The social costs of deferred cataract surgery with implantation of the intraocular lens

Abstract

In Poland, there are more than 200,000 cataract surgeries performed annually. Unfortunately the number of patients waiting for the operation surpasses the amount of surgeries offered. Despite attempts by the National Health Fund, the number of patients waiting for the procedure is gradually increasing. Currently, more than 500,000 people are awaiting cataract surgery with concurrent intraocular lens implantation. The demographics for the aforementioned population include the elderly along with those actively working. Both groups of patients however generate indirect costs, which do not seem to be taken into account by the Ministry of Health. They indicate the necessity to increase the access of cataract surgery for actively working people.