Cataract surgery wait times can be long for Quebec residents. Long wait times can potentially increase fall risk for seniors.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare hospitals by expected wait time. Always verify the current expected wait times with your primary care physician or referred specialist.
Cataract surgery is a medical procedure targeting the removal of cataracts — clouding of the eye’s natural lens that impairs vision.
Wait 1 is defined as the time between a patient receiving a referral from a primary care physician and their specialist consultation. Wait 2 is defined as the time between the decision to proceed with surgery and the surgery itself.
Table of contents:
- Paying for cataract surgery in Quebec
- Quebec hospitals with shortest cataract surgery wait times
- Quebec hospitals with longest cataract surgery wait times
- Interpreting wait times & data limitations
- Advocating for better data access
Paying for cataract surgery in Quebec
Cataract surgeries are typically provided at no direct cost to residents of Quebec, as they are covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This coverage includes the procedure itself and a standard intraocular lens when performed in public hospitals.
RAMQ, funded through provincial taxes, ensures that essential medical services are accessible to Quebecers without direct charges at the point of service.
However, if individuals choose to receive treatment in private clinics or opt for advanced lens options, such as multifocal or toric lenses, additional costs may apply. These premium lenses, which can improve visual acuity or correct astigmatism, are not covered by RAMQ and are paid for out-of-pocket. Additionally, private clinics may offer technologies like laser-assisted surgery, which can increase the cost of the procedure.
Quebec hospitals with shortest cataract surgery wait times
Below are three integrated centers in Quebec which have the shortest cataract surgery wait times:
- 🥇 CISSS de la Côte-Nord has the shortest wait time for cataract surgery in Quebec, with a 98% probability of waiting less than 6 months.
- 🥈 CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale ranks second for the shortest wait time, with a probability of 97% of less than 6 months.
- 🥉 CISSS des Îles ranks third for the shortest wait time, with a probability of 97% of waiting less than 6 months. Hôpital de l’Archipel is the only hospital in the health region.
Quebec hospitals with longest cataract surgery wait times
Below are three integrated centers in Quebec which have the longest cataract surgery wait times:
- 🐌 CISSS de Lanaudière has the longest wait time for cataract surgery in Quebec, with a 62% probability of waiting less than 6 months.
- 🐢 CISSS de la Gaspésie ranks second for the longest wait time, with a probability of 74% of less than 6 months.
- 🦥 CIUSSS du Saguenay−Lac-Saint-Jean ranks third for the shortest wait time, with a probability of 75% of waiting less than 6 months.
Interpreting wait times & data limitations
Several factors can extend the average wait times for surgery in Quebec. Clinical considerations often lead doctors to delay surgeries based on a patient’s medical needs or other priorities. Additionally, patients may postpone their procedures due to personal reasons like scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, or a preference to delay treatment. The availability of hospital operating rooms also plays a critical role. These spaces are necessary for surgeries but can be scarce if occupied for other medical procedures or impacted by labor shortages. Seasonal variations further influence both room availability and staffing levels, potentially prolonging wait times during certain periods.
Conversely, average wait times can sometimes seem shorter than anticipated due to various factors. Some patients have flexible schedules, allowing them to fill slots that become available unexpectedly, thus shortening their wait. This adaptability, when averaged with others, can make overall wait times appear more favorable. Seasonality affects this dynamic as well, with certain times of the year experiencing lower demand for surgeries or increased temporary staffing, which can enhance room availability and reduce delays.
Advocating for better data access
We are thankful for the efforts in Quebec to provide hospital wait times for surgeries. Quebec stands out globally for its transparency in reporting hospital wait times and covers a wide array of medical procedures.
We encourage the Quebec health authorities to expand their data reporting to include average wait times by doctor, as seen in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. This information would greatly benefit patients by allowing them to choose doctors with shorter wait times.
Readers can consider reaching out to Quebec health authorities to advocate for this beneficial change.