Federal Government cuts to rebates for cataract surgery for privately insured patients will cost patients up to $900 in out of pocket expenses and will affect mostly low income earners and pensioners – those least able to afford the surgery.

Dr Duncan McFetridge, Shadow Minister for Health, has written to the Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, requesting the Federal Government justify their decision to cut the cataract rebate which affects over 130,000 elderly patients per year.

“Low income earners and pensioners are the most seriously affected by this draconian measure as they are the ones least able to afford this vital surgery,” said Dr McFetridge.

“Cataract surgery is vital for the mobility, safety and psychological benefit of people with cataracts, particularly the elderly.

“The “grandma’snothappy.com.au” website questions why that there was no consultation prior to this measure being introduced or any assessment regarding the impact on public hospital waiting lists.

“The $36 million in Federal Government savings will be shifted to patients who will now have to pay the cost. 

“Elderly patients have told me that these measures will force them to cancel their private health insurance and go onto public hospital waiting lists.

“This measure has outraged many doctors who have stated to me that the Federal Government now values the intricate and highly complex cataract operation at half the cost of a pair of glasses ($300) and somewhat less than the rebate for the anaesthetic for the operation.

“Many elderly residents quickly feel the social isolation from cataracts and can get depression as a result. 

“It also increases their chances of falls and hip fractures further impacting the hospital system,” said Dr McFetridge.

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