PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Amanda J Churchill
AU  - Colin J Vize
AU  - Owen G Stewart
AU  - Oliver Backhouse
TI  - What factors influence cataract waiting list time?
AID  - 10.1136/bjo.84.4.429
DP  - 2000 Apr 01
TA  - British Journal of Ophthalmology
PG  - 429--431
VI  - 84
IP  - 4
4099  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/84/4/429.short
4100  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/84/4/429.full
SO  - Br J Ophthalmol2000 Apr 01; 84
AB  - 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.