Cherry eye surgery cost in Australia
Summary
Cherry eye is a common eye condition in dogs, and surgery is the most effective way to treat it. Published Australian estimates suggest cherry eye surgery may cost from around $300 to $800 or more, depending on whether a general practice vet or specialist performs the procedure, whether one or both eyes are affected, and your location. This guide focuses on cherry eye surgery costs, what happens during and after surgery, and how pet insurance may help. For a detailed explanation of the condition itself, see our Cherry Eye condition guide.
What is cherry eye?
Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid prolapses (it pops out of its normal position and becomes visible as a rounded, red or pink mass in the corner of the eye). When untreated, the exposed gland becomes chronically inflamed and its ability to produce tears can be permanently impaired, increasing the risk of dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
How much does cherry eye surgery cost in Australia?
Cherry eye surgery is less costly than many specialist eye procedures, but published Australian clinic pricing for this procedure is limited. The table below summarises the available data.
| Source | Cost range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dial A Vet (AU veterinary telehealth) | $300–$800 typically | May not include pre-surgical tests or post-surgical care |
| International data (US: MetLife, GoodRx, Vety) | $300–$2,500 (US) | Higher end reflects specialist ophthalmologist and bilateral surgery. AU costs may differ. |
Sources: Dial A Vet (dialavet.com); MetLife Pet Insurance (metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-health/cherry-eye-surgery-cost); GoodRx (goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/cherry-eye-surgery-cost); Vety (vety.com/costs/cherry-eye-surgery-cost).
Because published Australian clinic pricing for cherry eye surgery is limited, we recommend requesting quotes from your vet and, if applicable, a veterinary ophthalmologist for comparison. Post-operative medication and follow-up appointments will add to the surgical fee.
What affects the cost of cherry eye surgery?
- One eye versus both eyes. When both are affected, it is sometimes possible to treat them in a single procedure.
- Surgical technique. Gland repositioning is preferred over removal to protect tear production.
- Veterinary ophthalmologist referral. Complex or recurrent cases may be referred to a specialist.
- Geographic location. Costs tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas.
What happens during cherry eye surgery?
Surgical techniques
The preferred approach is gland repositioning. The most commonly used technique is the pocket technique (envelope technique), in which conjunctival tissue is sutured around the prolapsed gland to tuck it back into position.
Anaesthetic and procedure length
Performed under general anaesthesia. Typically 20–45 minutes per eye. Both eyes may be treated in the same session.
Recovery and aftercare
E-collar required for 1–2 weeks. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for 1–2 weeks. Restricted activity for 1–2 weeks. Follow-up check at 1–2 weeks post-surgery. Monitor for recurrence (a second procedure may be required).
| Recovery phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| E-collar required | 1–2 weeks minimum |
| Eye drops | 1–2 weeks |
| Restricted activity | 1–2 weeks |
| First follow-up | 1–2 weeks post-surgery |
| Monitoring for recurrence | Ongoing |
Does pet insurance cover cherry eye surgery?
With Bow Wow Meow’s Nose-to-Tail Cover, cherry eye surgery may be covered as an illness-related condition, provided it was not pre-existing and the applicable waiting period has been met. Eligible costs may include consultations, diagnostics, surgery, medication and follow-up.
Because it is difficult to predict when conditions like cherry eye might develop, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected does happen.
Get a quick quote
Conclusion
Cherry eye surgery is generally recommended. Gland repositioning is preferred over removal. Published Australian estimates suggest costs may range from around $300 to $800 or more (Dial A Vet), with specialist ophthalmologist and bilateral cases potentially higher.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance can help protect you and your pet should an unexpected trip to your vet occur.
- Find out more about our dog insurance options
- Find out more about our cat insurance options
- Get an instant online pet insurance quote
Bow Wow Meow is proud to have been awarded winner of Canstar’s ‘Most Satisfied Customers’ Award in the Pet Insurance category for both 2024 and 2025!
Bow Wow Meow is proud to be the only Pet Insurer that has been awarded Product Review’s Top Rated Pet Insurance every year from 2018 to 2026! This is based on 3,193 independent customer reviews (as at 09/04/2026), with an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
We also have the following ratings on other review platforms:
Google Review rating of 4.5 stars (based on 1,358 reviews)
Trust Pilot rating of 4.6 stars (based on 555 reviews)
Bow Wow Meow has been chosen as Winner of 4 categories in the 2026 Finder Pet Insurance Customer Satisfaction Awards!
– Most Trusted Pet Insurance
– Easiest to Claim Pet Insurance
– Most Recommended Pet Insurance
– Legendary Service Pet Insurance
We also received Highly Commended Awards for Loved Brand Pet Insurance and Best Value Pet Insurance.
Bow Wow Meow is an Australian-owned and operated pet insurance provider. Our focus is purely on pets, and we are proud to have helped provide peace of mind to over 200,000 Aussie pet owners since 2008.
