Corneal Transplant Cost in Egypt 2026: What the Price Includes

Medically reviewed by Dr. Fouad El Sayyad, Consultant Ophthalmologist — Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgery · Last reviewed: October 2026

Quick answer: In my practice, a corneal transplant costs about EGP 150,000–170,000 (around US$3,000) in 2026. The largest part of the cost is the donor cornea, which is imported from eye banks abroad and priced in US dollars, because Egypt does not currently have an active local eye bank. The price includes follow-up for at least three months after surgery.

Key Takeaways

• A corneal transplant costs about EGP 150,000–170,000 (around US$3,000) in 2026.
• Most donor corneas are imported from eye banks in the United States and Sri Lanka and are priced in US dollars.
• A whole donor cornea is usually needed, whether the transplant is partial (DMEK, DSAEK, DALK) or full thickness (PK); DMEK and DSAEK grafts also need special preparation.
• The price includes post-operative follow-up for at least three months.
• The exact price is confirmed after your examination, once the type of transplant is decided.

How Much Does a Corneal Transplant Cost in Egypt?

In my practice, a corneal transplant costs about EGP 150,000–170,000, which is around US$3,000, in 2026. Because the donor tissue is priced in US dollars, the price in Egyptian pounds can change with the exchange rate, so the team gives you a clear written quote before surgery.

Why Is a Corneal Transplant Expensive?

• The donor cornea is imported: Egypt does not currently have an active local eye bank, so most corneas I use come from eye banks in the United States and Sri Lanka, and they are paid for in US dollars.
• A whole cornea is usually needed: even when only one layer is replaced, as in DMEK, DSAEK or DALK, the graft is usually prepared from a whole donor cornea.
• DMEK and DSAEK grafts need special preparation: I prepare every DMEK and DSAEK graft myself during the surgery. This delicate step makes these transplants sometimes even more expensive.
• The cornea must be fresh and carefully handled: donor corneas are kept in special storage solution at controlled temperatures, transported under strict conditions, and used within a limited time so that the endothelial cells stay healthy.
• Every cornea is screened and checked: the eye bank screens each donor and examines the tissue, including the endothelial cell count, before releasing it.
• The surgery takes time and skill: a transplant usually takes 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and longer in complex or combined cases.

What Does the Price Include?

The price includes the donor cornea, the surgery and post-operative follow-up for at least three months. Follow-up after a transplant is frequent in the first weeks, because I check the clarity of the graft, the eye pressure, the stitches or graft position, and the drops. Medicines and any further procedures that some eyes need later, such as stitch adjustment or a repeat air bubble, are discussed with you in advance.

Does the Type of Transplant Change the Price?

Usually not by much. Because the donor cornea is the main cost and a whole cornea is usually needed, DMEK, DSAEK, DALK and PK fall within a similar range. DMEK and DSAEK can sometimes cost more, because of the special graft preparation. Combined surgery, such as a transplant with cataract surgery, or a complex eye can change the final price. Read about the types of corneal transplant and when a transplant is needed.

Can a Transplant Be Avoided?

Sometimes. In keratoconus, cross-linking, corneal rings and specialist contact lenses can avoid or delay a transplant, and some superficial scars can be treated with PTK. Treating keratoconus and corneal infections early is the best way to avoid the need for a transplant later. Read about common corneal problems and the success rate of corneal transplants.

Where Does Dr. Fouad El Sayyad See Patients?

• Sayyad Eye Center, Mohandeseen (main branch, where cataract surgery and corneal transplants are performed): 3A Gameat El Dowal El Arabeya St., Sphinx Square.
• Sayyad Eye Center, New Cairo: Medical Park 2, opposite New Cairo Court.

To book an appointment with Dr. Fouad El Sayyad, call or WhatsApp 01000088168.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a corneal transplant cost in Egypt?

In my practice, a corneal transplant costs about EGP 150,000–170,000 (around US$3,000) in 2026, including the imported donor cornea and follow-up for at least three months. The exact price is confirmed after your examination.

Why is the donor cornea so expensive?

Egypt does not currently have an active local eye bank, so donor corneas are imported, mainly from the United States and Sri Lanka, and priced in US dollars. Each cornea is screened, stored and transported under strict conditions.

Is DMEK cheaper than a full corneal transplant?

No. A whole donor cornea is usually needed for DMEK and DSAEK as well, and these grafts need delicate special preparation, which I do myself during surgery. DMEK and DSAEK can therefore cost the same or sometimes more than PK.

Does the price include follow-up?

Yes. The price includes post-operative follow-up for at least three months, when the graft, eye pressure and drops need the closest monitoring.

How long do I wait for a donor cornea?

It depends on tissue availability. Once the transplant is planned, the cornea is ordered from the eye bank and surgery is scheduled according to medical need and the cornea’s arrival.

Is the transplant price different for patients from abroad?

The surgical price is the same. Patients from abroad should plan their stay for the early follow-up visits and, after DMEK or DSAEK, wait until the gas bubble has gone before flying.

This article is for general education and does not replace an eye examination. Treatment decisions depend on your own eye assessment.