According to data from the Hospital Authority, ophthalmology in public hospitals has the longest waiting time among all specialties, with an average waiting time of about 100 weeks! In addition, according to early statistics from the University of Hong Kong, nearly 30% of the adult population in Hong Kong suffers from cataracts, and only 5% of these patients have ever received correction. Cataracts can be large or small. Although they will not cause blindness immediately, as the disease progresses, cataracts will cause patients to experience blurred vision, overlapping images, etc., affecting their quality of life. In severe cases, they may eventually become blind. In order to help the public carry out the treatment as soon as possible and reduce the medical pressure, the Hong Kong government launched the cataract treatment subsidy program - "Operation Shining" in the early years. The government subsidizes the public to make appointments with private doctors for cataract treatment. It is hoped that before the cataract worsens, the public can receive appropriate treatment and regain their eye health. This article will introduce you to the application qualifications, funding amount and other detailed information of "CSP".
What is the Cataract Surgeries Programme (Project Vision)? When was it launched?
The Hong Kong government launched "Cataract Surgeries Programme" in February 2008. It is a cataract program funded by the government. Its purpose is to provide medical services under a public-private partnership model, allowing cataract patients to receive government subsidies to go to private medical institutions for cataract treatment, while shortening the waiting time of the Hospital Authority and helping to reduce medical pressure.
Who Is Eligible for the Cataract Surgeries Programme?
If patients meet the following criteria, they do not need to apply on their own and will automatically be eligible to participate in the programme:
- Patients who have been on the HA Cataract Program waiting list for 18 months or more will be invited first. Patients who have been waiting the longest will be invited first;
- Suitable for local anesthesia; and
- Cases on the general waiting list and other urgent or early-stage cases will be given priority for plan arrangement, so there is no need to go to a private medical institution.
What services are included in the Cataract Surgeries Programme (Project Vision)?
Under the programme, patients may choose a private ophthalmologist to receive the following services:
- A pre-treatment assessment
- Cataract options include intraocular lenses (monofocal IOL lenses)
- Cataract protocol service with two post-treatment check-ups
Subsidy Amount under the Cataract Surgeries Programme
Patients are required to pay a co‑payment and will receive a fixed government subsidy for treatment services provided by their chosen private ophthalmologist. In addition, eligible patients who qualify for fee waivers may receive further reductions under the programme:
- Recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA); or
- Holders of a full medical fee waiver certificate; or
- Recipients of the Old Age Living Allowance aged 75 or above; or
- Holders of a Level 0 Residential Care Service Voucher under the Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly
List of Private Ophthalmologists
- Our EC EYE ophthalmology specialists are among the designated doctors of the Hospital Authority’s Cataract Surgeries Programme (Project Vision). Eligible patients are welcome to receive cataract treatment at our center.
How can I apply for the Cataract Surgeries Programme?
If patients meet the qualifications, they do not need to apply by themselves. The HA will give priority to those with the longest waiting time. If a patient wants to make an appointment with a private doctor for cataract correction after joining the plan, he or she can follow the steps below:
- First, register with the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth).
- Select a private doctor and contact the doctor yourself to arrange a pre-correction evaluation.
- Provide the registration number shown on the invitation letter to the doctor, so that the doctor can confirm the subsidy amount through eHealth. (Note: Once the subsidy is confirmed, it cannot be changed.)
- Once confirmed, you can schedule cataract correction.
In addition, patients should also pay attention to the "subsidy expiration date" marked on the invitation letter. Patients must undergo a pre-correction evaluation before the subsidy expiration date and complete cataract correction within 3 months after the evaluation. After the cataract correction is completed, the private doctor will ask the patient to sign the subsidy reimbursement application form to confirm that the correction has been completed.