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Comparison of Agreement and Accuracy using Binocular Wavefront Optometer with Autorefractor and Phoropter
Published on: September 16, 2025
New Zealand cataract and refractive surgery survey 2004
Mark Elder1, David Leaming, Benjamin Hoy
1Department of Ophthalmology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. mark.elder@cdhb.govt.nz
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|July 29, 2006
Summary
New Zealand
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Practices
- Medical Trends
Background:
- Examines current practices and trends in cataract and refractive surgery in New Zealand.
- Compares New Zealand's surgical trends with international data, specifically the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and report on the current state of cataract and refractive surgery in New Zealand.
- To identify trends and compare New Zealand's practices with international standards.
Main Methods:
- A confidential postal questionnaire was distributed to consultant ophthalmologists in New Zealand in 2004.
- The survey questions were largely consistent with previous New Zealand surveys and the 2003 ASCRS survey.
Main Results:
- High response rate (92%) from 97 surveys.
- Subtenon's anaesthesia (60%), clear corneal/limbal incisions (86%), and one-piece foldable intraocular lenses (65%) were common in cataract surgery.
- Laser in situ keratomileusis was the preferred refractive surgery for hyperopia; wavefront analysis adoption was high (94%).
Conclusions:
- New Zealand's cataract and refractive surgery practices align with ASCRS members.
- Topical anaesthetic use remains lower in New Zealand compared to the USA and UK.
- Wavefront analysis adoption in refractive surgery is significantly higher in New Zealand than in the USA.