patients with specialist ophthalmology physicians for independent review of existing records, providing specialist assessment and treatment pathway recommendations to inform the decision about seeking care in China.
Care Pathway & Hospital Coordination
Identifying suitable hospitals and specialist teams based on the patient’s ophthalmic condition and available records, with an overview of treatment options, estimated cost ranges, and hospitalization arrangements.
On-Site Accompaniment & Support
Coordinating hospital appointments and treatment scheduling when applicable, assisting with entry documentation, arranging hospital reception and on-site accompaniment, and providing language and logistical support throughout the patient’s stay.
Documentation & Translation Services
Collecting, organizing, and translating treatment-related documents — including diagnostic reports, operative notes, discharge summaries, and insurance reimbursement materials — to support follow-up care and claims processing after returning home.
Post-Return Health Support & Follow-Up
Maintaining contact after the patient returns home, providing recovery check-ins and regular communication, coordinating follow-up plans and appointment reminders, and arranging remote ophthalmic review with a specialist when needed.