HOW FAIR IS CATARACT PRIORITIZATION

Aim. The purpose of the study was to examine the reliability of catara ct prioritisation assessments. Method. Thirty-nine subjects awaiting c ataract surgery were independently assessed by two examiners, each usi ng two different prioritisation forms, to assign priority scores. The scores obtained by the two examiners were analysed for consistency. Re sults. The scores awarded to the same subjects by different examiners varied by as much as 26 points (out of a possible 100). Conclusions. T he current cataract assessment process is inconsistent and of question able validity for establishing a prioritised list of individuals await ing cataract surgery. The policy of setting a rigid threshold score, b elow which patients do not qualify for surgery in the public sector, i s inequitable and must be reviewed in the interests of fair delivery o f health care. Prioritisation methods for other disorders should be re viewed to determine their validity.