Researchers from the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center recently published a study of lessons learned from India's Aravind Eye Care System and how this model could help improve delivery of cataract surgery in other areas of the world.
According to researchers, in India cataracts are a leading cause of reversible blindness. The Aravind Eye Care System reportedly performs more than 400,000 ocular procedures, two-thirds of which are cataract surgeries.
After analyzing data on a sample of almost 11,000 patients who visited an Aravind facility in July 2013, researchers found the total costs per operation were $120 on average, or $195 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Researchers believe factors contributing to the cost-effective care include the domestic manufacturing of supplies, the use of a specialized workforce and standardized protocols, and the presence of few regulatory hurdles to be overcome.
The study was recently published in the journal Health Affairs.
Click here to read the full press release.
Source: University of Michigan