Indigenous access to cataract surgery: An assessment of the barriers and solutions within the Australian health system

Abstract

To identify barriers in the health systems that limit access to cataract surgery for Indigenous Australians and present strategies to overcome these barriers. Design: Interview and focus group-based qualitative study. Participants: Five hundred thirty participants were consulted in semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and stakeholder workshops. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with a cross-section of health-care professionals, eye care practitioners, primary health-care workers, hospital staff and health department staff were conducted in 21 site locations. Focus group discussions with clients from seven Aboriginal Health Services in Victoria were conducted. Stakeholder wor..