Argentina reaches intraocular lens milestone
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Argentina implanted 2,200 intraocular lenses in the first seven months of 2008, under the centrally-funded national eyecare programme (PSO). Since its launch at the end of 2006, it has supplied around 6,000 lenses to the network of 61 hospitals that provide the surgery, according to the health ministry. The PSO, which features screening and early diagnosis initiatives, and guaranteed care (as set out in Resolution 1250/06), is responsible for supplying the surgical equipment, lenses and other consumables involved. The aim of the programme is to reduce the incidence of blindness, said to be preventable in 80% of cases, through treatment (60%) and screening and preventive care (20%).