[Senile cataract: patient's characteristics and perceptions on a sight restoration communitary project]

A survey was conducted to identify some patient's characteristics and perceptions related to senile cataract and delivery of cataract care. The patients were diagnosed by means of ophthalmic examination carried out on a Rehabilitation of the Aged Campaign at the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School. A questionnaire was administered by interviewing 70 subjects, who presented the following characteristics: 32.86% were males and 67.14% were females; 42.86% with ages varying between 50 and 70 years; 67.14% took notice of campaign through TV; 60.00% underwent SUS previous ophthalmic evaluation; 72.86% presented low vision acuity on both eyes for a year or longer, (27.14% for 5 years or longer); 40.00% had previous surgery indication for a year or longer and 80.00% of the patients claimed declared financial reasons to explain their non-previous cataract surgery. We recommend eye health educational programs for prevention of blindness and sigh restoration.