Last updated: 7/28/2025

Cataract surgery (one eye) in Mexico: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025

Cataract surgery in Mexico is a popular and cost-effective option for those seeking vision improvement. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye, which is significantly cheaper than in the US, where prices can range from $3,500 to $5,000. This offers potential savings of up to 60%. Mexico is a favored destination for medical tourism, particularly in cities like Tijuana and Cancun, where clinics often adhere to international standards and utilize advanced technologies like femtosecond laser systems. It's essential to choose a reputable clinic to ensure high-quality care and successful outcomes.
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How Much Does Cataract surgery (one eye) Cost in Mexico?

The cost of cataract surgery (one eye) in Mexico typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. This is significantly less than in the United States, where the average cost is around $4,500 per eye. Patients can save up to 60% on this procedure. The price in Mexico usually covers hospitalization expenses, medical fees, and assistance during your visit. Mexico’s popularity for cataract surgery is driven by lower operational costs, experienced surgeons, and clinics that follow international standards, especially in cities like Tijuana and Cancun.
The price research is based on updated and verified costs from the Bookimed partner clinics.

Factors affecting Cataract surgery (one eye) cost in Mexico

Cost variables to consider:

  • Board-certified specialists with 15+ years of experience can charge 25%–35% more for their expertise.
  • Clinics accredited by JCI or ISO 9001 quality systems may charge 15%–20% more for meeting international safety protocols.
  • Procedures in major cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara can cost 20%–30% more due to high-demand urban hospitals.
  • Premium intraocular lens (IOL) implants such as multifocal or toric lenses can increase cost by 30%–50% per eye.
  • Use of femtosecond laser-assisted surgery can add 20%–35% to the total cost for advanced precision.
  • Preoperative diagnostic imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) may add $150–$300 to the overall price.

Your Benefits and Guarantees with Bookimed

Transparent Prices & Flexible Installments

No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Cataract surgery (one eye) upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.

Verified Clinics & Doctors Only

Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Cataract surgery (one eye) and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.

Free 24/7 Assistance

Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Cataract surgery (one eye) journey.

Why we?

Your personal Bookimed medical coordinator

  • Supports you at every stage
  • Helps choose the right clinic and doctor
  • Ensures quick and convenient access to information

Cataract surgery (one eye) in Mexico: Pros and Cons

Cataract surgery in Mexico can offer significant cost savings, but it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

Pros Cons
Lower costs. Cataract surgery in Mexico costs $1,500–$3,000 per eye, compared to $3,500–$5,000 in the US, offering savings of up to 60%. Safety concerns. Potential risks include infection rates of 1–2% and lens dislocation, which are similar to US statistics when performed by qualified surgeons.
Qualified surgeons. Surgeons are certified by the Mexican Council of Ophthalmology and often have US or European fellowship training, with 10+ years of experience. Follow-up care. Postoperative visits may be harder to arrange from abroad, but clinics offer telemedicine and detailed discharge instructions to support recovery.
Modern facilities. Clinics in Tijuana and Cancun use advanced femtosecond laser systems (Alcon, Zeiss) and are accredited by COFEPRIS, some with JCI or ISO certifications. Different regulatory standards. COFEPRIS standards differ from the FDA, but top clinics meet international benchmarks and use FDA-approved lenses.
Advanced lens options. Multi-focal and toric intraocular lenses are available, improving vision outcomes and reducing dependence on glasses. Travel logistics. Travel and accommodation are required, which may add $600–$1,200 to the overall cost and require careful planning.
Personal coordinator support. Bookimed’s medical coordinator helps compare clinics, request personalized quotes, and manage treatment logistics at no additional cost.

It's crucial to thoroughly research clinics and verify surgeon credentials before making a decision. When patients carefully research and choose reputable providers, cataract surgery in Mexico can offer safe, affordable, and effective results.

Discover the Best Cataract surgery (one eye) Clinics in Mexico: 5 Verified Options and Prices

The Bookimed clinic ranking is based on data science algorithms, providing a trusted, transparent, and objective comparison. It takes into account patient demand, review scores (both positive and negative), the frequency of updates to treatment options and prices, response speed, and clinic certifications.

The best cataract surgery clinics in Mexico hold JCI and General Health Council accreditations, operating in cities like Mexicali, Monterrey, and Tijuana. According to Bookimed’s ranking, the top clinics are Hospital de la Familia, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, and CODET Vision Institute. They stand out for Consejo Mexicano de Oftalmología-certified ophthalmologists and all-private patient rooms. When choosing a provider, look for board-certified specialists, national accreditations, and proven surgical outcomes, with affordable pricing. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before making a decision.

CODET Vision Institute
Hospital Angeles Tijuana
Hospital San Jos Tecnolgico de Monterrey

Cataract surgery (one eye) Overview in Mexico

Takeaways
Related procedures & Costs
How it works
What to expect
Benefits
Payment
patients recommend -
85%
Stay in the country - 2 days
Rehabilitation - 1 day
Anesthesia - Local anesthesia
Requests processed - 15215
Bookimed fees - $0

Our Doctors

View all Doctors
According to Bookimed’s ranking, the leading cataract surgery (one eye) doctor in Mexico is Jesus Jimenez. They are a board-certified ophthalmologist with certification by the Mexican Council of Ophthalmology. Mexican experts in cataract surgery (one eye) typically have performed at least 500 procedures and maintain active membership in ophthalmological societies. Finding the best cataract surgery doctors in Mexico involves researching board certification, surgical volume, and fellowship training in cataract or refractive surgery.

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Updated: 05/27/2022
Authored by
Anna Leonova
Anna Leonova
Head of Content Marketing Team
A certified medical writer with 10+ years of experience, developed Bookimed’s trusted content, backed by a Master’s in Philology and medical expert interviews worldwide.
Fahad Mawlood
Medical Editor & Data Scientist
General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.
Fahad Mawlood Linkedin
This page may feature information relating to various medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare services available in different countries. Please be advised that the content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or guidance. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before starting or changing medical treatment.

Fast Facts about Cataract surgery (one eye)

Cataract surgery (one eye)

This ophthalmology procedure involves removing the cloudy lens from one eye and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens to restore vision.

Pros: Faster recovery and less post-surgery recovery time compared to bilateral surgery. Reduced risk of complications as only one eye is undergoing surgery at a time.
Cons: Possible vision imbalance if the other eye also has a cataract. May require a second surgery for the other eye if needed.
Effectiveness: 98% success rate in achieving clear vision post-surgery.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 1-2 weeks.
Best for: Individuals with cataracts in one eye or those preferring staged surgeries. Suitable for patients with presbyopia needing vision correction.
Prices: View costs of other techniques

FAQ about Cataract surgery (one eye) in Mexico

These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.

Is Mexico a good place for Cataract surgery (one eye) procedure?

According to Bookimed, Mexico is a good place for Cataract surgery (one eye) because it has several well-known medical facilities that offer Ophthalmology as one of their strongest specialties.

  • These clinics include CODET Vision Institute and Hospital Angeles Tijuana in Tijuana, and Hospital Zambrano Hellion and Hospital San José Tecnológico de Monterrey in Monterrey.
  • Based on the patients' reviews, the clinics' staff members are friendly, patient, and considerate.
  • They also provide high-quality medical services and treatment, which are confirmed by various accreditation organizations such as Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva, Consejo de Salubridad General, and Joint Commission International.
  • The clinics' doctors, such as Dr. Marco Sariñana, Dr. Ana, and Dr. Deborah, are highly skilled and certified in their respective fields, which ensures the accuracy and effectiveness of the treatment.
  • The success rate of the surgeries is also high, as confirmed by the patients' positive results and satisfaction.

Overall, Mexico is a good place for Cataract surgery (one eye) due to its experienced doctors, high success rate, and quality medical services and treatment.

How long does it take to get Cataract surgery (one eye) in Mexico?

Total time for a cataract surgery trip to Mexico may vary, but typically takes 2-3 days including travel, surgery, and recovery.

Which hospital is best for Cataract surgery (one eye) in Mexico?

Bookimed's rating has revealed the top 5 hospitals in Mexico for Cataract surgery (one eye):

  1. Advance Health Medical Center
  2. Hospital Victoria
  3. COSTAMED
  4. Oftalmología, córnea y contactología avanzada
  5. Lentes esclerales del bajio

Who is the best Cataract surgery (one eye) doctors in Mexico?

Bookimed has identified the top doctors in Mexico who excel in performing Cataract surgery (one eye):

  1. Jose Cortes, Ophthalmology, 17 years experience
  2. Karla Sandoval, Ophthalmology, 11 years experience
  3. Rafael Camberos, Ophthalmology, 15 years experience
  4. Claudio Merlos, Ophthalmology, 5 years experience
  5. Nicole Padilla, Ophthalmology, 12 years experience

What Should You Know about Mexico before the Trip?

Currency

Mexican peso (you also can pay for services in dollars)

Best period for the trip

December-April

Language

Spanish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently)

Visa

required for some countries

Time difference with Europe

7 hours

Time difference with the USA

1 hour

Capital

Mexico City

Medical tourism center

Mexico City

Popular resorts

Central and Southern Mexico

What hotel services are provided here?

In Mexico, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Visa to Mexico for Treatment?

Visas for travel to Mexico require a number of documents. Lists of documents includes:

  • ID card
  • confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
  • certificate of income and availability of funds
  • insurance policy for a stay in Mexico (original and copy)
  • 2 photos (5x6)
  • visa receipt
  • booking of flight and hotel
  • medical opinion about the need for treatment.