Seniors Welcome Cataract Surgery Fees Agreement

NEWS RELEASE


29 January 2010


SENIORS WELCOME CATARACT SURGERY FEES AGREEMENT

Today's agreement between Health Minister Nicola Roxon and the Society of
Ophthalmologists on cataract surgery fees has been warmly welcomed by the Council
on the Ageing (COTA) - Australia's peak organisation of older Australians.

COTA's National Chief Executive, Mr Ian Yates, said the agreement removed
uncertainty, delays and extra costs for older people in urgent need of cataract surgery.

The agreement also provides the framework for an evidence- based review of all
ophthalmology item schedule fees into the future.

COTA recognises the government's legitimate interest in reducing taxpayer funding for
medical procedures that have reduced in cost, Mr Yates said.

There is such upward pressure on health costs and for additional services and
medicines to be funded that every genuine saving has to be embraced.

However COTA had been deeply concerned that pensioners and other older
Australians in need of urgent cataract surgery were suffering and at further risk in the
dispute about the real costs of cataract surgery between government and the
ophthalmologists.

Minister Roxon is to be congratulated for patiently negotiating a compromise position
that preserves the principle of cost containment, provides the basis for detailed review
of ophthalmology costs and fees, and also extends eye health services to rural
Australians.

COTA also thanks the Society of Ophthalmologists for coming to the table in the final
negotiations and recognising the need to protect their patients from further stress and
medical risk.

The Senate should now allow the new fees to be implemented as soon as possible.



Further Information:

Ian Yates AM
Chief Executive
COTA National Ph: 0418 835 439