THE SOCIAL VALUE OF REFRACTIVE SURGERY SERVICES

Abstract

The current study aims to assess the social value of refractive surgery services in the Romanian-Serbian cross-border region (border of the European Union). Refractive errors (Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia) are the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, decreasing the quality of life and the productivity of a large percentage of the population. Lately, modern surgical techniques that allow the correction of refractive errors have become available in the more developed regions of the world. However, refractive surgery services require important financial investments in modern medical equipment and the training of the medical personnel. Such allocations are also necessary in the public healthcare system in the Romanian-Serbian cross-border region but they have to be based on feasibility studies. The cost benefit analyses included in the feasibility studies need benchmarks for the conversion of social effects into funds. The current research employs the contingent valuation method for the estimation of a benchmark (applied on 210 patients).

Keywords

• Cost-benefit analysis
• Refractive surgery
• Investment
• Feasibility study