New research confirms the economic effectiveness after cataract surgery

A new study designed by the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Global Health Research Institute George has shown that cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective medical interventions in the country. growing family.

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The study showed that, one year after cataract surgery, 17% of patients in Vietnam experienced less economic difficulties than before surgery. In other words, returning patients can pay for their own living, rent and medical expenses, which greatly contribute to improving their quality of life.

"We have always known that vision recovery is an effective way to change the lives of many people , but this study has led to evidence," said Brian Doolan, CEO of Fred Hollows Foundation. firmly on the importance of restoring eyesight not only for individuals but also for the whole society for a long time ".

'The message we want to send to governments and policy makers is to eliminate blindness not only as an investment in people, but also as a very good investment in economics' . - He added.

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Research on the economic benefits of cataract surgery was carried out in 2011 and 2012 at health facilities supported by Fred Hollows Foundation in Vietnam. Here, patients with cataract were interviewed before surgery and repeated after the six-month and one-year period after surgery.

After surgery, people can increase their working hours to about 45 hours per month. As a result, the average annual income per capita also increased from US $ 451 to US $ 509 . For the extremely poor, the improvement in the quality of life is more evident, especially for families without clean toilets and clean water.

VISIONARY study (Investigation of the impact of cataract and economic cataract surgery) also shows that after surgery, the number of hours is for the patient's housework, increased from 93 to 183 hours a month . Housework not only contributes to a stable family, but also helps former caregivers, usually children, have the opportunity to go to school or work for adults.

In addition, the study also showed a significant improvement in patients both physically and mentally after cataract surgery. They have better sleep, better relationships with others and happier.

'VISIONARY research clearly shows that cataract surgery has helped improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Thus, the economy also benefited from that result, " Mr. Doolan added. " With the evidence that VISIONARY research has shown, we hope governments will continue to commit to maintaining. funding for cataract surgery worldwide ".

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataract accounts for about 51% of the causes of blindness and affects more than 20 million people worldwide.

In 1992, Professor Fred Hollows came to Vietnam to introduce modern cataract surgery techniques and techniques, at which time there were only about 1,000 cataract surgeries. So far, annual cataract surgeries have increased to more than 200,000 cases.