Eye surgery abroad: why more and more patients from German-speaking countries travel to Croatia and Slovenia
Our eyes are our most important sense — they let us see the world, read, work and recognise the people we love. Eye conditions such as cataracts, refractive errors or age-related changes to the eyelids can considerably affect quality of life. The good news: modern eye operations are safe, effective and quick. The costs in Germany and Austria, however, are often prohibitively high. More and more patients from German-speaking countries are discovering Croatia and Slovenia as attractive destinations for eye surgery. With savings of 40–70%, EU standards and short waiting times, these countries offer a convincing alternative.
How many eye operations are carried out each year?
Germany
Between 1.4 and 1.6 million eye operations are carried out in Germany every year.
By far the most common procedures are:
- Cataract operations: about 650,000–700,000 a year
- Eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty): about 30,000–40,000 a year
- LASIK & laser eye surgery: about 150,000–200,000 a year
- Glaucoma operations: about 40,000–50,000 a year
- Retinal operations: about 80,000–100,000 a year
- Corneal transplants: about 8,000–10,000 a year
Austria
About 120,000 cataract operations are carried out in Austria every year, increasingly as day surgery. Other common procedures include:
- Eyelid lifts: about 5,000–8,000 a year
- LASIK & laser eye surgery: about 20,000–30,000 a year
- Glaucoma operations: about 8,000–12,000 a year
How eye surgery is developing
The figures show a clear upward trend:
- Cataract operations: rising continuously since 2000; record numbers were recorded in Austria in 2024.
- Eyelid lifts: worldwide, blepharoplasty became the most frequently performed surgical procedure in 2024 (2.1 million procedures, +13.4%).
- LASIK: demand remains steadily high, especially among young adults (18–34 years).
- Glaucoma: rising numbers because of the ageing population.
What speaks for eye surgery abroad?
A considerable saving (40–60%)
The most obvious advantage is the lower cost. In Croatia and Slovenia patients can save 40–70% compared with Germany and Austria.
EU standards and safety
Croatia and Slovenia are EU member states subject to the same medical standards and regulations. Many clinics use high-quality implants and lenses from brands such as Alcon, Zeiss, Johnson & Johnson or Bausch + Lomb.
Short waiting times
While patients in Germany and Austria often have to accept months of waiting, in Croatia and Slovenia an appointment is often available within 1–2 weeks.
Modern technology
Leading clinics in Zagreb (e.g. our partner Bilić Vision) and in Ljubljana invest in state-of-the-art equipment such as the Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser, OCT diagnostics and phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
All-inclusive packages
Many clinics offer packages including:
- A free first consultation and 3D planning
- Organising flights and hotels
- Transfer from the airport
- Accommodation during the treatment
- Support in German
- Aftercare and check-ups
Recovering in a holiday setting
Combining medical treatment with recovery in new surroundings can have a positive effect on healing. Croatia and Slovenia are also quick to reach (a 1–4 hour flight or a 2–10 hour drive, depending on where you live).
Price comparison: the 7 most common eye operations
Cataract surgery
Country, price per eye (standard lens) / price per eye (premium lens)
Germany €1,500 – 3,000 / €2,500 – 4,000
Austria €1,500 – 3,000 / €2,500 – 4,000
Croatia €800 – 1,500 / €1,800 – 2,800
Slovenia €1,000 – 1,800 / €2,000 – 3,000
Saving: 40–60%
Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)
Country, upper lid / lower lid / combined
Germany €1,700 – 3,500 / €2,300 – 5,000 / €3,800 – 7,000
Austria €1,700 – 3,500 / €2,300 – 5,000 / €3,800 – 7,000
Croatia €800 – 1,600 / €900 – 2,000 / €1,700 – 3,600
Slovenia €800 – 1,600 / €900 – 2,300 / €1,700 – 4,000
Saving: 40–55%
LASIK / Femto-LASIK (laser eye surgery)
Country Price per eye
Germany €1,900 – 3,000
Austria €1,900 – 3,000
Croatia €1,000 – 1,500
Slovenia €1,200 – 1,800
Saving: 40–50%
SMILE / ReLEx Smile (laser eye surgery)
Country, price per eye
Germany €2,400 – 3,500
Austria €2,400 – 3,500
Croatia €1,500 – 2,000
Slovenia €1,800 – 2,400
Saving: 35–50%
Glaucoma surgery
Country, price per eye
Germany €2,000 – 4,000
Austria €2,000 – 4,000
Croatia €1,000 – 2,000
Slovenia €1,200 – 2,500
Saving: 40–50%
Corneal transplant / crosslinking
Country, price crosslinking / transplant
Germany €1,500 – 2,500 / €8,000 – 15,000
Austria €1,500 – 2,500 / €8,000 – 15,000
Croatia €770 – 1,020 / €4,000 – 8,000
Slovenia €900 – 1,200 / €5,000 – 9,000
Saving: 40–50%
Retinal surgery (e.g. for macular degeneration)
Country, price per eye
Germany €2,500 – 5,000
Austria €2,500 – 5,000
Croatia €1,200 – 2,500
Slovenia €1,500 – 3,000
Saving: 40–50%
Eye surgery abroad — particularly in Croatia and Slovenia — offers a cost-effective alternative to procedures in German-speaking countries. With savings of 40–70%, EU standards, state-of-the-art technology and short waiting times, treatment abroad is a sensible option for patients who want to improve their eyesight without overstretching their budget.
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