rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:429-431 doi:10.1136/bjo.84.4.429
  • Scientific correspondence

What factors influence cataract waiting list time?

  1. Amanda J Churchill,
  2. Colin J Vize,
  3. Owen G Stewart,
  4. Oliver Backhouse
  1. Department of Ophthalmology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF
  1. Amanda J Churchill
  • Accepted 8 November 1999

Abstract

AIMS To determine whether there were any specific factors that influenced waiting list time (WLT) for patients undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS 70 preoperative cataract patients were interviewed by one of the authors using a questionnaire to score visual acuity, coexisting ocular pathology and disabilities, threat to independent living/employment, and perceived visual handicap for detailed, gross, and driving vision. Individuals were analysed separately according to whether it was their first or second cataract operation.

RESULTS The median WLT for first eye surgery was 9 months (n = 31) and 13 months for second eye surgery (n = 36). The WLT ranged from 2 to 25 months for first eyes and 0.25–18 months for second eyes. Where there was a perceived threat to independent living or employment the WLT was found to be significantly shorter than the median. A high overall score correlated with a shorter WLT. Surgical priority was also given to individuals with anisometropia >3 dioptres.

CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that there are specific factors that influence clinicians when prioritising patients for cataract surgery.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.