Establishing the value of Indigenous eye health programs: health needs, economic priority and performance assessment approaches

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to compare three different approaches that are used in support of additional funding of health programs, using Indigenous eye health programs (IEHPs) as an example. These approaches are Heath and Health Care Needs, Economic Priority (Value for Money) and Conformity with Health Services Performance Standards. METHODS: A review of relevant literature was conducted to identify relevant benchmarks and assess IEHPs. RESULTS: In terms of health needs, vision loss is the fourth highest contributor to the Indigenous health gap. Additional funding for Indigenous eye treatment services to remove the gap is estimated at A$28.1million per annum. As an economic p..