Abstract
Objective: An analysis of eye health care in the Czech Republic as of 1998 was performed. Methods: A questionnaire was used to obtain information from all 59 in-patient eye departments. Results: The number of ophthalmologists per 1 million inhabitants was 95. The number of cataract operations per 1 million inhabitants was 4,209: phaco-emulsification (36,926 surgeries, 85.2%), extracapsular extraction (6,094 surgeries, 14.1%) and intracapsular extraction (90 surgeries, 0.2%). Intra-ocular lenses were implanted in 99% of cases; 404 corneal transplantations and 1,220 operations for retinal detachment were performed. The number of pars plana vitrectomies for diabetic eye complications was 661. Conclusion: Selected regional clinical centres should be equipped and preferred by health insurance companies to provide comprehensive eye health care services and training.