The Netherlands is a leading country in providing same-day bilateral cataract surgery as a treatment for cataracts. In a large study (coordinated by the University Eye Clinic Maastricht) involving 865 patients in 10 hospitals in the Netherlands, it has been shown that same-day bilateral cataract surgery is safe, effective and cost-effective. This study has established a strong basis for the widespread adoption of ISBCS across the Netherlands and the rest of the world.
On 20 December the WAEH organised a webinar on the results of the study and the implementation hurdles in adopting ISBCS, such as logistical barriers and coordination with relevant stakeholders. Special attention was given to optimising logistics at the OR.
Three presenters from our member the University Eye Clinic Maastricht – Frank van den Biggelaar, Margaret Zhong and Shanna Honings – have shared their research about same-day bilateral cataract surgery.
A comprehensive Implementation Manual has been developed to guide professionals through the intricacies of implementing ISBCS successfully. The manual, available in digital format (PDF) with interactive features, promises to be a valuable resource for practitioners navigating the realm of cataract surgery.
The ISBCS Implementation Manual includes an Implementation Toolkit comprising practical guides, checklists, and templates tailored to aid organisations in their ISBCS adoption journey.
The BICAT-NL Implementation Project Group also announced that the BICAT-NL Implementation Project website is now live. Here you will be able to access resources, recommended publications and keep up to date with the activities of their project. Check out their website here: https://bicat-implementatie.nl/ (In Dutch).
In the upcoming year the idea is to organise follow-up webinars about this important topic in eyecare. Want to join these webinars? Register here: https://bit.ly/3WfwLcy
