Cataract surgery cuts are scheduled with budgets cuts
Wednesday July 15, 2009
Cobar’s seniors who will require cataract surgery next year may be hit with a nasty surprise following the Federal Government’s recent decision to halve the Medicare reimbursement to patients for cataract surgery.
“Cataract surgery is not a luxury,” Dr Iain Dunlop, president of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) said in a recent press release.
“We are not talking here about a cosmetic procedure.
“As the population ages, potentially every person in Australia will develop cataracts.
“Untreated cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world,” Dr Dunlop said.
“It is vital that this sight-restoring surgery remains within the financial reach of the many thousands of Australians who need it.”
Local resident Ted Brown is one senior who could be affected by the Federal Government ruling.
“I had eye surgery last year and a few weeks ago I was tested for cataracts,” Mr Brown told The Cobar Weekly.
“I’m on the waiting list for cataract surgery but they told me they didn’t know when they could do it. If I have the surgery done before January then it will be free of charge, but after that I wouldn’t have a clue how much it will cost,” he said.
Mr Brown said he has brought the matter to the attention of our Federal Member John Cobb and State Member Kevin Humphries.
“Both agree that cataract surgery is very important and that the Medicare levy should not be decreased and say they will bring it to the attention of their fellow politicians.”
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