The first cost question is whether treatment is needed now
UKE states that vitreofoveal traction can resolve spontaneously in many cases, making observation appropriate for selected patients. A patient who needs serial OCT and specialist follow-up has a very different cost pathway from a patient for whom surgery is recommended.
- Retinal specialist consultation
- Macular OCT and fundus examination
- Repeat OCT when observation is chosen
- Visual-acuity assessment and symptom review
- Decision between continued monitoring and intervention
Intervention type changes the quotation
UKE describes an intravitreal enzyme option for selected very focal adhesions and surgical vitreous removal when this is insufficient. These are different treatment episodes and should not be compared under one generic VMT price.
- Any planned intravitreal treatment, if clinically suitable and available
- Pars plana vitrectomy when surgery is recommended
- Anesthesia arrangements
- Outpatient or inpatient pathway
- Additional retinal procedures if another macular-interface abnormality is found
Progression to another macular problem can change the plan
UKE notes that vitreofoveal traction can in some cases lead to a macular hole. If repeat OCT shows progression, the treatment plan and therefore the hospital quotation can change. The estimate should be based on recent imaging rather than an old diagnosis alone.
Follow-up belongs in the real medical-travel budget
International patients should ask how many early controls are expected, whether repeat OCT is included and how long they should remain near the center after an intervention. If surgery is performed, postoperative restrictions and any need for urgent local review should also be clarified before booking return travel.
- Number and timing of postoperative or observation visits
- Repeat OCT and retinal examination
- Eye drops or prescriptions after surgery
- Plan if symptoms worsen
- When follow-up can transfer to the ophthalmologist at home
Why we do not publish a made-up fixed price
German university hospitals prepare international-patient estimates after medical review and a defined treatment plan. LMU states that it does not publish a general price list, while UKE describes individualized cost calculation after the responsible department establishes the planned treatment. A written hospital quotation is therefore more useful than an unsourced headline price.
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-09-13. Cost procedures and published service fees can change, so confirm current terms directly with the provider before transferring money or booking travel.
- Cost Plan — LMU Klinikum International Patient Office ↗
- International patient process and cost estimate — University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) ↗
- Vitreofoveal traction – diagnosis and treatment — University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) ↗
- Retinal diseases – vitreomacular traction and macular disorders — University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) ↗