Cataract Surgery in Fez: Procedure, Recovery, Price and Insurance Coverage

Have you been told you have a cataract, or do you notice your vision becoming blurred, hazy, with glare at night? This guide explains simply when to operate, how the operation works, how long recovery takes, and how coverage (PEC) by AMO and complementary insurers in Morocco works.

Cataract: what is it?

A cataract is the progressive clouding of the lens, the eye’s natural lens. It is most often age-related and affects a large proportion of people after age 60. Vision becomes blurred or hazy, colors dull, glare increases (headlights at night, sun), and glasses are no longer enough to correct it.

Important point: a cataract cannot be treated with drops or glasses. The only effective treatment is surgery — one of the most frequently performed and best-mastered procedures in the world.

When should it be operated on?

There is no emergency in most cases: surgery is done when the visual impairment affects daily life — driving, reading, praying, recognizing faces, watching television. Waiting too long is not advisable, however: a very advanced cataract becomes harder to operate. The right moment is decided together during the consultation.

How does the operation work?

1. The preoperative work-up : a complete eye examination and calculation of the power of the implant that will replace the lens (biometry).
2. The procedure : it is performed under local anesthesia (drops), painlessly, and usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a permanent transparent implant. No hospital stay: you go home the same day, accompanied.
3. One eye at a time : the more affected eye is operated on first, then the second a few weeks later.

Choosing the implant

The standard implant (monofocal) corrects distance vision; glasses are still needed for reading. There are also special implants (toric for astigmatism, multifocal to reduce dependence on glasses for near and far). The choice is discussed at the work-up, according to your eyes, your activities and your budget.

Recovery

• Vision generally improves within the first few days, then stabilizes over a few weeks.
• Eye-drop treatment is prescribed for about a month.
• The first few days: don’t rub the eye, avoid dust, water in the eye and strenuous effort. Reading and television are allowed.
• Check-up visits are scheduled to verify healing.

Price and coverage: how it works in Morocco (AMO, CNSS, CNOPS, complementary insurers)

Cataract surgery is medically necessary surgery: it is covered by AMO and complementary insurers. In practice, in Morocco, the process is as follows:

1. After the work-up, the practice gives you a quote to put together your file.
2. Your organization (CNSS, CNOPS or complementary insurer) issues a coverage authorization (PEC) before the procedure: it pays its share directly.
3. You only pay the difference between the fee and the amount covered by the authorization.

As for fees: they vary according to the type of implant chosen and the facility where the procedure takes place — from 6,500 dirhams per eye as an indication, the exact quote being established after the work-up. Our reception assists you with the coverage procedures and gives you all the necessary documents (quote, care form, report).

Frequently asked questions

Does the operation hurt?

No. Anesthesia with drops makes the procedure painless. A gritty sensation is common in the first few days.

Can the cataract come back after the operation?

The implant is permanent and the cataract does not “grow back”. Clouding of the capsule can sometimes occur months or years later: it is treated in a few minutes with a laser, at the practice.

Can I have surgery if I have diabetes or glaucoma?

Yes, in the great majority of cases, with suitable precautions. The preoperative examination confirms this.

At what age is one “too old” to operate?

There is no age limit: the operation is performed at any age as long as general health allows.

Does coverage include all implants?

Coverage includes the procedure according to your organization’s fees; if you opt for a special implant (toric, multifocal), the difference is at your expense. Everything is detailed in the quote, before any decision.

Book an appointment for an assessment

If you (or a relative) have these symptoms, an examination at the practice can confirm the diagnosis and decide together on the next steps. Dr Oulehri Hassan’s practice is located at 1 Rue Abdelkrim Benjelloun, Espace Marina, in Fez.

For any question or appointment request : call 0532-023012, or message us on WhatsApp at 0615-557141 — our reception answers during opening hours.