Cost of Retinal Detachment Treatment

Typical costs:

Patients experiencing symptoms[3] typically first visit to an eye doctor. The national average charge for a comprehensive eye exam is $114 for those without insurance. For patients with vision insurance coverage, the typical copay is $5-$35.
There are several procedures[4] a doctor might enlist to address the condition, and the price of treatment will vary depending on the particular method, as well as the extent of the detachment, the presence of complications, and the patient's geographic location. In general, retinal detachment treatment typically costs about $5,000-$10,000 or more per eye, once fees for the doctor, hospital and anesthesiologist have been included. According to a recent report[5] on ambulatory surgeries performed in Utah, the average cost of repairing a retinal detachment with a commonly used surgery called vitrectomy[6] is $5,394. At Phillips Eye Institute[7] in Minneapolis, MN, treatment ranges from $5,000 to $7,000.
For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10%-50% for the procedure, which could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average hospital copay for outpatient surgery is $132 and for inpatient surgery is $232. The average coinsurance rate is 17%-18%.

What should be included:

A patient who experiences symptoms of retinal detachment, such as bright flashes of light or floaters, will be treated by an ophthalmologist, who will conduct tests[8] to check the retina and pupil, such as using a lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope to examine the eye, or ultrasound to create an image of the retina. A retinal detachment requires medical attention within 24 hours of the detection of symptoms.
Common treatments include a vitrectomy, in which eye fluid is removed so that the retina can be repaired; scleral buckling[9] , in which silicone, rubber, or plastic is used to repair retinal holes; and laser surgery[10] .
The exact treatment a surgeon recommends depends on the type, location and extent of the detachment. Some procedures may be performed in a doctor's office, but more complicated detachments may require surgery in an operating room.
Surgery typically takes between one and four hours.

Related Costs: Eye Exam, Vitreous Detachment Treatment, Health Insurance

Additional costs:

According to the Mayo Clinic, though surgery can generally treat most cases of retinal detachment, a second treatment is sometimes needed.

Discounts:

Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured or cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital [11] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.

Shopping for retinal detachment treatment:

The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides a database of ophthalmologists[12] patients can search.
The Mayo Clinic offers a list of tips[13] to help patients prepare for a visit to the ophthalmologist.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments Retinal detachment
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: Mani 995
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Posted On: October 27th, 2021 06:10PM
Treatment: Laser photocoagulation
Insurance: None
Ophthalmologist: Bhavin patel

So funny, i went to india and had it done in $80 for both the eyes without insurance. Woow i am amazed what a fake money health system is in here in USA.
PEOPLE HERE PAY $1500 FOR AMBULANCE????
WE CAN GET HEART BYPASS SURGERY THERE IN THAT AMOUNT

Retina detachment
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Paul French
From: London, AL
Posted On: August 1st, 2019 07:08AM
Treatment: Gd injection to solve problem
Insurance: national health service
Ophthalmologist: sussex eye hospital

And they reimburse my parking
Socialised medicine is always the smartest option

Columbia, SC torn retina repair surgery
Amount: $27,000.00
Posted by: Joe Blighe
From: Columbia, SC
Posted On: March 21st, 2018 07:03PM
Treatment: Cold laser scarring
Insurance: 80%
Ophthalmologist: Palmetto Retina

Just hospital cost for out pt surgical repair of torn retina is $27,000.

Had reattachment, $14K bill
Amount: $7,000.00
Posted by: FarleySanchez
From: Atlanta, GA
Posted On: March 15th, 2017 09:03AM
Treatment: Reattachment surgery
Insurance: BC/BS ACA plan
Ophthalmologist: Emory Eye Center

Great docs and fast attention, but total cost was more than $17,000 for a standard, nothing-unusual reattachment surgery. My insurance was not accepted by Emory (or anyone else in the area) but insurance paid all but my deductible and also got the price reduced to about $14K, so I'm out of pocket my $7K deductible. Yeah, yeah, should of picked a better plan, but I never expected this to happen.

Retinal Detachment Treatment
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Frank D
From: Toronto, Other
Posted On: January 27th, 2017 08:01AM
Treatment: vitrectomy
Insurance: OHIP
Ophthalmologist: Dr. Kenneth Eng

My only out of pocket expense for this was the hotel room I needed for 2 nights and parking fees at the hospital. Total about 400.00.

haven\'t gone yet
Amount: $2,500.00
Posted by: paulalovescats
From: Portland, TN
Posted On: July 22nd, 2015 07:07AM
Treatment:
Insurance: United Healthcare

I haven't gone yet, but I had flashes and now a floater that won't move or go away. I'm getting an exam next week.
We'll have to pay our deductible of 2500 before my greedy insurance company pays up. At least after we suffer with that, you can bet I'm going to go to the foot doctor. Now it'll be covered. If you can't work due to your feet, how do you afford the high deductibles? My husband is barely making enough to pay necessities.

Retail Detachment treatment
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: David Keffler
From: Orlando, FL
Posted On: May 19th, 2015 05:05AM
Treatment: Reatachment surgery
Insurance: Cigna A.C.A. Plan
Ophthalmologist: Dr John Lehr , of Magruder Eye Institut

Thank goodness for the A.C.A. ( Obamacare insurance), my wife awoke from a nap and realized that she had lost nearly all of her site from her right eye. The emergency department at Orlando health diagnosed a detached retina with the use of a portable ultra-sound machine. Thank you Drs Brown & Hammond for the rapid and correct diagnosis. Dr John Lehr of the Magruder Eye Institute will be performing the surgery on Thursday. One hundred percent of the costs are covered by Cigna. The plan has an annual out of pocket of only $350.00 and the nearly all other medical expenses are 100 % covered.

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Retinal Detachment Treatment Cost

How Much Does Retinal Detachment Treatment Cost?

	With Health Insurance: Copay + 10%-50% Coinsurance
	Without Health Insurance: $5,000-$10,000+ Per Eye