Is it safe to have eye surgery in India?

Lens surgery is one of the most common operations in the world, and India has many very experienced eye surgeons. Safety depends on the surgeon, the hospital and your own eyes, and every operation carries some risk wherever it is done. Check the surgeon’s qualifications, ask about the risks for your eyes and arrange follow-up at home.

How long should I stay?

For lens replacement, plan around 7 to 10 days as an example. Laser treatment usually needs fewer. The hospital tells you the number of days for your treatment, so ask before you book flights.

Do I need to speak the local language?

No. English is spoken at the hospital, in hotels and by most drivers.

The hospital publishes price ranges for lenses, shown on this page. Premium lenses such as the RayOne Galaxy need a written quote. Add flights, hotel, visa, transport and food, and ask exactly what the surgery price includes.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, and it is a good idea, because your vision is blurry on test and surgery days. Up to two companions can apply for an e-Medical Attendant visa linked to yours.

Laser or lens replacement?

As a rough guide, laser suits younger adults with healthy corneas, and lens replacement suits people from their mid-forties or with early cataract. The surgeon decides after examining your eyes.

When the surgeon clears you at your final check. Ask at the first consultation so you can plan, and keep your return ticket changeable.

What if something feels wrong after I am home?

Contact the hospital, and see a local eye doctor the same day if you have pain, a drop in vision, flashes or many new floaters.

Lens Replacement & Eye Surgery in India: Bengaluru Patient Guide

Why this page exists

I had a great experience. I want you to have the same one.

What sharper sight feels like

Drag the slider. It is an illustration of blur and optical clarity, not an eye test and not a promise of results.

Blurry Sharp

Watch first

My trip on video, and the hospital’s own channel

Life-Changing trip to India for 20/20 Vision! Surgery with Dr. Sushruth Appaji GowdaMy own film of the journey, the hospital and the surgery. Open on YouTube · My channel

Vijaya Nethralaya on YouTubeThe hospital’s latest uploads, where Dr. Sushruth and the team explain treatments and answer patient questions.

The hospital

Vijaya Nethralaya Super Speciality Eye Hospital

Address: #5, 20th Cross, Ring Road Underpass, Malagala, Marilingappa Extension, Nagarbhavi 2nd Stage, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560091
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00–20:00 · Sun 9:00–13:00 (India time)
Phone: +91 78924 92098
+91 98804 66486
+91 97393 98494
Website: vijayanethralaya.com
Map: Open in Google Maps

The surgeon

Dr. Sushruth Appaji Gowda

I want every traveller to get the care I got from Dr. Sushruth.

Book an appointment online Hospital profile page

What you can have done

Lens replacement, laser or an implantable lens

There are three main routes to life without glasses. Which one fits depends on your age, your prescription, your cornea and the health of the rest of your eye. The surgeon decides after the tests, so travel with an open mind.

The lens I chose: Rayner RayOne Galaxy Toric

Good to know before you choose

What lenses cost at the hospital

These are the ranges the hospital publishes for cataract lenses, in Indian rupees (₹). The RayOne Galaxy is not on the list, so ask for a written quote that names the lens, says whether the price is per eye and lists what is included.

Interactive Budget Tool

Total Trip & Surgery Cost Estimator

Estimate your complete medical trip (both eyes + return flights + hotel + visa) in your own currency. Rates are indicative approximations — always request a written quote from the hospital.

Your Currency

Lens / Procedure Tier (Per Eye)

Eyes Treated

Hotel Comfort (9 Nights)

Return Flight Estimate (Per Person)

Travelling With Companion?

Estimated Total Trip + Surgery

€3,950

Approx. ₹365,000 INR total

Surgery (2 eyes)€2,600

Hotel (9 nights)€825

Flights + e-Medical Visa€710

Food & Local Taxis (9 days)€195

In Europe/UK, private premium lens replacement for 2 eyes alone typically costs €6,500–€9,000 (£5,500–£7,800) before travel.

Start here

Your trip planner

Pick the day you plan to land in Bengaluru. The planner works out your visa window and an example schedule. Talk to the hospital before you book anything.

Arrival date in Bengaluru

An example date is filled in. Change it to yours.

An example schedule

Your own schedule is set by the surgeon. Confirm it before you book flights.

Paperwork

The visa: apply online for an e-Medical visa

Arriving

Fly to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

Where to sleep

Choose the hotel for recovery first, sightseeing second

Traffic in Bengaluru is slow, and you will visit the hospital several times with dilated or newly operated eyes. Distance to the hospital matters more than being near the sights.

How to find a good one yourself

A resort for the last days

Practical

Getting around and everyday details

The cuisine

Eat South Indian, and eat carefully before surgery

Masala dosaIdliVadaFilter coffeeBisi bele bathThaliMysore pak

Keep your stomach safe

After the operation

Recovery, and what to see while you heal

Looking after the eye

Gentle outings in Bengaluru

Further out, once you are cleared

Quick answers

Questions people ask

Your list

Trip checklist

Tick things off as you go. Your ticks are saved in this browser only.

0 of 18 done · ·

Make the first call

Contact Vijaya Nethralaya

Book an appointment online

Quick Inquiry Tool

Write Your First Message to the Hospital

Fill in your details below to generate a clear international patient inquiry for Dr. Sushruth’s team, then send it via WhatsApp or copy it.

Your Name

Country & Age

Prescription / Goal

Planned Month

Send via WhatsApp

Main line: +91 78924 92098
Other lines: +91 98804 66486
+91 97393 98494
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00–20:00 · Sun 9:00–13:00 (India time)
Website: vijayanethralaya.com
Follow the hospital: YouTube · X · Instagram · Facebook

Lens replacement in India, and how to do the trip well