Hello, I'm Dr. Judy and hopefully I can help you out tonight. I'm sorry to here about your baby. There may be other specialists or teaching hospitals that may due this procedure for less money--you're just going to have to call around and get estimates. I know Texas has a vet school, but don't know much about it--I would do an internet search. You can also try calling around to other specialists in and around your area and ask for estimates. Given his age, this does sound congenital, and unfortunately there really isn't anything you can do to prevent a cataract in the other eye. FYI, pets do well after they become blind; you just need to be a little more careful around them, don't scare them, and don't move the furniture around. As long as he is able to hear well, you can train him via voice commands, which will help him get around. The price you were quoted already seems to be the norm right now. I wish you luck. If you have trouble paying for this, you could see if they take care credit (a credit card specifically for veterinary care), or come up with fundraisers to raise the money--I've actually seen this many times before with good results--use the power of the web and other social media as well. Again good luck.