Ayushman Bharat Eye Surgery in UP: Complete Guide to Free Treatment

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY covers cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and other eye procedures at empanelled hospitals across Uttar Pradesh. Families listed in the SECC 2011 database are automatically eligible. Indumati Netralaya in Prayagraj is a PM-JAY empanelled, NABH certified eye hospital offering these services at no cost to eligible patients.

Thousands of people in Uttar Pradesh are living with preventable blindness simply because they cannot afford eye surgery. If you or someone in your family has been told they need cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, or another eye procedure, this guide will walk you through how to get it done completely free under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme or the UP state DBCS programme.

What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is the Government of India's flagship health insurance scheme, covering over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore individuals) across India. Each enrolled family receives health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

Eye surgeries—including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and squint correction—are covered under PM-JAY. This means eligible patients can receive these procedures at empanelled hospitals at zero cost. There are no co-payments, no deductibles, and no limits on pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses within the covered package.

Indumati Netralaya is an empanelled hospital under both Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and the UP DBCS state scheme. Our team handles all the paperwork so patients can focus entirely on their recovery.

Who is Eligible for Free Eye Surgery?

Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat is based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. You do not need to apply separately—if your family was included in the SECC 2011, you are automatically eligible. Key eligibility criteria include:

• Families in rural areas with no land, no pucca house, or dependent on casual labour
• Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households
• Households with a female head of family and no adult male member between 16 and 59 years
• Households with a disabled member and no able-bodied adult member
• Destitute families and manual scavengers
• Urban workers in specific occupational categories (rag pickers, domestic workers, street vendors, construction workers, and others)

UP DBCS Scheme: For Those Not Covered by PM-JAY

The Uttar Pradesh government runs the Deen Dayal Bima Yojana or the Chief Minister's Jan Arogya Scheme (also known as DBCS) for state residents who may not qualify under the central PM-JAY criteria. This state scheme extends coverage to additional categories of beneficiaries and covers many of the same eye surgery packages. If you are unsure whether you qualify under PM-JAY, check your eligibility under the UP state scheme as well.

Documents Required for Free Eye Surgery

Gather the following documents before visiting the hospital. All documents should be original with a photocopy:

• Ayushman card (PM-JAY Golden Card): The most important document. If you have not yet received your card, you can get it made at a Common Service Centre (CSC) or at our hospital.
• Aadhaar card: Of the patient. Biometric verification is done at the hospital.
• Ration card: Helps establish family identity and is used for secondary verification.
• Voter ID card: As an alternative identity proof if Aadhaar is unavailable.
• Referral letter from a government doctor: Required for some procedures; our team will guide you on whether this is needed for your case.

How to Check Your Eligibility Online

You can check whether your family is eligible for Ayushman Bharat in three easy ways:

1. Visit the official PM-JAY website at pmjay.gov.in and click on "Am I Eligible". Enter your mobile number and the OTP received.
2. Call the PM-JAY helpline at 14555 or 1800-111-565 (toll-free). Provide your name, mobile number, and Aadhaar number.
3. Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (Jan Seva Kendra) with your Aadhaar card. The operator can check eligibility and also help you obtain your Ayushman card.

Eye Surgeries Covered Under Ayushman Bharat

The following ophthalmic procedures are included in the PM-JAY package list and are available free of charge at Indumati Netralaya:

Step-by-Step Process at Indumati Netralaya

Here is exactly what happens when you visit us for free eye surgery under Ayushman Bharat:

1. Registration: Arrive at our OPD with your Ayushman card and Aadhaar. Our Ayushman desk staff will verify your identity biometrically using the PM-JAY system.
2. Eye Examination: Our ophthalmologist will examine your eyes and confirm the diagnosis (e.g., cataract, glaucoma). The examination is fully covered under PM-JAY.
3. Pre-operative Tests: Blood pressure, blood sugar, and any other required tests are done on-site. All costs are covered under your PM-JAY package.
4. Surgery Scheduling: Based on the findings, surgery is scheduled—often on the same day or within a few days. You will receive clear instructions on fasting and preparation.
5. Surgery: The procedure is performed in our NABH-certified operation theatre. You will be given a standard IOL at no cost. Premium IOLs are available at an additional charge if you choose to upgrade.
6. Recovery and Discharge: Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning. Medicines and protective goggles are provided free of charge.
7. Follow-up Visits: Three follow-up visits (1 day, 1 week, 1 month post-surgery) are included in the package. No separate consultation fee is charged.

Common Questions About Free Eye Surgery

Do I need to be referred by a government hospital first?

No. Under PM-JAY, you can walk directly into any empanelled private hospital like Indumati Netralaya without a referral. Our team will handle all pre-authorisation with the scheme directly.

Will I get the same quality of care as paying patients?

Yes. Every patient at Indumati Netralaya receives the same surgical technique, the same sterile operation theatre, and the same post-operative care regardless of their payment category. NABH certification applies to all procedures equally.

What if I do not have an Ayushman card yet?

You can get your Ayushman card made at a nearby Common Service Centre (Jan Seva Kendra) for a small administrative fee (usually Rs 30). Alternatively, contact us and our Ayushman coordinator will assist you in getting enrolled before your surgery date.