Healthcare
Eye operations in Spain: cataract and laser surgery
Cataract and laser eye surgery in Spain: what the public system covers, waiting times, going private, choosing a clinic and recovery tips.
Updated: October 2026
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in Spain, and laser surgery to stop wearing glasses is widely offered by private clinics. This guide is for expats weighing up the public and private routes. You will learn what the public system covers, how long you may wait, what to ask a private clinic and how to prepare for recovery.
Cataract or glaucoma? Clearing up the terms
Some languages talk about “grey” and “green” cataracts, which causes confusion. A cataract (catarata) is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, treated by replacing the lens with an artificial one. Glaucoma (sometimes called “green cataract” in Northern European languages) is a different disease that damages the optic nerve, usually linked to eye pressure. It is treated with eye drops, laser or surgery, but not by replacing the lens. Make sure you and your doctor are talking about the same condition.
Cataract surgery in the public system
If you are covered by the public health system (see our guide to healthcare for foreign residents), cataract surgery is included when your ophthalmologist decides it is needed. The route is:
- See your family doctor at the health centre about blurred vision, glare or trouble driving at night.
- Get referred to the hospital eye department (oftalmología) for a full examination.
- If surgery is recommended, you are added to the surgical waiting list and given pre-operative tests and lens measurements.
- The operation is normally done as day surgery under local anaesthetic, one eye at a time, with check-ups afterwards.
Waiting times vary by region and hospital. According to the Ministry of Health’s waiting list data, the average wait for cataract surgery across Spain was about 68 days at the end of 2025, shorter than the average for surgery overall. The wait for the first specialist appointment comes on top of that.
The public system generally implants a standard monofocal lens, which gives sharp vision at one distance, so most people still need reading glasses afterwards. Premium lenses that correct several distances or astigmatism are mostly offered privately.
Going private
Private eye clinics and hospitals are common in Spanish cities and along the Costa del Sol. You can book an ophthalmologist directly, without a GP referral, and surgery is usually scheduled within weeks. Many clinics have English-speaking staff.
- Costs: prices are set freely and depend on the clinic, technique and type of lens, so always ask for a written quote per eye that includes tests, lens, surgery and follow-up visits.
- Insurance: many private health policies cover cataract surgery with a standard lens, but premium lenses or laser-assisted techniques often cost extra. Ask for authorisation in writing before booking.
- Technique: standard surgery uses ultrasound (facoemulsificación). Some clinics offer femtosecond laser-assisted surgery. Ask your surgeon whether it brings a real benefit in your case.
- Who operates: check that the surgeon is a specialist in ophthalmology and how many of these operations they perform.
Laser eye surgery for glasses and contact lenses
Refractive surgery to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism (such as LASIK, PRK or SMILE) is considered elective, so it is generally not covered by the public system and rarely by standard private health policies. It is done in private clinics, often with special financing offers.
- Not everyone is suitable: a thorough pre-surgery assessment checks corneal thickness, prescription stability and eye health. A good clinic will tell you if you are not a candidate.
- Compare offers carefully: low advertised prices may only apply to certain prescriptions or exclude follow-up visits and enhancements.
- Over 45 or so: age-related reading problems (presbyopia) are not solved by standard laser correction; ask about alternatives.
Before and after surgery
- Medical history: bring a list of your medicines, especially blood thinners and prostate medication, which can affect eye surgery.
- Diabetes: good blood sugar control matters before eye surgery; see our guide to diabetes care in Spain.
- Getting home: you cannot drive after the operation, so arrange a lift.
- Eye drops: you will be prescribed drops for several weeks. Follow the schedule carefully and keep the follow-up appointments.
- Sun, sea and pools: wear sunglasses, and avoid swimming and dusty environments until your surgeon says it is safe.
- Warning signs: sudden pain, worsening vision or increasing redness need urgent attention. Contact the clinic or go to hospital urgencias.
Your driving licence can also be affected: Spanish licence renewals include an eyesight check, and you must meet the minimum vision standard. See our driving licence guide.
Useful links
- Ministry of Health: waiting list summary, December 2025 (PDF, Spanish)
- Salud Andalucía app for health centre appointments
- European Commission: what the EHIC covers
- Healthcare in Spain for foreign residents
- Hospitals in Spain
FAQ: eye surgery in Spain
Is cataract surgery free in Spain?
Yes, if you are covered by the public health system and an ophthalmologist decides you need it. Premium lenses are usually only available privately.
Can I use my EHIC for cataract surgery?
No. The EHIC covers necessary care during a temporary stay, not planned treatment. Planned surgery abroad needs prior authorisation from your home health system.
Does the public system pay for laser surgery to remove glasses?
Generally not. Refractive laser surgery is treated as elective and is done privately.
Are both eyes done on the same day?
Cataracts are usually operated one eye at a time, a few weeks apart. Laser refractive surgery is often done on both eyes in one session.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Treatment options, waiting times and prices change – always discuss your case with an ophthalmologist before you decide.
