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Cost of close the gap for vision of I ndigenous A ustralians: On estimating the extra resources required
Author(s) -
Hsueh Yaseng Arthur,
Brando Alex,
Dunt David,
Anjou Mitchell D.,
Boudville Andrea,
Taylor Hugh
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12066
Subject(s) - indigenous , optometry , refractive error , eye care , diabetic retinopathy , medicine , commonwealth , cost estimate , cataract surgery , business , geography , eye disease , ophthalmology , diabetes mellitus , economics , ecology , management , archaeology , biology , endocrinology
Objective To estimate the costs of the extra resources required to close the gap of vision between I ndigenous and non‐ I ndigenous A ustralians. Design Constructing comprehensive eye care pathways for I ndigenous A ustralians with their related probabilities, to capture full eye care usage compared with current usage rate for cataract surgery, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy using the best available data. Setting Urban and remote regions of A ustralia. Interventions The provision of eye care for cataract surgery, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy. Main outcome measures Estimated cost needed for full access, estimated current spending and estimated extra cost required to close the gaps of cataract surgery, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy for I ndigenous A ustralians. Results Total cost needed for full coverage of all three major eye conditions is $45.5 million per year in 2011 A ustralian dollars. Current annual spending is $17.4 million. Additional yearly cost required to close the gap of vision is $28 million. This includes extra‐capped funds of $3 million from the C ommonwealth G overnment and $2 million from the S tate and T erritory G overnments. Additional coordination costs per year are $13.3 million. Conclusions Although available data are limited, this study has produced the first estimates that are indicative of the need for planning and provide equity in eye care.