Book Appointment
Book Appointment
A practical guide to getting cataract and other eye treatment covered under the Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) scheme at Lifeline Eye Centre, Delhi.
By Dr. Javed H. Farooqui, Lifeline Eye Centre
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is India's flagship health assurance scheme, offering a health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. For patients in Delhi dealing with age-related cataracts, corneal disease, or retinal conditions, this cover can make the difference between delaying vision-saving surgery and getting treated promptly.
As a hospital that works within this certification framework, Lifeline Eye Centre sees first-hand how many patients postpone eye care simply because they assume quality surgery is unaffordable. One of the goals of this scheme is to remove exactly that barrier for eligible families searching for an Ayushman Bharat eye hospital in Delhi.
Ophthalmology packages under PM-JAY are among the most frequently used across the country, largely because cataract remains one of India's leading causes of treatable blindness. Coverage depends on the specific package listed for your treatment and is always verified by the hospital at the time of admission, but as a general guide:
| Eye Procedure | Typical PM-JAY Status |
|---|---|
| Cataract surgery with IOL implantation | Covered under listed surgical packages |
| Corneal transplant (medically necessary) | Covered under listed packages, subject to verification |
| Retinal surgery (detachment, diabetic retinopathy) | Covered under listed packages |
| Reconstructive oculoplasty (trauma, lid disease) | Covered under listed packages |
| Elective LASIK / refractive surgery | Not typically covered (elective procedure) |
Patients considering elective vision correction should note that procedures like LASIK surgery are generally self-funded, since insurance and government schemes reserve coverage for medically necessary treatment rather than refractive convenience.
Cataract is the single most common reason patients search for an Ayushman Bharat eye hospital in Delhi. At Lifeline Eye Centre, eligible patients can undergo cataract surgery using bladeless FLACS (femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery) technique alongside modern diagnostic equipment used to plan the procedure precisely for each eye.
Unlike larger hospital setups where a patient may see a different doctor at each visit, every case here is carried from the first consultation through surgery and final follow-up by the same fellowship-trained cornea and cataract surgeon — never handed off to a junior. For patients coming from outside Delhi for scheme-based treatment, that continuity of care matters as much as the surgical technique itself.
Dr. Javed H. Farooqui is a dual fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with a sub-speciality interest in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. After completing his postgraduate residency in ophthalmology in Delhi, he worked with Orbis International's Flying Eye Hospital — the only hospital aboard an aircraft in the world — travelling to more than 20 countries to deliver ophthalmic care and train local doctors.
He then returned to Delhi to complete a two-year fellowship in complicated cataract surgery, followed by an 18-month fellowship in corneal surgery, where he trained in advanced corneal transplants and refractive/LASIK procedures. This background underpins the full cornea-to-cataract treatment pathway available under one roof at Lifeline Eye Centre, from routine cataract cases to complex corneal transplant surgery. Patients can also explore the full range of care from our ophthalmology specialists before deciding on a treatment plan.
Before booking treatment anywhere, it's worth confirming empanelment directly rather than relying on word of mouth. Empanelled centres typically display official Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana / Ayushman Bharat signage with scheme branding, a helpline number, and the hospital's address, similar to the example notice below, so patients can confirm participation at a glance before their visit.
You can also verify empanelment status through the official PM-JAY hospital locator, by asking for the hospital's Ayushman Mitra help desk, or by calling ahead to confirm that your specific procedure — such as cataract surgery — falls under an active package at that centre.
Tip: Carry your Ayushman Bharat card (or e-card), Aadhaar card, and any existing prescription or eye reports to your first visit — this speeds up eligibility verification considerably.
The pathway for scheme-based eye treatment generally follows a predictable sequence: first, eligibility is confirmed using your Ayushman card details; second, a comprehensive eye examination and diagnostic workup establishes the exact diagnosis and surgical plan; third, the hospital raises a pre-authorisation request for the relevant package; fourth, once approved, surgery is scheduled; and finally, the patient is seen for structured post-operative follow-up visits.
Because the clinic operates Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM, with WhatsApp booking available, most patients can get an initial consultation slot within days rather than weeks — an important consideration for anyone searching for an Ayushman Bharat eye hospital near me who wants to avoid long waiting periods for cataract surgery.
Recovery after modern bladeless cataract surgery is typically quick, with many patients resuming routine activities within a few days, though full visual stabilisation can take a few weeks. Prescribed eye drops must be used exactly as directed, and protective eyewear should be worn as advised, especially outdoors or while sleeping in the initial days.
Warning: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, increasing redness, or discharge after surgery — these can signal infection or other complications that need urgent evaluation.
Patients with additional retinal concerns identified during their pre-surgical workup may also be guided toward dedicated retina services as part of the same continuity-of-care approach.
What sets this clinic apart isn't volume alone, but consistency: one fellowship-trained cornea and cataract surgeon overseeing your case from the very first diagnostic visit through to your final follow-up appointment, rather than a rotating team. Combined with a dedicated, patient-first clinic environment and simple WhatsApp-based appointment booking, the goal is to make scheme-based eye care feel as straightforward as any private consultation.
If you're unsure whether your condition qualifies, the simplest next step is to contact us on WhatsApp with your Ayushman Bharat card details, and our team will help confirm eligibility before you travel in for an appointment.
