Eye health is one of the most crucial aspects of overall well-being, yet it is often neglected until vision problems become serious. In Tamil Nadu, conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and refractive errors are highly prevalent because of ageing, diabetes, and lifestyle factors. Chennai, known as the “Eye Capital of India”, has some of the most advanced eye hospitals in the country.
What makes it even better is that under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), many of Chennai’s leading government and private eye hospitals provide free eye treatment and surgeries for eligible families.
This blog provides a detailed list of CMCHIS-approved eye hospitals in Chennai, explains what treatments are covered, and guides you on how to access them.
Why Eye Care in Chennai is Important
- According to the National Blindness & Visual Impairment Survey of India, Tamil Nadu ranks among the top states for cataract surgery volumes, with Chennai as the hub.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a rising concern in Chennai, where diabetes prevalence is nearly 16% (higher than the national average of 11%).
- Government and private collaborations under CMCHIS make advanced treatments like retinal surgeries, corneal transplants, and glaucoma care accessible free of cost.
How CMCHIS Helps in Eye Treatments
Without health insurance, eye surgeries can be expensive for families. Here’s how CMCHIS changes that:
| Condition | Typical Cost in Private Hospitals | Covered under CMCHIS |
| Cataract Surgery | ₹20,000–₹40,000 | Free |
| Glaucoma Surgery | ₹25,000–₹50,000 | Free |
| Retinal Detachment Surgery | ₹60,000+ | Free |
| Squint Surgery | ₹15,000–₹25,000 | Free |
| Corneal Transplant | ₹80,000+ | Free |
This means that even advanced surgeries that usually cost lakhs are cashless and free under the scheme.
List of CMCHIS-Approved Eye Hospitals in Chennai
Here’s the updated list of empanelled eye hospitals in Chennai under CMCHIS.
| Hospital Name | Locality |
| Egmore Eye Hospital (Govt.) | Egmore |
| Medical Research Foundation (Sankara Nethralaya) | Nungambakkam |
| Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital (Multiple branches – T. Nagar, Adyar, KK Nagar, etc.) | Chennai City |
| M.N. Eye Hospital | T. Nagar |
| Radhatri Nethralaya | T. Nagar |
| Vasan Eye Care | Chennai City |
| Vee Care Eye Hospital | Chennai |
| AN-Noor Eye Hospital | Chennai |
Highlighting Major Eye Hospitals in Chennai under CMCHIS
Instead of just names, here’s a deeper look at what makes these hospitals important:
- Egmore Eye Hospital (Government): One of the oldest and largest government eye hospitals in Asia, serving lakhs of patients yearly, completely free of cost.
- Sankara Nethralaya: Globally renowned for retinal care, corneal transplant, and advanced diagnostic services. Known as the “Temple of the Eye”, it attracts patients from across India and abroad.
- Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital: With multiple branches across Chennai, Dr. Agarwal’s is a pioneer in cataract, LASIK, and glaucoma treatments. Many procedures are fully covered under CMCHIS.
- M.N. Eye Hospital: Specialises in cataract and corneal procedures, offering quality care for both routine and complex cases.
- Radhatri Nethralaya: A trusted centre for paediatric ophthalmology and squint surgeries in Chennai.
- Vasan Eye Care: With its strong presence across Tamil Nadu, Vasan Eye Care in Chennai provides affordable and CMCHIS-covered surgeries.
Eye Care Treatments Covered under CMCHIS
Patients under CMCHIS in Chennai can access a wide range of treatments, including:
- Cataract surgeries (Phacoemulsification & IOL implants)
- Glaucoma management and surgeries
- Retinal detachment surgeries
- Corneal transplant procedures
- Squint and paediatric eye surgeries
- Diabetic retinopathy treatment
- Basic and advanced diagnostics (OCT, Fundus photography, etc.)
Why Chennai is the Hub for Eye Care
- Chennai hospitals perform over 1.5 lakh cataract surgeries annually, many under government schemes.
- The presence of both government institutions and world-class private hospitals makes Chennai a top choice for eye patients from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and even Sri Lanka.
- For low-income families, CMCHIS bridges the gap by making ₹50,000+ worth surgeries completely free.
Read Fertility & Maternity Hospitals in Chennai | Free CMCHIS Plan
How to Avail CMCHIS Eye Care in Chennai
- Carry your CMCHIS health card or Aadhaar card to the hospital.
- Visit the CMCHIS help desk in the hospital.
- Get your condition evaluated and approved for surgery under the scheme.
- Treatment is cashless, and all hospital charges are covered by CMCHIS.
Final Thoughts
Eye care in Chennai has become world-class and affordable, thanks to CMCHIS. From the prestigious Sankara Nethralaya to government institutions like Egmore Eye Hospital, families can now access free cataract, glaucoma, retinal, and corneal surgeries without worrying about bills.
FAQs – Eye Hospitals in Chennai under CMCHIS
1. Which is the best government eye hospital in Chennai under CMCHIS?
The Egmore Government Eye Hospital is the most reputed and widely accessed government eye hospital in Chennai.
2. Does CMCHIS cover cataract surgeries in private hospitals like Dr. Agarwal’s or Sankara Nethralaya?
Yes, both private and government hospitals listed under CMCHIS provide cashless cataract surgeries.
3. Are LASIK surgeries covered under CMCHIS?
No, cosmetic procedures like LASIK for vision correction are not covered. Only medical procedures such as cataract, glaucoma, and retinal surgeries are covered.
4. How do I find the nearest CMCHIS-approved eye hospital in Chennai?
You can check the official CMCHIS portal or ask at your local government hospital.
5. Are medicines and post-surgery glasses included under CMCHIS?
The scheme covers surgery and essential medical care, but not spectacles or elective items.
6. Can people from outside Chennai use CMCHIS in Chennai hospitals?
Yes, any eligible family from Tamil Nadu can get treated at any empanelled hospital in Chennai.
7. What is the average waiting time for surgery in government eye hospitals like Egmore?
Due to high patient load, waiting times may range from 1–2 weeks. In private hospitals under CMCHIS, waiting time is usually shorter.
8. Does CMCHIS cover diabetic eye care?
Yes, diabetic retinopathy treatments, including laser therapy and vitrectomy, are included.
9. Can I use Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) along with CMCHIS in Chennai eye hospitals?
Some hospitals are empanelled under both schemes, so yes, you may use either depending on eligibility.
10. What documents do I need for eye surgery under CMCHIS in Chennai?
CMCHIS card / Aadhaar card, hospital referral slip, and sometimes an income certificate for verification.
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