{"id":26964,"date":"2026-08-30T20:58:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T18:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/cataract-surgery-for-patients-from-silesia-treatment-in-krakow\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T09:50:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T07:50:32","slug":"cataract-surgery-for-patients-from-silesia-treatment-in-krakow","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-surgery-for-patients-from-silesia-treatment-in-krakow\/","title":{"rendered":"Cataract Surgery for Patients from Silesia \u2014 Treatment in Krakow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you looking for cataract surgery and live in Silesia? <strong>We do not have a clinic in Katowice<\/strong> \u2014 we operate in Krakow at ul. Kluczborska 15\/U3, an hour&#8217;s drive via the A4 motorway. Below you will find an honest comparison of private vs. National Health Fund (NFZ) options, and a practical visit plan for patients from outside Krakow.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sl-proof-line has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SwissLaser in numbers:<\/strong> over 25,000 procedures performed by the chief surgeon \u00b7 clinics in Krakow, Warsaw, Vienna, and Zurich \u00b7 Google: 5,0 (171 reviews, Krakow) and 4,8 (258 reviews, Warsaw)<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long is the waiting time for NFZ cataract surgery in Silesia?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to National Health Fund (NFZ) data (Treatment Waiting List Information System, as of July 2026), <strong>28 facilities<\/strong> perform cataract surgery in the Silesian Voivodeship, with a total of approximately <strong>6,500 people<\/strong> on waiting lists. The median waiting time is about <strong>one month<\/strong>, but the range is vast \u2014 from 8 days to over two years, depending on the hospital. In the Katowice metropolitan area alone, approximately 2,000 people are waiting at 13 facilities. You can check the current waiting times for each facility on the official search engine <a href=\"https:\/\/terminyleczenia.nfz.gov.pl\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">terminyleczenia.nfz.gov.pl<\/a>.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>We are honest:<\/strong> if you accept a standard monofocal lens and reading glasses after the procedure, surgery under the National Health Fund (NFZ) is medically fully valuable. The difference lies not in the quality of the procedure itself, but in its scope. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Private Treatment<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Premium lenses<\/strong> \u2014 toric (correcting astigmatism), EDOF, and multifocal, allowing independence from glasses. The National Health Fund (NFZ) only refunds monofocal lenses. <\/li><li><strong>Choice of surgeon<\/strong> \u2014 the procedure is performed by Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian. <\/li><li><strong>Short waiting time<\/strong> \u2014 qualification usually within a few days, procedure within 1\u20132 weeks of qualification.<\/li><li><strong>Both eyes in one session<\/strong> \u2014 our standard; on request on separate dates, without waiting in a queue for the second eye.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prices and types of lenses are described in detail in our <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-price-list\/\">cataract treatment price list<\/a>, and the procedure itself on the <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-treatment-in-krakow\/\">cataract surgery in Krakow<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel from Silesia to the Clinic<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>From<\/th><th>By Car<\/th><th>By Train<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Katowice<\/td><td>approx. 1 h 15 min (A4) <\/td><td>approx. 1 h (IC to Krak\u00f3w G\u0142\u00f3wny) <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sosnowiec<\/td><td>approx. 1 h 10 min <\/td><td>approx. 1 h 10 min <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gliwice<\/td><td>approx. 1 h 30 min (A4) <\/td><td>approx. 1 h 30 min <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bielsko-Bia\u0142a<\/td><td>approx. 1 h 20 min (S1\/A4) <\/td><td>approx. 2 h <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cz\u0119stochowa<\/td><td>approx. 1 h 40 min <\/td><td>approx. 2 h <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first follow-up appointment usually takes place the day after the procedure, so we recommend patients from Silesia stay overnight in Krakow \u2014 our team will gladly suggest verified options near the clinic. Detailed visit plan: <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/dla-pacjentow-spoza-krakowa\/\">for patients from outside Krakow<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other procedures in Krakow<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/laser-eye-correction-for-patients-from-katowice-procedure-in-krakow\/\">Laser Vision Correction \u2014 for patients from Silesia<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/refractive-lens-exchange-krakow\/\">Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/phakic-icl-lenses-krakow\/\">ICL Phakic Lenses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/starczowzrocznosc-krakow\/\">Presbyopia correction<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Most Frequent Questions from Silesian Patients about Cataract Surgery<\/h2>\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-sl-zkat-faq\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion exclusive is-style-default\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>Does SwissLaser perform cataract surgery in Katowice?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. We operate in Krakow at ul. Kluczborska 15\/U3, about an hour&#8217;s drive from Katowice via the A4 motorway. Patients from Silesia are a regular group for us, and we plan visits to minimize travel.   <\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>How long is the waiting time for NFZ cataract surgery in Silesia?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the NFZ Treatment Waiting List Information System (as of July 2026), 28 facilities perform cataract surgery in the Silesian Voivodeship, with approximately 6,500 people waiting. The median is about one month, but the range extends from 8 days to over two years. You can check current waiting times at terminyleczenia.nfz.gov.pl.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>How much does private cataract surgery cost for patients from Silesia?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost is the same for everyone: PLN 11,000 per eye with a premium implant (spherical, toric, or Customized), qualification examination PLN 400. Installment payment is available through Santander Consumer Bank. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>Can you pay extra for a premium lens under the NFZ?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No \u2013 the refunded procedure only includes a monofocal lens, after which reading glasses are usually needed. Toric, EDOF, and multifocal lenses are only available with private treatment. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>How many times do I need to come to Krakow?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically: qualification (approx. 90 minutes), procedure on both eyes in one session with follow-up the next day. Some subsequent follow-ups can be performed by an ophthalmologist closer to home, by arrangement. After the procedure, we recommend an overnight stay in Krakow.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item\"><summary class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__title\"><div><strong>Are both eyes operated on the same day?<\/strong><\/div><\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes \u2014 this is our standard. Each eye is operated on as a separate procedure: no instrument used on the first eye touches the second. On request we operate on the eyes on separate dates. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit plan for distant patients: <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/dla-pacjentow-spoza-krakowa\/\">for patients from outside Krakow<\/a>. Qualification criteria: <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/blog\/when-are-your-eyes-eligible-for-cataract-surgery\/\">when eyes qualify for cataract surgery<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading sl-opinie\">Our Patients&#8217; Reviews<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"sl-opinie-zeile wp-block-paragraph\">Google rating: <strong>Warsaw 4,8<\/strong> (reviews: 258) \u00b7 <strong>Krakow 5,0<\/strong> (reviews: 171). Read all reviews, unselected and unedited, directly on Google: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps?cid=8928920568886604264\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Warsaw<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps?cid=8159414379212456185\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Krakow<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Questions about appointments or travel? <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/contact\/swisslaser-krakow\/\">Contact \u2014 Krakow clinic<\/a>, tel. +48 12 383 33 60, or <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/book-an-appointment\/book-an-appointment-krakow\/\">book an appointment online<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"sl-medical-review has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Content fact-checked by <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/about-us\/dr-victor-derhartunian\/\">Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS<\/a> \u2013 refractive surgery specialist. Last verified: August 2026. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" id=\"swisslaser-post-schema\">\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@graph\": [\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"MedicalWebPage\",\n   \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-surgery-for-patients-from-silesia-treatment-in-krakow\/#medpage\",\n   \"url\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-surgery-for-patients-from-silesia-treatment-in-krakow\/\",\n   \"name\": \"Cataract Surgery for Patients from Silesia \u2014 Treatment in Krakow\",\n   \"description\": \"National Health Fund (NFZ) or Private? NFZ data for Silesia: 6,500 people on the waiting list, median wait approximately one month. 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Below you will find an honest comparison of private vs. National Health Fund (NFZ) options, and a practical visit plan for&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26964","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26964"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30414,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26964\/revisions\/30414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}