According to data from the Hospital Authority, ophthalmology departments in public hospitals have the longest waiting time among all specialties, with patients waiting an average of about 100 weeks. In addition, statistics from the University of Hong Kong in earlier years showed that nearly 30% of the adult population in Hong Kong suffered from cataracts, yet only about 5% of these patients had undergone surgery. Cataracts can vary in severity. While they do not cause immediate blindness, progressive cataracts can lead to blurred vision, double images, and other impairments that affect quality of life, and in severe cases may eventually result in blindness. To help patients undergo surgery earlier and alleviate healthcare system pressure, the Hong Kong Government introduced the Cataract Subsidy Programme, “Cataract Surgeries Programme,” also known as Project Vision. Through this initiative, the government subsidizes eligible patients to undergo cataract surgery with private doctors, ensuring that proper treatment can be received before cataracts worsen, restoring eye health. This article will introduce the eligibility criteria, subsidy amount, and other details of the programme.
What is the Cataract Surgeries Programme (Project Vision)? When was it launched?
The Hong Kong Government launched the Cataract Surgeries Programme (Project Vision) in February 2008. It is a government‑subsidized initiative designed to provide cataract surgery through a public‑private partnership model. The programme enables cataract patients to receive government subsidies for surgery performed at private medical institutions, while at the same time reducing waiting times in the Hospital Authority and easing the pressure on the public healthcare system.
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 Hospital Authority’s cataract surgery waiting list for 18 months or longer, with those who have waited the longest being given priority for invitation;
- Patients who are suitable for undergoing surgery under local anesthesia; and
- For regular waiting list cases, other urgent or early‑stage cases will be given priority for surgery. Therefore, these patients do not need to seek surgery at private medical institutions.
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:
- One pre‑operative assessment
- Cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation (monofocal intraocular lens)
- Two post‑operative follow‑up consultations after cataract surgery
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 eligibility criteria, they do not need to apply on their own. The Hospital Authority will give priority to inviting those who have been on the waiting list the longest. After joining the programme, patients who wish to undergo cataract surgery with a private doctor may follow the steps below:
- First, register with the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth).
- Select a private doctor and contact the doctor directly to arrange the pre‑operative assessment.
- 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.)
- After confirmation, you may schedule your cataract surgery.
In addition, patients should take note of the “subsidy expiry date” indicated on the invitation letter. Patients must undergo the pre‑operative assessment before the subsidy expiry date, and complete the cataract surgery within three months after the assessment. After the surgery is completed, the private doctor will ask the patient to sign the subsidy reimbursement form to confirm the completion of the procedure.