Perioperative practice patterns for cataract surgery: a cross-sectional European study
Denise Yang-Seeger1, Yan Ning Neo, Oliver Findl
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany (Yang-Seeger, Birtel); Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (Neo, Bagchi); Whipps Cross University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (Neo); Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery, a Karl Landsteiner Institute, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria (Findl); Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (Bagchi); Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, the Netherlands (Elferink); Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany (Birtel).
Cataract surgery follow-up visits vary widely across Europe. Reducing face-to-face appointments can lower costs, improve convenience, and decrease travel-related carbon emissions for sustainable eye care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Healthcare Management
- Environmental Sustainability
Background:
- Cataract surgery is a common procedure with significant patient travel implications.
- Current pre- and postoperative visit protocols lack standardization across European centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current practices of pre- and postoperative visits for cataract surgery in Europe.
- To assess the environmental impact associated with patient travel for these visits.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was distributed to high-volume cataract centers in 16 European countries.
- Data collected included visit frequency, timing, location, and adoption of remote follow-ups.
Main Results:
- Significant regional variations in the number of pre- and postoperative visits were observed.
- Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) was offered by less than 5% of units.
- Remote follow-up visits were rarely implemented.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing visit frequency could reduce healthcare costs and improve patient convenience.
- Decreasing face-to-face visits offers a pathway to more sustainable eye care by minimizing travel emissions.
