Patient-Reported Cataract Outcomes After the Introduction of the Griffith Ophthalmology Project in Regional Australia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Griffith Ophthalmology Project in improving visual acuity and quality of life (QoL) among cataract surgery patients in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Griffith Base Hospital's Department of Ophthalmology in the Western Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).

PARTICIPANTS

The 135 patients (168 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery between March 2022 and July 2023 completed QoL surveys.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in vision-related QoL (assessed by National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire; NEI-VFQ), health-related QoL (assessed by EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level survey; EQ-5D-5L), visual acuity, and surgical waiting times.

METHODS

Patients completed the NEI-VFQ and EQ-5D-5L surveys before and/or after surgery. Pre- and post-operative visual acuity and waiting list data were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

EI-VFQ data showed significant enhancements in 11 of 12 QoL subscales (including social functioning and mental health) as well as the composite QoL score. EQ-5D-5L results indicated improvements in all five dimensions, with overall health-related QoL significantly increased. Visual acuity improved significantly, the surgical waitlist was reduced from 123 to 10 patients, and waiting times decreased from 15 to 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The Griffith Ophthalmology Project significantly improved visual and QoL outcomes for cataract surgery patients in regional NSW and reduced surgical waiting times. This model of utilising visiting specialists and collaborative local support may serve as a template for sustainable regional healthcare services in Australia.