Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:429-431
( April )
Scientific correspondence
What factors influence cataract waiting list time?
Amanda J Churchill, Colin J Vize, Owen G Stewart, Oliver Backhouse
Department of
Ophthalmology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF
Correspondence to: Amanda J Churchill
Accepted for publication 8 November 1999
AIMS
To determine
whether there were any specific factors that influenced waiting list
time (WLT) for patients undergoing cataract surgery.
METHODS70
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.
RESULTSThe 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.
CONCLUSIONThis study
has demonstrated that there are specific factors that influence
clinicians when prioritising patients for cataract surgery.
© 2000 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
