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What factors influence cataract waiting list time?
A J Churchill1, C J Vize, O G Stewart
1Department of Ophthalmology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
Aims:
To determine whether there were any specific factors that influenced waiting list time (WLT) for patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Methods:
70 preoperative cataract patients were interviewed by one of the authors using a questionnaire to score visual acuity, coexisting ocular pathology and disabilities, threat to independent living/employment, and perceived visual handicap for detailed, gross, and driving vision. Individuals were analysed separately according to whether it was their first or second cataract operation.
Results:
The median WLT for first eye surgery was 9 months (n = 31) and 13 months for second eye surgery (n = 36). The WLT ranged from 2 to 25 months for first eyes and 0.25-18 months for second eyes. Where there was a perceived threat to independent living or employment the WLT was found to be significantly shorter than the median. A high overall score correlated with a shorter WLT. Surgical priority was also given to individuals with anisometropia >3 dioptres.
Conclusion:
This study has demonstrated that there are specific factors that influence clinicians when prioritising patients for cataract surgery.
