What factors influence cataract waiting list time?

Aims-To determine whether there were any specific factors that influenced w aiting list time (WLT) for patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methods-70 preoperative cataract patients were interviewed by one of the au thors using a questionnaire to score visual acuity, coexisting ocular patho logy and disabilities, threat to independent living/employment, and perceiv ed visual handicap for detailed, gross, and driving vision. Individuals wer e analysed separately according to whether it was their first or second cat aract operation. Results-The median WLT for first eye surgery was 9 months (n = 31) and 13 m onths for second eye surgery (n = 36). The WLT ranged from 2 to 25 months f or first eyes and 0.25-18 months for second eyes. Where there was a perceiv ed threat to independent living or employment the WLT was found to be signi ficantly shorter than the median. A high overall score correlated with a sh orter WLT. Surgical priority was also given to individuals with anisometrop ia >3 dioptres. Conclusion-This study has demonstrated that there are specific factors that influence clinicians when prioritising patients for cataract surgery.