[Corneal graft activity in France (1990-2005): decreasing the gap between supply and demand]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Public Health Policy

Context:

• Corneal transplantation is a critical procedure for restoring sight.
• France has implemented national strategies to optimize corneal graft availability.
• Assessing the balance between graft supply and patient demand is crucial for healthcare planning.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the evolution of corneal graft supply and demand in France over 15 years.
• To analyze the impact of implemented measures and a 2005 audit on corneal transplantation activities.
• To assess the effectiveness of national policies in managing corneal graft procurement and distribution.

Summary:

• Corneal graft procurement increased significantly, with 9264 grafts procured in 2005.
• Quality testing of grafts rose, though rejection rates were high (49.5%).
• Waiting list management improved, with 68.5% of patients receiving grafts in the same year and a narrowed gap between supply and demand.

Impact:

• Hospital coordination teams (120 full-time positions created in 2000) significantly boosted procurement rates.
• Organized tissue banking ensured graft quality and efficient distribution.
• National policies have led to a near-equilibrium in corneal transplantation activities in France.