Effective cataract surgical and refractive error coverages in the state of Qatar

To evaluate the progress in Qatar’s eye care since 2009, focusing on effective cataract surgical and refractive error coverages, leading to enhanced eye health strategies and action plans.

A modified Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey was employed using multi-stage sampling in all persons 50 years and older in Qatar. The study focused on uncorrected refractive errors, cataract surgery coverage and effectiveness, and visual acuity assessment.

There were 339 individuals out of 3,206 examined participants who underwent cataract surgery, out of which 66.1% of 559 operated eyes obtained good post-operative outcomes (presenting visual acuity ≥ 6/12). Age -sex - adjusted eCSC for a cataract surgical threshold < 6/12 was 61.2% (95%CI 54.9–67.4). A poor post-operative outcome (presenting visual acuity < 6/60) was observed in 9.3% of all operated eyes, lower than the 14.9% reported in 2009. Cataract surgical coverage at the 6/18 threshold showed good coverage (94%) improving since 2009 (87%). Effective refractive coverage (eREC) was 74.3% (95%CI 70.9–77.7). Effective coverage of both services was lower among Qatari women compared to other population groups.

Qatar’s CSC improved since the 2009 RAAB, but there are disparities in effective coverage based on gender and nationality. WHO set a global target to achieve a 30%-point increase in eCSC and a 40%-point increase in eREC by 2030; accordingly, Qatar’s targets should be 91.2% and 100% retrospectively by 2030. To meet these targets, efforts are needed to improve the quality of cataract surgery and access to refractive correction.