Best Cataract Doctors in Dubai

What is Cataract?

When vision starts to get blurry, it could be caused by the clouding of the lens of your eye. This clouding is caused by the breakdown of proteins that start to clump up, and after some time, need to be removed from one or both eyes to restore clear vision again.

There are a few types of cataract and are as follows: age-related, trauma-related, radiation, pediatric and secondary. As we age, cataracts are more likely to occur if you smoke and drink alcohol, have a family history of cataract, pre-diabetic or diabetic, undergone previous eye surgeries, and take steroids. Eye injuries can also contribute to the likelihood of developing cataract. Also, exposure to UV rays over an extended period of time can cause cataracts. Although rare, children can develop cataracts and are usually due to genetics. Finally, secondary cataract can occur in people who have undergone cataract surgery and develop cloudy vision again. However, this cloudiness occurs on the outside, rather than on the inside of the lens, and can be corrected with a procedure called laser capsulotomy. 

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), it is important to check the health of your eyes at least once every 2 years with an ophthalmologist or an eye doctor. A comprehensive eye examination will be conducted to evaluate the health of your eyes and based on the results, your ophthalmologist or eye doctor will recommend the right treatment, medication and if necessary, corrective lenses.

What are the different types of cataract treatments?

In standard cases, an ophthalmologist or eye doctor will first recommend a comprehensive eye examination to determine the right diagnosis for your eyes. After which, based on the level of visual impairment, sometimes minimal or no treatment may be provided by the doctor such as a modified eyeglass prescription (using anti-glare coating on eyeglass lenses). Otherwise, if the vision impairment reaches the point of compromising your ability to complete everyday tasks, then the eye doctor will recommend cataract surgery. There are 2 types of cataract surgery, or removal performed by eye doctors:

[1] Phacoemulsification, traditional cataract surgery, or small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) is small-incision surgery made in the side of the cornea, and a probe is inserted to break up the cloudy lens of the eye using sound waves. The broken-down proteins and lens are suctioned out, and an Intraocular Lens (IOL) is implanted into the eye, replacing the cloudy natural lens. 

[2] Extracapsular cataract extraction surgery (ECCE) is similar to traditional cataract surgery, however the incision in the cornea is larger to remove the cloudy lens in one piece. Replacement of the cloudy lens is also done using an IOL implanted into the eye. 

Depending on the severity of the cataract, a final recommended treatment will be provided by the ophthalmologist or eye doctor to quickly manage the effects of cataract. 

How can I find the right cataract treatment for me?

Finding the right surgeon(s) determines everything

A surgery result does not depend on the reputation of a clinic. Ultimately, it is the expertise of the surgeon that determines the outcome. Nothing can replace the skillful hands of a surgeon who has deep insight into the human body and a patient’s aspiration. 

Research the credentials, portfolio, and other patients’ reviews of the surgeon(s)

It is difficult for a patient to evaluate the skill of a surgeon. However, there are some standard checklists you should apply to choose the right surgeon. 

• First, ensure that surgeons/specialists/consultants are certified from trustworthy institutions. 
• Second, check if they have excellently performed surgery for a similar case as yours. You may check their portfolio online or get it upon request to the clinic. 
• Third, search up what other patients had to say about the physician that you shortlisted. Platforms like DrFive.com could be a good starting point for your research. 

Know your budget and schedule

Most plastic surgeries are elective treatments. In other words, they will not be covered by your health insurance and you need to pay for the entire treatment. Depending on a few factors we will explain below, there are quite big differences in the treatment costs and you need to ensure that treatments from your shortlisted providers are within your budget. Don’t forget to determine when you want to get the surgery prior to contacting clinics. Most sought-after surgeons have a very tight schedule and the next available slots may only open up far beyond your availability. Having a clear timeline can prevent unnecessary last minute surprises.

What are the driving factors for the different prices of cataract treatments in Dubai?

Qualifications of the practitioner

Medical groups in Dubai are diverse and numerous. Physicians come from different schools of thought and each gives their own perspective on the best treatment options. Some of these doctors are board certified from recognized institutions in the UK, Europe or USA, while others have regional or local qualifications. All of whom possess a knowledge base with a specific set of training and practical knowledge.

Brand awareness of the clinic

Treatments from more reputable hospitals will usually be costlier than clinics not widely known to people. Institutions make huge investments to build a trusted brand and we, as the end-consumers, are expected to, in return, pay a premium for that brand. Certain local clinics in Dubai have established a history of providing excellent care to people, and in turn, are more expensive than new entrants in the cosmetic treatment field. 

Experience of the practitioner

It is quite understandable that you pay more for a service from a more experienced practitioner. For cosmetic procedures, and other specialties, you will usually need to pay more to get treatment from consultants rather than specialists, GPs and other physicians, as they have more expertise and practical experience in their field.  

What are the prices for cataract treatments in Dubai?

Many clinics in Dubai will evaluate every candidate’s eyes, health markers and the expected results to recommend the most suitable cataract treatment. Therefore, a complete in-person consultation with an ophthalmologist or eye doctor is necessary for a clinic in Dubai to quote a price for the cataract treatment. As mentioned previously, depending on the severity of the cataract, a final recommended cataract treatment will be provided to the patient. In cases where there is accompanied pain, swelling and more serious symptoms, insurance holders will be covered for the cataract treatment which will entail a laser surgery. Through some of our team’s analysis we were able to find the following prices for cataract removal in Dubai.

Comprehensive eye examination prices in Dubai range between AED 250 to AED 500 with an average price of AED 375. 

Phacoemulsification, traditional cataract surgery, or small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) prices in Dubai range between AED 21,000 to AED 37,000 with an average price of AED 29,000. 

Extracapsular cataract extraction surgery (ECCE) prices in Dubai range between AED 25,000 to 31,000 with an average price of AED 28,000. 

*Please note that the above mentioned prices may not necessarily include the below mentioned costs: 

• Radiology services
• Take home medication
• Pre-anaesthetic check-up
• Any complications from the surgery/procedure
• Additional surgeries
• Additional consumables used if needed

According to the DrFive rating system*, who are the most recommended surgeons or physicians for cataract treatments in Dubai?

Dr Mamta Mittal

(5.0)

2 reviews

Dr. Mamta Mittal

Specialist Opthalmology
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital

Dr Mamta Mittal has over 15 years of experience and over 10 years of clinical practice in the UAE. She is a proud recipient of the International Ophthalmology Education award from American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Dr Mamta is also a member of several internationally-recognized ophthalmology societies and academies in the US and UK. 

Dr Chidamber Boughram Srinivas

(5.0)

5 reviews

Dr. Chidamber Boughram Srinivas

Specialist Ophthalmologist
JTS Medical Centre

Dr Chidamber Boughram Srinivas is one the most respected specialist ophthalmologists in Dubai for starting multiple independent eye clinics for well known medical institutions in the UAE. He has been treating patients in Dubai for over 23 years and is an active member with several international ophthalmology organizations. Dr Chidamber is trusted for his vast experience in all problems related to the eye especially in more complex cases. 

Dr. Tarek Ibrahim

Dr. Tarek Ibrahim

Consultant Ophthalmologist
Eye Consultants

Dr. Tarek Ibrahim is the co-founder of Eye Consultants in Dubai Healthcare City and is one of the most reputed consultant ophthalmologists in the region. He has been providing his expertise in the UAE for over 5 years and over 18 years of experience in his field. He holds numerous accolades from Spain to USA and works closely with laser technology in both cataract and Lasik, and in correcting keratoconus. Dr Tarek is also a holder of the prestigious Chibret, the Spanish national prize of Ophthalmology research. 

Dr Sathish Kidiyur Rama Bhat

(5.0)

15 reviews

Dr. Sathish Kidiyur Rama Bhat

Specialist - Ophthalmologist
JTS Medical Centre

Dr Sathish Kidiyur Rama Bhat has been helping people with their eyesight for over 20 years in Dubai. His expertise and interests are in the anterior segment, pediatric ophthalmology and occuloplasty. His work experience and practice also includes publishing over 60 papers and teaching as a professor in India. Dr Sathish has worked with multiple highly recognized medical institutions in Dubai. Starting with Welcare Hospital in 2001 to currently in Medcare Hospital and JTS Medical Center. 

Dr Adel Mohammed Husein Badr

(4.9)

87 reviews

Dr. Adel Mohammed Husein Badr

Head of ophthalmology department Consultant Ophthalmologist
Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City

Dr Adel Mohammed Husein Badr has over 17 years of experience in his field, 5 of which are here in the UAE. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons (Ophthalmology), Glasgow (UK) and a member of Internal Council of Ophthalmology, London- UK. His area of practice and interest is in Refractive surgeries (Femto-LASIK, SMILE, PRK), Topical Cataract Surgery with multifocal toric lenses, medical retina and diabetic retinopathy management, and surgical retina and retinal detachment surgeries.