Questions patients ask

There is no single answer, and anyone who claims otherwise is selling something. The right eye doctor for you has years of experience in your particular problem, examines you personally, explains the options plainly, gives you a written estimate, and is close enough for follow-up visits.

Dr. Ananyabrata Das has practised ophthalmology in Kolkata since 1991 and founded Spectra Eye Hospital at Chinar Park in 2001. Patients come to him for cataract surgery, LASIK assessments, glaucoma, dry eye and diabetic eye check-ups, from Baguiati, Kestopur, Salt Lake, New Town, Dum Dum and Madhyamgram.

See how to choose an eye specialist and how to choose an eye hospital in Kolkata.

At Spectra Eye Hospital, T-186 Rajarhat Main Road, Chinar Park (Kolkata 700052), open daily 9 am – 8 pm; at Micro Point Optical & Dry Eye Clinic, 38A J N Tewari Road, Gorabazar, Dum Dum (Mon–Sat, 10 am – 9 pm); and at Spectra Eye Foundation, Jessore Road, Madhyamgram. Call +91 98308 73460 or WhatsApp +91 84205 96024 to book.

Dr. Das is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google across 597 reviews on his two clinic listings (5.0 at Chinar Park, 4.9 at Dum Dum). Spectra Eye Hospital, which he founded, holds a 4.9 rating across more than 7,800 further reviews at Chinar Park and Madhyamgram. Read patient reviews.

It depends mostly on the lens you choose. A standard monofocal lens costs far less than a toric or multifocal one. After your eye is measured you get a written estimate for each lens option. CGHS, WBHS, ESI and most health-insurance policies cover cataract surgery; check your policy's cataract limit. What decides the cost.

Usually yes if you are over 18, your power has been stable for a year, your cornea is thick and regular enough, and you have no active eye disease. A LASIK assessment (corneal mapping, thickness, dilated exam) decides. Some people are better off with PRK, SMILE or an ICL. How the assessment works.

Spectra Eye Hospital and Spectra Eye Foundation are listed under several government health schemes. Bring your card and, for CGHS, the referral from your wellness centre. The front desk confirms coverage before any procedure. Schemes and insurance.

Your current glasses, old prescriptions or eye reports, a list of medicines (including eye drops), and sugar and BP reports if you have diabetes or hypertension. If your eyes will be dilated, bring someone: vision stays blurry for three to four hours.

Call straight away. Sudden loss of vision, a curtain over your sight, a chemical splash, or a painful red eye with headache and vomiting all need same-day care. Don't use steroid drops from the chemist without a prescription. Eye emergencies.

Forty-five minutes to an hour and a half, mostly because dilating drops take time to work.

Not if your eyes were dilated. Vision is blurred and light-sensitive for three to four hours. Bring someone, or use a cab.

Bengali, English and Hindi.