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Frank van den Biggelaar

Same-day bilateral cataract surgery: towards an optimal implementation in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a leading country in providing immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) as a treatment for cataracts. In a large study (coordinated by the University Eye Clinic Maastricht) involving 865 patients in 10 hospitals in the Netherlands, it has been shown that ISBCS and delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) did not differ in terms of effectiveness, visual outcomes, or refractive outcomes. Moreover, ISBCS was found to be cost-effective compared to DSBCS. This research has established a strong basis for the widespread adoption of ISBCS across the Netherlands. This presentation will focus on the results of the study and the implementation hurdles in adopting ISBCS, such as logistical barriers, financial implications, and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Key sentences

  • The Netherlands is a leading country in providing immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS).
  • ISBCS is effective and cost-effective.
  • There is a strong basis for widespread adoption of ISBCS.
  • Logistical barriers, financial implications, and coordination with relevant stakeholders are important implementation hurdles.
  • In order to facilitate fast implementation of ISBCS,
    implementation hurdles need to be addressed.