Objective To explore the more adaptive operation method in poverty relief and primary hospital through comparing small incision non-phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification. Methods 200 cataract patients were divided into two groups. Small incision non-phacoemulsification was performed on 118 cases and phacoemulsification was performed on 82 cases. Compare the two operation in the postoperative visual acuity、operative and postoperative complications, and the cost. Results There was no significant difference between small incision non-phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification in postoperative visual acuity, operative and postoperative complications, and satisfactory of the patients. But it greatly decreased the cost with small incision non-phacoemulsification. Conclusion Small incision non-phacoemulsification is more adaptive to be popularized and aphid in poverty relief and primary hospital.