Gov-funded Programme
1. What is the “Cataract Surgeries Programme – Cataract Action”?
Launched by the government in 2008, the “Cataract Action” Cataract Surgeries Programme partners with designated private ophthalmology institutions to increase the number of cataract surgeries and shorten the waiting time for Hospital Authority (HA) patients.
Around 70% of Hong Kong’s elderly population suffer from cataracts, with the condition appearing at increasingly younger ages. However, the waiting time for cataract surgery at public hospitals can exceed a year, causing patients to miss the optimal time for treatment and, in severe cases, resulting in permanent vision loss.
2. How much subsidy is provided under the programme, and how much do patients need to pay?
Through this programme, patients who choose private ophthalmology services receive a subsidy of HK$8,000 toward cataract surgery, while their out-of-pocket payment is no more than HK$8,000.
This programme helps eligible patients obtain timely and suitable treatment, reducing the risk of vision deterioration or blindness caused by long public hospital waiting times.
3. Who is eligible to join the programme?
Patients must meet the following criteria:
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Have been on the HA waiting list for cataract surgery for 18 months or longer (those who have waited the longest will be given priority invitations);
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Are suitable for surgery under local anaesthesia; and
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Are classified as general cases (urgent or early-stage cases are given priority and will continue to be scheduled directly by the HA without the need to arrange private consultations).
4. How can patients apply for the programme?
Eligible patients do not need to apply on their own. The HA will issue invitation letters in phases to those who have waited the longest on the cataract surgery list.
5. What is the procedure for participating in the programme?
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Patients must first register under the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth).
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After choosing a private ophthalmologist, contact the doctor to arrange a pre-operative assessment, providing the registration number stated in the invitation letter for verification of the subsidy eligibility.
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Complete both the pre-operative assessment before the subsidy expiry date and the surgery within three months after the assessment.
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After cataract surgery, the HK$8,000 subsidy will be applied automatically, and the remaining self-payment (no more than HK$8,000) will be paid by the patient.
6. What services are covered by the subsidy?
For a fixed self-payment not exceeding HK$8,000, patients receive a government subsidy of HK$8,000, which covers:
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One pre-operative assessment
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Cataract surgery (including intraocular lens)
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Two post-operative follow-up visits
Patients choosing multifocal intraocular lenses will incur additional fees.
7. Can the Elderly Health Care Voucher be used?
Elderly Health Care Vouchers cannot be used to pay the self-payment portion of this programme.
Patients with medical insurance may submit claims according to their policy terms. Please check with your insurance provider for details.
8. How can I make an appointment if I’ve received an invitation letter from the HA?
The ophthalmic centres under Human Health Group’s POLYEYE Eye Centre are among the designated private ophthalmologist clinics participating in the “Cataract Action” Programme.
Those who have received an invitation letter from the HA (with a subsidy validity date specified) can make an appointment by calling 2117 1828 or sending a WhatsApp message to 6670 5910 (WhatsApp messages only) for inquiries and scheduling.
9. Want to learn more?
For more information about the subsidy programme, please visit the dedicated page on the POLYEYE Eye Centre website:
https://polyeye.com.hk/tc/CSP