An Australian study has shown that cataract surgery using multifocal intraocular lenses (mfIOLs) can achieve good outcomes for patients and be cost-effective in a public hospital setting.
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that is performed in both the private and public sectors, and advances in lens technology now offer the possibility of multifocality.
However, these mfIOLs are not readily available in the public sector, due to the complexity of patient selection and of trainee experience with them.
A study at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital showed it was possible to develop a trainee-led selection pathway that ensures the cost-effectiveness of mfIOL implantation within the government funded health system.
As part of the single-surgeon prospective cohort study, 54 eyes from 27 patients underwent cataract surgery with mfIOL implantation.
The study evaluated outcomes including the resultant visual acuity, the experience of visual disturbances, dependence on glasses and patient satisfaction.
They also performed a cost analysis.
A media release said the results showed “that the pathway was successful and that most patients achieved excellent visual outcomes with mfIOLs, with high satisfaction rates reported.
“Around 85% were able to see well without glasses at a distance, 81% at intermediate distances, and 59% at near distances.”
It said the conclusion was that the additional cost of mfIOLs was comparable to the cost of glasses over time, making them a cost-effective option.
“In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the selection pathway effectively addressed challenges in choosing patients for mfIOLs in public hospitals, which can facilitate access to mfIOLs for public patients.”
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