Keep promise to allow cataract surgery in private clinics, eye doctor urges government

A Newfoundland and Labrador ophthalmologist is calling on the provincial government to make good on its announcement that it will allow publicly-insured cataract surgery in some private clinics.

"There are obviously regulations that they have to look at but really we could start providing surgeries right away," saidDr. ChrisJackman, an ophthalmologist who operates a eye surgery clinic in St. John's.

"We've got patients who are waiting more than two years; patients leaving the province for surgery. So I believe a lot of this red tape could be expeditedand we could be back doing surgeries for patients right away."

Jackman has maintained that until government changed health regulations to specifically prohibit cataract removal outside of provincial hospital facilities, it wasnot illegal for doctors like him to remove cataracts in their private clinics.

A recent provincial Supreme Courtruling supports his position.

"Prior to June 15, 2018, there was no legislative prohibition of removing a cataractous lens from a patient's eye in a private medical clinic (i.e., outside a hospital)," reads Justice William Goodridge'sdecision, released March 6.

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The dispute and court case came after the province warned residents not to have cataract surgery outside a hospital last February and Health Minister JohnHaggie said "potential criminal activities" were being investigated.

Time to act, says Jackman

In late January,Haggiesaid the province had changed its position on private clinics offering cataract surgery and will allowpatients toschedule the publicly-fundedeye surgeryeither at a government-approved private clinic or a hospital.

"All ophthalmologists will now have the option to use our own hospital operating rooms, as well as approved clinics, should they choose," Haggie said.

No schedule was given for when this change will happen.

With the March 6 ruling, Jackmanis urging the government to get moving.

"Government should now act; either immediately repeal the prohibition they imposed last year, which currently prohibits cataract surgery in private clinics, or designate existing clinics as approved for cataract surgery," he said."Either action would allow us to immediately start helping patients who have been waiting far too long for this surgery,"

Jackmansaid the sooner government makes the change, the sooner he and other eye surgeonscan begin shortening wait times for cataract surgery.

"Some of the most difficult conversations I have with patients are regarding how long they have to wait for surgery and it's very unfortunate when you feel your hands are tied. I we can more forward, we'll be able to have patients have surgery in a quick and timely manner," he said.

Change is coming, says health minister

Following Wednesday's sitting of the House of Assembly,Minister Haggiesaid the change Jackman is looking for should come later this year.

"I'm hopeful that we can get it done in months," he said. "The time issue relates to the committee work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and their staff as well, so it's not entirely within my control."

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