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Abstract #78447 Published in IGR 20-1
A cost minimisation analysis comparing iStent accompanying cataract surgery and selective laser trabeculoplasty versus topical glaucoma medications in a public healthcare setting in New Zealand
Ngan K; Fraser E; Buller S; Buller AGraefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2018; 256: 2181-2189
PURPOSE: To produce an economic comparison of the iStent ab interno trabecular microbypass implant accompanying cataract surgery and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as first-line treatment versus topical medications for open-angle glaucoma in New Zealand in 2016. METHODS: The current annual costs of 19 available fully subsidised topical glaucoma medications by Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) in 2016 were identified. Adjustments for pharmacist prescribing charges and previously described wastage levels were applied. The costs to perform iStent implantation and the cost to perform SLT were obtained from the local distributors, with the latter taking into account staff and consumable cost. Procedure costs divided by eye drops' cost produced a break-even level in equivalent years of eye drops use. RESULTS: The range of annual eye drop cost was NZD$42.25 to NZD$485.11, with an average of NZD$144.81. Comparison of annual eye drop cost with iStent cost revealed 3 of 19 (15.8%) drops breaking even within 5 years, 9 of 19 (47.3%) within 10 years, and 12 of 19 (63.2%) within 15 years. The cost of bilateral SLT performed by a consultant was NZD$102.30 (breaking even in 0.71 years). The equivalent cost for a registrar was NZD$97.59 (breaking even in 0.67 years). CONCLUSION: Economically, the iStent would appear to be a reasonably cost-effective treatment for glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery in a public healthcare setting in New Zealand, particularly for those using more expensive topical glaucoma medications, whilst SLT appears to be a worthwhile consideration as a first-line treatment for glaucoma in New Zealand.
Full article
Classification:
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics
12.8.2 With tube implant or other drainage devices (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)
12.4 Laser trabeculoplasty and other laser treatment of the angle (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
11.1 General management, indication (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
