Posters

Cataract surgery in times of economic crisis

Poster Details

First Author: F.Akritidou GREECE

Co Author(s):    M. Karafyloglou   D. Karamanis   .               

Abstract Details

Purpose:

to describe the effects of the economic crisis on cataract surgery in peripheral/ secondary healthcare hospitals in Greece

Setting:

General Hospital of Kavala, Greece

Methods:

Data from Ophthalmology Outpatient and Ophthalmology Surgery department, regarding the period 2016-2018 were obtained and analyzed.

Results:

There was a significant increase (37%) of the patient addressed to Public Hospitals, leading to overload of public healthcare structures. Thus, waiting times for consultation and cataract surgery increased from 3 to 5 months and from 8 to more than 11 months respectively. The total number of cataract surgeries remained stable because the maximum number of surgeries was already performed. Additionally: - More patients seeking for Ophthalmology consultation only when their vision is seriously deteriorated à increased percentage of dense-mature cataracts - less good candidates for a trainee - lack of essential equipment-materials  many peripheral hospitals suspend cataract surgery

Conclusions:

Although during the last couple of years the situation seems to be stabilized, a radical reform is needed in order to provide better-quality services and increase both patient and doctors satisfaction. When regional hospitals will be adequately equipped, the waiting list of the tertiary hospitals will be significantly shorter and patients will promptly receive both Ophthalmological consultation and cataract surgery when needed.

Financial Disclosure:

None