Diagnosis and stage
Diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and ROP use different laser patterns, urgency and follow-up.
Retina laser service
Get specialist evaluation for PRP in diabetic retinopathy, focal or grid laser, and barrier laser for selected retinal tears, with a clear plan for sittings, recovery and follow-up.
Direct answer
Panretinal photocoagulation may be used for selected proliferative diabetic retinopathy, focal or grid laser for particular leaking retinal areas, and barrier laser for selected retinal tears. Laser often aims to reduce the risk of further damage rather than restore vision already lost. A dilated examination determines whether laser is appropriate, which areas need treatment and whether one or more sittings are likely.
Treatment and cost by laser plan
The retina specialist must first examine the peripheral retina and macula. Similar symptoms can require different treatment, urgency and follow-up.
| S.No. | Laser plan | Pricing reference | Why it may be advised | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) | PM-JAY reference: ₹8,500 per courseScheme benchmark, not a private clinic tariff. | Used for selected proliferative diabetic retinopathy or other abnormal retinal blood-vessel conditions. | Often divided into more than one sitting, with repeat retinal examination. |
| 2 | Focal or grid retinal laser | Quoted after OCT and specialist assessmentThe indication, treatment area and number of sittings vary. | May be considered in selected leaking retinal areas or retinal swelling; injections are preferred in many modern treatment plans. | OCT or photography may be repeated to assess response. |
| 3 | Barrier laser for retinal tear | PM-JAY tear-repair reference: ₹1,500 per eye per sittingScheme benchmark; actual clinic cost and eligibility differ. | Creates laser burns around selected retinal tears or weak areas to reduce the risk of progression. | Follow-up checks whether the laser reaction is complete and whether new tears have appeared. |
| 4 | ROP laser for a premature baby | Individual hospital estimateRequires urgent paediatric retinal assessment and specialised planning. | Used for treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity when advised by the ROP specialist. | Close, time-sensitive follow-up is essential even after treatment. |
| 5 | CGHS Tier-Y retinal laser | ₹2,678-₹3,150 per eyeOfficial 2025 reimbursement benchmark for eligible beneficiaries. | The approved indication and package rules determine eligibility. | Repeat sittings or tests depend on the clinical plan and scheme rules. |
What changes the estimate?
Diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and ROP use different laser patterns, urgency and follow-up.
Laser is planned and billed by the affected eye; each eye can need a different treatment.
PRP is often divided across visits, while a small tear may need one sitting and review.
OCT, retinal photographs, angiography or ultrasound may be used selectively before or after laser.
Some eyes also need injections or surgery; laser is not a replacement for every treatment.
Outpatient rules, network status, authorisation and package limits influence coverage.
What happens during laser?
The eye is usually dilated and numbed with drops. A contact lens may be placed on the eye while the doctor applies laser to selected retinal areas. You may see bright flashes and feel pressure or brief discomfort. Vision can be blurred and light-sensitive afterwards.
Sudden flashes, many new floaters, a dark curtain or sudden loss of vision can indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Cost comparison should not delay an urgent dilated retinal examination.
Call the clinic nowBefore treatment
Ask the specialist to show which retinal area needs treatment and what may happen without it.
Laser often aims to prevent further damage rather than restore vision already lost.
Clarify likely sittings, follow-up scans and when additional laser might be considered.
Request an itemised estimate for the eye, procedure, tests, medicines and follow-up.
Specialist-led laser care
Laser is recommended only after a dilated retina examination and diagnosis. The treatment pattern and follow-up are tailored to the condition.

MBBS, MS, FMRF
Senior retina specialist with more than 36 years of ophthalmology experience and vitreo-retinal fellowship training at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai.
Read profile
MBBS, MS, DNB, FICO-1, MNAMS, FMRF
Vitreo-retina specialist experienced in diabetic retinal imaging, laser and surgical treatment planning, with AI in Healthcare training from IIT Delhi.
Read profileLaser FAQs
The final cost depends on diagnosis, laser type, one or both eyes, sittings, imaging and insurance. CGHS lists a Tier-Y benchmark of ₹2,678-₹3,150 per eye, while PM-JAY lists a PRP course reference of ₹8,500. These are scheme benchmarks, not Vision Care's private tariff.
It varies. PRP is often divided into more than one sitting, while a small tear may need one treatment with follow-up. Additional laser can be advised if new or untreated areas are found.
Numbing drops are normally used. You may notice bright flashes, pressure, stinging or brief discomfort. Tell the doctor immediately if discomfort is significant.
Laser often aims to reduce the risk of further damage rather than restore vision already lost. The expected benefit depends on the diagnosis, stage and macular involvement.
Coverage depends on the policy or scheme, diagnosis, network status, outpatient or inpatient rules, package limits and pre-authorisation. Obtain written confirmation from the insurer or TPA.
Vision may be blurred and light-sensitive after dilation and laser. Arrange transport home and follow the doctor's advice about driving, work, medicines and warning symptoms.
Specialist-led treatment plan
Address: E-7/378 Arera Colony, opposite Hanuman Mandir, 1100 Quarters, Bhopal 462016
Hours: Mon - Sat, 10 AM - 2 PM and 6 PM - 8:00 PM
Call: 0755 2468191 or +91 98932 76207