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UBC Graduate Research

Addressing cataract surgery delivery and access barriers in Fort St. John, Northern British Columbia Holland, Simon

Abstract

This project is a qualitative quality improvement study examining cataract care delivery in the Peace Region of Northern British Columbia. It characterizes the preoperative cataract care pathway, identifies both visible and “hidden” wait times, and evaluates system-level barriers including referral coordination, diagnostic capacity, and operating room access. Data included stakeholder questionnaires (optometrists, ophthalmologists), patient experience surveys (n=26), and Northern Health Lighthouse surgical performance data. The study identifies key bottlenecks in the referral-to-assessment interval, and proposes context-specific interventions including a one-stop preoperative assessment model, implementation of immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS), and improved referral tracking systems.