Below is a structured list of major government schemes (national and state-level) that cover cataract surgery, along with their benefits, eligibility, application process, covered facilities, and any special provisions for specific groups.
National-Level Schemes
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
- Benefits:
Provides health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care. Cataract surgeries are covered cashlessly at public and empaneled private hospitals
The scheme covers pre-surgery consultation, the surgery itself, intraocular lens implantation, hospitalization, and post-operative care at no cost to the beneficiary.
- Eligibility:
Covers over 10 crore economically vulnerable families (around 50 crore individuals) identified by the Socio-Economic Caste Census. There is no age or family-size limit; senior citizens are included (no upper age cap)
Generally, families holding an Ayushman card (Golden Card) are eligible – these are primarily families classified as deprived in rural areas or in specified occupational categories in urban areas.
- How to Apply/Avail:
No separate enrollment if your family is eligible – you can check eligibility on the PM-JAY website or at Common Service Centres. Eligible persons obtain an Ayushman card by verifying identity (Aadhaar, etc.)
To use the benefit, visit an empaneled hospital (public hospital or accredited private hospital) and present the Ayushman card. The hospital will verify and provide cashless treatment.
- Hospitals Covered:
All government hospitals are by default empaneled, and many private hospitals across India are empaneled under PM-JAY. You can find empaneled hospitals through the official portal
Cataract surgery can be done at district hospitals, medical colleges, regional eye centers, and private eye hospitals that are part of the network
- Special Provisions:
The scheme is targeted at economically weaker sections – it is free of cost for eligible families (the government pays the premium). It has no co-payment or waiting period for cataract or other covered procedures. Senior citizens benefit since the scheme imposes no age limit, and cataract (common in old age) is one of the top procedures utilized – over 22 lakh cataract surgeries have been performed under PM-JAY, making it the most availed procedure of the scheme
(Note: Those not covered by PM-JAY may be covered by state schemes or can get free cataract surgery at government facilities under other programs.)
National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI)
- Benefits: A central health program (under the National Health Mission) that provides free cataract surgery to prevent blindness
It funds cataract operations in government hospitals, community health centers, medical college hospitals, and partner NGO or trust hospitals. The program also supports free eye camps in rural and underserved areas, where patients receive free eye check-ups and cataract surgeries (with intraocular lens implants) on camp sites or via referrals
Basic post-operative medication and a pair of corrective glasses (for near vision) are often provided after surgery in camp settings as part of the program.
- Eligibility:
All citizens suffering from cataract, especially patients who are poor, elderly, or lack access to private care. There is no specific income criterion for patients at government facilities – essentially anyone diagnosed with cataract can get operated in a govt hospital free of cost. The program particularly targets senior citizens (as cataract prevalence is high in older age) and those in below-poverty-line (BPL) categories to ensure no one remains blind due to inability to pay
- How to Avail:
Patients can simply visit any government eye hospital or district hospital ophthalmology department. Many districts have a District Blindness Control Society through which camps are announced – patients can attend a local eye camp for screening. If cataract is detected, they will be referred to a nearby government hospital or sometimes operated on-site in camp.
No formal application or insurance card is required – it is a direct service program. A referral from a government doctor or camp screening may be needed to schedule surgery under this scheme
- Hospitals Covered:
All government hospitals with ophthalmic services are included. Additionally, certain charitable hospitals and NGOs are empaneled under NPCBVI to perform free surgeries on behalf of the government (they receive a fixed reimbursement per case). Surgeries may take place at district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, medical college hospitals, regional institute of ophthalmology, or mobile camp setups. The program encourages high-volume cataract surgery centers in each state and funds them accordingly
- Special Provisions:
This scheme is 100% free for all age groups – primarily benefiting the elderly and the poor. It often includes outreach components: teams conduct door-to-door surveys to identify cataract-blind individuals, provide transportation to hospitals or camps, and ensure they receive surgery. Many states under NPCB have special drives like “Cataract-free district” campaigns focusing on those above 50 years. The program is funded by central and state governments, ensuring no out-of-pocket cost and prioritizing those who might not be covered under insurance schemes. (In many states, routine cataract surgeries are not covered under insurance schemes like PM-JAY or state health insurance, precisely because NPCBVI already guarantees them for free.)
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
- Benefits: CGHS is a government-funded healthcare scheme for Central Government employees, pensioners, and certain other groups. It provides comprehensive medical care, including free or highly subsidized cataract surgery
Beneficiaries can get cataract operations done cashlessly at CGHS wellness centers or CGHS-empaneled private hospitals. The surgery cost (including a standard monofocal intraocular lens, hospitalization, and follow-ups) is borne as per CGHS rates. Post-operative eye drops and a pair of basic glasses are typically provided or reimbursable.
- Eligibility:
Central government employees (working or retired) and their dependent family members who are enrolled in CGHS and have a valid CGHS card. This also extends to eligible groups like ex-Governors, ex-MPs, freedom fighters, etc., as notified. There is no income criteria since it’s an employment benefit; however, enrollment requires a subscription (monthly/yearly contribution or one-time for pensioners).
- How to Avail:
The beneficiary must be registered with CGHS. To get cataract surgery, one usually visits the CGHS wellness center (dispensary) for consultation; the CGHS doctor or specialist will issue a referral to a CGHS empaneled eye hospital if required. The patient then makes an appointment at the empaneled hospital and presents the CGHS card and referral paper. Approval for cashless treatment is done as per CGHS guidelines, after which surgery is performed without any payment by the patient (the hospital later claims reimbursement from CGHS). In emergency cases, prior referral may be bypassed but needs post-facto approval.
- Hospitals Covered:
CGHS has a network of its own polyclinics/dispensaries for primary care. For secondary/tertiary care like cataract surgery, empaneled private hospitals and government hospitals (like AIIMS, railway hospitals, etc.) in CGHS-covered cities provide the service. Notable eye hospitals (government and private) in metro cities are on the panel – e.g., AIIMS and Dr. R.P. Centre in Delhi, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in Kolkata, etc., as well as private eye institutes that meet CGHS criteria.
- Special Provisions:
CGHS specifically covers government employees and pensioners – a group that includes many senior citizens (pensioners). For pensioner beneficiaries, lifetime coverage is available by paying a one-time fee. The scheme ensures the financial burden is minimal – if patients choose a more expensive lens (e.g., multifocal lens not fully covered by CGHS rate), they may have to pay the difference, but the standard surgery is fully paid by CGHS. Additionally, dependents of employees (including elderly parents under certain conditions) are covered. This scheme is not for the general public, but it is a crucial government mechanism that ensures those who served the government have access to necessary surgeries like cataracts without financial hardship
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Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
- Benefits:
ECHS is a healthcare scheme for retired Armed Forces personnel (ex-servicemen) and their dependents. It offers cashless treatment for cataract surgery at service hospitals or empaneled private hospitals.
The benefits include pre-operative evaluation, the cataract operation (usually phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implant), medicines, hospital stay if needed, and follow-up checkups – all provided free of cost to the ECHS member as per authorized rates.
- Eligibility:
All ex-servicemen from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard who have enrolled in ECHS by making the requisite contribution, along with their eligible dependents (spouse, children up to certain age, and in some cases dependent parents). One must have an ECHS card issued. There is no age or income criteria (by nature, most ex-servicemen are retirees, and many dependents are senior citizen parents).
- How to Avail:
ECHS members typically start at an ECHS Polyclinic (which are spread across India). A consult at the polyclinic is done, and if cataract is diagnosed, the polyclinic medical officer will give a referral to either a Service hospital (military hospital) if available or an empaneled civil hospital for eye surgery. The patient then visits the referred hospital with the authorization/referral from ECHS. The treatment is provided cashlessly – the hospital will later claim payment from ECHS. The process is very similar to CGHS in terms of referral and empanelment, but managed by the Defense Ministry’s ECHS organization.
- Hospitals Covered:
Military hospitals (Army Base Hospitals, Command Hospitals, Naval hospitals etc.) provide free cataract surgery to ECHS members whenever possible. In addition, ECHS empanels a wide network of civilian hospitals and eye care centers across cities and towns. Ex-servicemen can choose from these empaneled hospitals for surgery, particularly in areas where military hospitals may not have specialized eye surgeons or have long wait times.
- Special Provisions:
ECHS is tailored to a specific group – veterans and their families – recognizing their service. It ensures dignified access to healthcare in old age. Cataract, being a common ailment in older adults, is fully covered. A noteworthy aspect is that war-widows and dependents of soldiers who died in service are also entitled to ECHS benefits, giving them free access to surgeries. Like CGHS, the cost of a standard monofocal intraocular lens is covered; if the patient opts for any extra upgrades outside entitlement, that cost would be out-of-pocket. Overall, ECHS guarantees that ex-servicemen do not have to spend for routine surgeries like cataract after retirement
Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS)
- Benefits:
The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme provides comprehensive medical care to workers in the organized sector and their families. All required treatments – including cataract surgeries, glaucoma, and other eye surgeries – are provided free of cost at ESI hospitals or empaneled centers
This includes consultation, diagnostics, the surgery with lens implant, medicines, hospitalization, and any post-op complications. There is no monetary cap for treatment of an insured person; the scheme promises “complete medical care … with no expenditure ceiling on treatment” for beneficiaries
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- Eligibility:
Mandatory for employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month in factories/establishments covered by the ESI Act. Both the employee and employer contribute to the scheme. Eligible workers and their dependent family members (spouse, children, and dependent parents) are covered from day one of employment (after ESI registration). Even retired or permanently disabled insured persons (who meet contribution conditions) and their spouses remain eligible for medical benefits
- How to Avail:
Insured persons are issued an ESI card (Pehchan card) with a unique insurance number. To get cataract surgery, one should first visit the assigned ESI dispensary or hospital for evaluation. If the dispensary doctor or ophthalmologist confirms cataract and recommends surgery, they will give a referral to an ESI network hospital or an empaneled private eye hospital. The patient then proceeds to that hospital with the referral and ESI card. The treatment there is cashless – the hospital will treat the patient and settle the bills with the ESI Corporation. ESI has a defined procedure for referrals to ensure cashless service (referral letters for consultation, investigations, and surgery are obtained as needed)
- Hospitals Covered:
ESI runs its own hospitals and medical college hospitals in many cities which perform surgeries for beneficiaries. In addition, ESI has empaneled private eye hospitals/centers for specialized care. For example, Spectra Eye Hospital in Kolkata and Eye Mantra in Delhi (as mentioned in their communications) are empaneled and offer cashless cataract surgery to ESI patients
Typically, an ESI beneficiary will go to an ESI hospital if available; if the facility or specialist is not there, they are referred to a tie-up hospital. This network ensures even in areas without a dedicated ESI hospital, the insured can get treatment.
- Special Provisions:
The scheme is contributory but essentially serves the lower-income formal workforce. It ensures that the cost of restoring vision (cataract being a major cause of blindness) does not fall on workers or their families. No co-payment or limit – even multiple surgeries (e.g., cataract in both eyes) or complications are covered. ESI also provides cash benefits for sick leave if needed during the treatment period. This scheme is significant for younger working-age individuals as well as their elder dependents – for instance, an insured worker’s retired parents can get cataract surgery under ESI coverage. Thus, it acts as a safety net for economically weaker sections working in factories or companies, similar to how PM-JAY covers the poor.
Delhi Government’s Free Surgery Scheme (Quality Health for All Initiative)
- Benefits:
A unique initiative by the Delhi state government (launched in 2017) that funds free surgeries at private hospitals if the wait at a government hospital is too long. Cataract surgery is one of 52 specified surgeries covered under this scheme
If a patient is told to wait more than 30 days for cataract surgery in a Delhi government hospital, they can opt to have the surgery done at a listed private hospital for free, with the cost borne by the Delhi government
This includes the surgery, lens, hospital charges and one month of post-op care. The goal is to reduce waiting periods while ensuring no patient pays out-of-pocket due to delays.
- Eligibility:
The patient must be a resident of Delhi (proof of residence required) and currently under treatment/registered at a Delhi government hospital. There is no income restriction – people from all income groups qualify, as long as they are facing a long wait in the public hospital.
The scheme is meant for those using government hospitals (who generally are middle class or poor, but even if a higher-income person is using a govt hospital, they are eligible).
- How to Apply:
The government hospital, upon detecting that the wait time for surgery exceeds 30 days, will inform the patient about the scheme. The patient is given a referral authorization to an empaneled private hospital. The patient can also proactively request it if they know about the scheme. Essentially, one must get a referral letter from the government hospital stating the unavailability or long wait. With that, the patient approaches one of the 48 empaneled private hospitals under the scheme. The private hospital verifies the documents and performs the surgery without charging the patient (they later bill the Delhi government directly).
- Hospitals Covered:
Initially, about 48 private hospitals in Delhi were empaneled (including top eye hospitals and multispecialty hospitals)
The government periodically updates the empaneled list. All Delhi government hospitals are part of the referral network (LNJP Hospital, Guru Nanak Eye Centre, GTB Hospital, etc. can refer patients out under this scheme if needed). Cataract surgeries can thus be done in reputable private centers if the criteria are met.
- Special Provisions:
This scheme specifically helps Delhi’s residents and particularly senior citizens who often make up the bulk of cataract cases in government hospitals. It ensures that elderly patients aren’t left waiting for months (during which time they might lose confidence or mobility due to poor vision). It is also universal (not means-tested), which is unusual — even those who might afford private care can use it if they chose a government hospital initially. It was one of the first such initiatives in India where a state directly pays private providers to cut wait times. The only limitation is the condition of being queued in a govt facility. This scheme demonstrates a model of leveraging private capacity to serve public hospital patients, and cataract surgery was specifically included as its high-volume and vision-restoring
(Note: In addition to the above, other central government-run services also cover cataract. For example, Indian Railways employees have their own medical service that provides free cataract surgery for railway employees and pensioners at railway hospitals
Similarly, public sector companies often have health schemes for their staff that would include cataract. The list above covers the major nationwide schemes.)
State Government Schemes
Many states implement their own health schemes or special initiatives that include cataract surgery. Below are notable examples across India:
Telangana – Kanti Velugu (Universal Eye Care Scheme)
- Benefits:
It conducts universal eye screening for the entire state population and provides free treatment. Key benefits include: free eye examinations for all, free distribution of spectacles for those with refractive errors, and free surgeries for all eye diseases including cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal disorders, etc. identified during screenings
All services under Kanti Velugu – from screening to surgery and medicines – are provided completely free of cost by the government.
If a person is diagnosed with cataract, they are assured a free cataract operation under this scheme.
- Eligibility: All residents of Telangana are eligible, regardless of age, income, or category.
It is a universal program – every citizen from children to senior citizens is to be covered in the statewide screening camps. Specifically, senior citizens are a focus for cataract identification, but the scheme does not exclude anyone; even those who may not have ration cards or other scheme memberships can benefit since it’s open to the entire population. - How to Avail:
The primary mode is through community eye screening camps organized at the village, ward, and town levels. The government schedules camps where citizens undergo vision tests. One can simply walk into a nearby Kanti Velugu camp with basic ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.) if available.
though even those without ID are encouraged to attend (the documentation is minimal just to keep records). If a screening camp finds that a person needs cataract surgery, they are given a referral for free surgery at a designated hospital. The surgeries are then organized by the health department – often in district hospitals or high-volume centers – at no charge to the patient. In some cases, health officials arrange transport from camp to hospital for surgery in batches. No separate application is needed beyond participating in the screening, as the process is proactively brought to the community.
- Hospitals Covered:
Government hospitals in Telangana (area hospitals, district hospitals, regional eye hospitals) perform the surgeries. Additionally, the state may partner with certain NGO or private eye hospitals for high-volume surgery support. Since it’s a state-driven campaign, temporary surgical facilities may also be set up in certain areas for the duration of the program. Essentially, once identified, patients will be directed to an appropriate facility by the program coordinators. All these facilities and doctors are funded by the government under Kanti Velugu.
- Special Provisions:
The scheme’s universal nature is its biggest special feature – it is not limited to BPL; even those who might not normally go for an eye check are being actively covered. It massively benefits senior citizens – a group with highest cataract incidence – by bringing services to their doorstep. There is also a public health education component: citizens are educated on preventing serious eye diseases during the camps.
Kanti Velugu was initially launched in 2018 and a second phase in 2023; it is unprecedented in scale, covering everyone from rural farmers to urban school children. By making it an “opt-out” model (where the government seeks you out), it ensures even the economically weak or those in remote areas get access to cataract surgery without any bureaucratic hurdles.
West Bengal – Chokher Alo (Free Eye Care Scheme)
- Benefits:
Under this 5-year project, the government is ensuring free cataract operations for at least 20 lakh (2 million) poor and elderly patients in the state
Benefits include free cataract surgery (with lens implantation) for senior citizens, free distribution of spectacles to those with refractive errors (targeting ~8.25 lakh people), and free eye check-ups for all age groups (including screening 10 lakh schoolchildren and anganwadi children for eye problems)
Eligibility:
The program is intended to cover “all” residents of West Bengal, with an emphasis on senior citizens (especially those who are blind or visually impaired due to cataract) and other vulnerable groups. In practice, the first priority group was poor and elderly individuals (50 years and above) who had untreated cataracts
School-going children are another focus (for vision screening). Essentially, any person in West Bengal in need of cataract surgery is eligible to receive it for free under Chokher Alo, especially if they could not afford it otherwise. There is no formal income criterion; the drive in Phase 1 explicitly targeted poor rural folks and senior citizens, but eventually the service is for anyone unoperated.
- How to Avail:
The state organized the scheme in phases, largely through eye camps and screenings at local levels. In Phase 1, camps were held in about 1,200 villages/gram panchayats and 120 urban primary health centers to identify cataract cases.
People could attend these camps for a check-up. Identified cataract patients were then scheduled for surgery at designated facilities. To benefit, one could either be identified at a camp or be referred from a government hospital/health center into the Chokher Alo program. The health workers (ASHA, etc.) actively mobilized the elderly to attend camps. No separate paperwork was needed from the patient’s side – once you are screened and listed, the system takes over to provide the service. The scheme also ran special initiatives like door-to-door surveys in some areas.
- Hospitals Covered:
The surgeries under Chokher Alo are performed in a mix of government and government-partnered facilities. West Bengal roped in over 300 eye surgeons and 400 optometrists for the project
District hospitals, subdivisional hospitals, medical colleges, and even some NGO or private eye hospitals were involved to handle the volume. Camps were connected to these hospitals (e.g., a camp at a primary health center would feed into surgeries at the district hospital). The program ensured all villages and towns would be successively covered
, indicating a broad network of service delivery points.
- Special Provisions:
The Chief Minister announced clear targets: 20 lakh cataract surgeries mainly for the poor elderly
making it perhaps the largest state-level cataract drive. This is in addition to the routine services in hospitals – meaning even those who hadn’t come forward on their own are proactively reached. Economically weaker sections benefit as they get surgeries and eyeglasses without having to pay. By including school children and distributing spectacles, the scheme also has a preventive outlook. In essence, West Bengal’s government took on a mission mode to eliminate cataract backlogs and provide eye care across age groups at no cost, ensuring that poverty or remote location is not a barrier to receiving cataract surgery.
Andhra Pradesh – Dr. YSR Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme
- Benefits:
Dr. YSR Aarogyasri is a state-run health insurance program that provides free treatment (cashless hospitalization) up to ₹5 lakh per year for low-income families in Andhra Pradesh. It covers a broad range of secondary and tertiary medical procedures, including eye surgeries like cataract removal and glaucoma surgery
Under Aarogyasri, cataract surgery (usually phaco or SICS with lens) at empaneled hospitals is free for the beneficiary, and this includes pre-operative evaluation, the surgical procedure, the intraocular lens, medicines, and follow-up visits. Essentially, any cataract procedure is paid for by the scheme’s trust fund, not the patient
- Eligibility:
The scheme is aimed at Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Originally, families with a valid White Ration Card (indicative of BPL status) in Andhra Pradesh are eligible. As per government data, it covers around 1.4 crore families in the state
Inclusions have been expanded to certain other vulnerable groups over time. There is no age limit – from children (even congenital or juvenile cataract cases) to the elderly are covered. The key is the family must be enrolled and have an Aarogyasri card. Typically, those not financially equipped (annual income under a threshold) are targeted
- How to Avail: Eligible families are issued an Aarogyasri card (also linked with Aadhaar now) which they carry. To use the scheme, a patient can go to any network hospital (empaneled private or government hospital) and show the card. For cataract, many government hospitals in AP are empaneled, as are certain private eye hospitals. The hospital will register the case on Aarogyasri portal and obtain pre-authorization. The patient receives treatment without payment. There is also a system of health camps: Aarogyasri Trust organizes medical camps in rural areas; patients diagnosed with cataract in such camps get referral for free surgery under the scheme
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The application process is mostly handled by the hospital (the patient’s job is mainly to show proof of scheme membership). - Hospitals Covered: A wide network of empaneled hospitals provides services. This includes all government medical college hospitals and district hospitals in AP, certain NGO eye hospitals, and many private hospitals that have signed up with the Aarogyasri Health Care Trust. Notably, some renowned eye hospitals in neighboring Telangana (like LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad) also cater to Aarogyasri patients for advanced cases. The scheme’s trust pays hospitals as per package rates. For cataract, empaneled hospitals perform the surgery as per the standard package.
- Special Provisions: This scheme was one of India’s earliest large-scale state insurance programs (launched in 2007 as Aarogyasri) and has no cost-sharing – it is designed for the economically weaker sections. Special provisions include coverage of pre-existing conditions (so even if an elderly person already had a cataract before enrollment, it’s covered)
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. It also covers follow-up treatments and any complications up to a limit. For vulnerable groups, the AP government has continued to bear the entire premium cost. Cataract surgery being relatively common, the scheme ensures these are taken care of so that preventable blindness is avoided. (It’s worth noting that some state schemes, like Maharashtra’s or Tamil Nadu’s, did not include routine cataracts since those are handled by NPCB – but AP’s Aarogyasri explicitly does cover cataract surgeries
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, making it a one-stop assurance for even eye care of the poor.)
Gujarat – Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA) Yojana
- Benefits:
Mukhyamantri Amrutam “MA” Yojana is a Gujarat government-funded health insurance scheme that provides fully free medical and surgical treatments up to ₹3 lakh (and enhanced limits for certain cases) to eligible families. Cataract surgery is covered under this scheme – qualifying patients can undergo cataract extraction with lens implantation free of charge at empaneled hospitals
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. The scheme covers the entire treatment cycle: diagnostics, surgery, IOL cost, hospital bed if needed, and follow-ups. If both eyes have cataracts, surgeries for both are covered (usually one eye at a time).
- Eligibility:
Initially launched for families below the poverty line (BPL) (with an income certificate under a certain threshold), it was later extended to lower-middle income groups as well. Eligible families have a MA Yojana card. There is also “MA Vatsalya” extended to families with slightly higher income (up to ₹4 lakh per annum). Essentially, poor families, certain tribal populations, and other identified vulnerable groups in Gujarat qualify. There’s no age bar – from children to senior citizens in those families are included.
- How to Avail:
Enrolled beneficiaries receive a QR-coded MA card. To use the scheme, one can go directly to any empaneled hospital (government or private) and present the card. At the hospital’s MA helpdesk, patient details are verified and the pre-authorization for surgery is initiated online. For cataract, authorization is typically quick given it’s a listed procedure. The patient undergoes surgery without any payment. If someone has cataract and hasn’t enrolled, they can approach local authorities (like Taluka kiosk) to get an MA card made if they qualify, and then proceed. The state also has mobile kiosks and officials (called “Ayushman Mitra” or similar) to help people enroll and avail benefits.
- Hospitals Covered:
All government district hospitals and medical colleges in Gujarat are enrolled in MA Yojana, and a large number of private hospitals are empaneled as well. This includes private eye hospitals and charitable trusts. For example, a civil hospital or an Eye Hospital like Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya if empaneled can perform the cataract under MA coverage. Patients have the freedom to choose any network hospital; many prefer nearby private eye hospitals for cataract because of shorter wait times, which the scheme facilitates at no cost.
- Special Provisions:
MA Yojana is specifically for economically weaker sections. It was started in 2012 for BPL families and later expanded – showing the state’s commitment to universal health coverage. For certain categories (like senior citizens from poor families), the scheme is a boon as they might not be able to afford surgery otherwise. While the scheme covers a wide array of illnesses, including heart, neuro, etc., covering cataract ensures that preventable blindness in the poor is addressed. Gujarat’s model also incorporated a paperless claim system which makes availing services easier for illiterate or elderly patients (hospital handles the paperwork digitally). Thus, an impoverished senior citizen with cataracts can get treated in a high-quality hospital free, under the protective cover of MA Yojana
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Rajasthan – Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana
- Benefits:
The Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima is a state health insurance scheme in Rajasthan that provides cashless medical coverage (initially ₹5 lakh, now enhanced to ₹10 lakh per family per year). It covers literally all essential surgeries and treatments, with cataract operations included as part of its packages
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. Beneficiaries can get cataract surgery free of cost at any empaneled hospital. The scheme covers the surgery, IOL (standard lens), hospital stay, and medicines. It essentially removes financial barriers for all inpatient procedures, cataract being one of them (deemed a secondary-level procedure).
- Eligibility:
Originally aimed at all residents of Rajasthan willing to enroll. The state made the scheme free for all families below certain income levels, COVID-19 affected families, NFSA ration card holders, etc., and also opened it to others with a nominal premium. As of 2022, the government announced the registration free for all families (making it a step toward universal coverage in the state). In practice, BPL families and many other vulnerable groups (small and marginal farmers, destitute, etc.) were automatically eligible without premium, while others could voluntarily enroll. Each family gets a Chiranjeevi card upon enrollment. There are no age limits for coverage; senior citizens are fully covered just like others.
- How to Avail:
Eligible individuals must enroll (if not auto-enrolled) via an online portal or local camps to get the Chiranjeevi Health Card. Once enrolled, to avail the benefit, one can go to any empaneled hospital in Rajasthan with the card (or even Aadhaar, as it’s linked). The hospital verifies the beneficiary’s identity and policy coverage, then raises a pre-auth on the Bima portal. For a cataract case, the approval is given as per the listed package. The patient then undergoes surgery cashless. The state also encourages people to use public facilities: government hospitals automatically treat Chiranjeevi beneficiaries free (the costs are internally adjusted). The scheme is cashless, so patients do not need to file claims; everything is handled hospital to insurer/state trust.
- Hospitals Covered:
Both government hospitals and a network of private hospitals across Rajasthan are empaneled. As the scheme aims for universal reach, even hospitals outside Rajasthan (in neighboring states/cities) are empaneled for certain specialties, but for cataract, the capacity within state is ample. District hospitals, medical colleges, as well as private eye hospitals in the state (like Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Jaipur or Bareja Hospital etc.) likely provide cataract surgery under the scheme. By providing a large insured population, the scheme has drawn many private providers into the network.
- Special Provisions:
Rajasthan’s scheme is notable for moving towards universal health coverage at the state level. Cataract surgeries are often done in camps by NGOs as well; the scheme complements that by allowing even those who miss camps to get it free at a hospital of their choice. It particularly benefits rural poor and elderly – since many in villages might not have been covered under the central PM-JAY due to exclusion errors, the state scheme covers them. Also, in Rajasthan the insurance coverage amount was increased (to ₹10 lakh) allowing even more costly eye procedures (like multi-focal lens cataract or retinal surgeries) to be covered if needed – but even a basic cataract being covered means a huge number of elderly people can see again without any cost. The state’s health mission explicitly mentions cataract to ensure focus on eliminating cataract blindness
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Odisha – Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY)
- Benefits:
BSKY is a health assurance scheme of Odisha which provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family (₹10 lakh for women members) per year at public and empaneled private hospitals. Cataract surgery is included in the list of procedures covered under this scheme (as part of general ophthalmology services). Eligible citizens can undergo cataract removal and lens implantation free of cost. Since Odisha already offers free healthcare in government facilities for all, the BSKY’s main benefit is enabling cashless cataract surgeries at private hospitals as well, for those who choose or need private care. Additionally, all government hospital cataract services are free to all by state policy (no charges) under the umbrella of BSKY.
- Eligibility:
All residents of Odisha holding a Biju Krushak Kalyan Card or NFSA (National Food Security Act) card are covered. Essentially, this means almost all poor and lower-middle-class families (about 70% of the population) are eligible. In 2023, the government also issued BSKY smart health cards to beneficiaries for easy identification. There is no age limit – the scheme covers infants to the elderly. Women get a higher annual coverage limit (₹10 lakh) but cataract surgery cost is well within the ₹5 lakh general limit. Government employees are not covered by BSKY (they have CGHS or other CGHS-like facilities).
- How to Avail:
Eligible individuals carry a BSKY smart health card (which has their name and a QR code). For cataract surgery, one can go to any government hospital (where no card is even needed – treatment is free by default) or to an empaneled private hospital with the card. At private hospitals, the card is scanned to verify eligibility, and then the hospital proceeds with the treatment without billing the patient. Government hospitals in Odisha do not charge any user fees for surgeries under BSKY, making it seamless. If a person doesn’t have the card on them but is in the database (e.g., has a Food Security card), hospitals can verify via Aadhaar or an online lookup. No separate application is necessary at time of needing care – the key is to have been identified as eligible and have the card beforehand.
- Hospitals Covered:
All government hospitals in Odisha are mandated to provide free care under BSKY. In addition, the state has empaneled over 200 private hospitals (within Odisha and some outside for super-specialty care). For eye surgeries specifically, notable eye hospitals in Odisha (in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, etc.) are empaneled. Also, if a specialized service is needed that’s not available in state, the scheme can cover it in empaneled hospitals in other states. However, routine cataract surgery is widely available in-district at district headquarters hospitals, which are upgraded with modular eye OTs under the state’s Nirmal Scheme.
- Special Provisions:
Odisha’s approach effectively makes healthcare free in public institutions for everyone, and the insurance component kicks in mostly for private sector access. This dual approach ensures that even if a government facility is far or crowded, a poor patient can go to a private clinic for timely surgery. The higher cover for women is a special provision, acknowledging women’s health needs – this indirectly ensures that if an elderly mother and father both need surgery, the mother’s second eye or complications have a higher cushion. Another aspect is that tribal populations in remote areas are all covered; the state has conducted special drives in tribal districts for cataract under NPCB and BSKY combined. The BSKY smart card has become a symbol – even an illiterate elder just shows the card and everything else is taken care of. This scheme has strengthened the existing blindness control program by injecting funds and choice of hospital for the underprivileged.
Sources:
- National Health Authority – About Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
- NPCBVI (MoHFW) – Rashtriya Blindness Control Program description
- Ikshan Eye Clinic Blog – “Cataract Surgery Cost in Government Hospital & Schemes 2025” (overview of schemes)
- Spectra Eye Hospital – Guide on using ESI benefits for eye care (ESI scheme coverage)
- Hindustan Times – “Delhi: Free surgery at private hospitals to bring down waiting period…” (Delhi’s free surgery scheme details)
- DNA India – “WB govt launches ‘Chokher Alo’ scheme to provide free eye-care…” (West Bengal’s eye care scheme launch)
- Telangana myScheme Portal – Details of Kanti Velugu Scheme
- Acko Insurance – “Dr YSR Aarogyasri Health Scheme: Coverage & Benefits” (AP’s Aarogyasri coverage of cataract)
- Medical Dialogues – report on cataract surgeries under PM-JAY (statistical insight)
- Rajasthan Health Department – Chiranjeevi Yojana guidelines (press info via Ikshan blog)
- Gujarat Government Health – MA Yojana info (via Ikshan blog reference)
