Free Cataract Surgery in Ukraine

Ukraine's Medical Guarantees Program (MGP) gives citizens the right to free treatment for certain conditions at state medical institutions. Cataracts are included: phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is fully covered by the state.

Under the Medical Guarantees Program, patients receive a full surgical care package at no cost:

• Pre-operative ophthalmological examination
• Phacoemulsification surgery (cataract removal)
• Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation
• Anesthesia and all necessary consumables
• Early post-operative follow-up care

All Ukrainian citizens are entitled to free cataract surgery under the MGP if they:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of cataract (any stage requiring surgical treatment)
• Have no medical contraindications to surgery
• Have a signed declaration with a family doctor

Getting a referral for free cataract surgery under the MGP is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process:

• Visit your family doctor with complaints about deteriorating vision
• Your family doctor will refer you to an ophthalmologist
• The ophthalmologist will examine you, confirm the cataract diagnosis, and determine whether surgery is indicated
• If surgery is indicated, you will be sent for pre-operative tests (blood tests, ECG, specialist consultations as needed)
• Once all results are in, a surgery date is agreed upon

To be admitted and have the surgery, you will need:

• Passport or other identity document
• Tax identification number (RNOKPP)
• Referral from your family doctor or ophthalmologist
• Results of required tests: complete blood count with differential, blood glucose, urinalysis, syphilis serology (RW), HBs Ag, HCV Ag, ECG
• Dental consultation note confirming oral hygiene clearance
• Records of any previous ophthalmological examinations (if available)
• A list of medications you take regularly

Under the Medical Guarantees Program, patients receive a standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). This lens provides good vision at one distance — typically for distance vision. For reading or close-up work after surgery, glasses may be needed.

If you would prefer a premium lens — multifocal (clear vision at all distances) or toric (correcting astigmatism) — this is possible for an additional fee. The ophthalmology surgeon will discuss all available lens options at your consultation, based on the specifics of your vision.

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis — no multi-day hospital stay is required. On the day of surgery, anaesthetic eye drops and pupil-dilating drops are applied. The surgery itself — phacoemulsification — takes 15–20 minutes and is completely painless. The surgeon uses ultrasound through a micro-incision to remove the cloudy lens and implant the artificial one. After the procedure you are monitored for 1–2 hours and then travel home with a companion — driving is not allowed on the day of surgery.

A follow-up check-up is mandatory the day after surgery. Vision typically improves noticeably as early as the next day after the procedure.

Contact ophthalmologist Iryna Hetman to book a consultation — call +380 99 828 08 84 or use the contact form on this website.

Article Author

Iryna Hetman

Ophthalmologist, Cataract Surgeon · Kyiv Hospital #4

• 200+ successful surgeries
• Member of ESCRS and USCRS