The Rudd Labor Government did not consult with the relevant medical professionals before slashing the Medicare rebate for cataract eye surgery in the Federal Budget, according to Liberal Senator Guy Barnett.
The Department of Health and Ageing confirmed in Senate Estimates this week that the Government had not consulted with the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists about the effects of its plan to cut the Medicare rebate for cataract surgery by 50%. The revelation came under questioning from Senator Barnett.
More than 200,000 cataract procedures are performed in Australia each year with 98% of cases returning to normal vision. Cataract surgery is also the most common form of surgery performed on older Australians and greatly reduces the risk of falls, fractures and loss of mobility.
‘When you consider how important cataract surgery is to the community, it beggars belief that the Federal Labor Government would cut funding for this procedure without at least consulting with the relevant medical professionals,’ Senator Barnett said.
'The Rudd Government’s 50% cut to the Medicare rebate for cataract procedures will cause immense hardship and disappointment for many in the community, and elderly Australians in particular.’
'The Government’s decision is likely to lead to longer public hospital waiting lists for cataract surgery and will reduce markedly the affordability of this important healthcare for pensioners, the elderly and those with diabetes,' Senator Barnett concluded.