Cataract Surgeries Programme (CSP)
Patients on HA clusters’ routine cataract surgery waiting lists can join the Programme, and receive cataract surgeries performed by private ophthalmologists.
In the event of conflict between this FAQ and the terms and conditions of the Cataract Surgeries Programme, the latter shall prevail.

FAQ for patients version date: Jun 2021

FAQ for doctor version date: Jun 2021
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Service Provider

Eligibility

Services package & subsidy

About eHRSS

Service fee for PSPs

Patient

About the programme

Fee arrangement

Eligibility & enrollment methods

Services

Follow-up arrangement

Other enquiries

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  1. Will HA assign patients who join this Programme to private ophthalmologists for the Cataract Surgery?

    Patients who join the Programme can make reference to the list of the participating private ophthalmologists sent to them and are free to choose his/her own private ophthalmologist.

    A number of patients who are eligible for a waiver under the criteria set out in the webpage of the Cataract Surgeries Programme (http://www.ha.org.hk/ppp/csp) (as amended from time to time at HA’s sole discretion) (“Waiver Eligible Patients”) may consult private ophthalmologists who are willing to offer Cataract Surgery at HK$8,000, with no Co-Payment.

  2. What are the requirements for a private ophthalmologist wishing to join this Programme?

    Any medical practitioner who is currently included in the Specialist Register in the specialty of ophthalmology, in accordance with Section 20K of the Medical Registration Ordinance(Cap. 161, the Laws of Hong Kong), may apply to participate in the Private Sector Model upon invitation by HA or on their own volition. 

    The private ophthalmologist who participates in this Programme should also follow the “Guideline on Infection Control Practice” and must have in place appropriate and adequate professional indemnity insurance. 

    The participating private ophthalmologist shall personally perform the Cataract Surgery and personally provide to the patient the other services under the package or agreed with the patient. For details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions of the Programme. 

  3. What is the maximum fee that a private ophthalmologist can charge the patients under this Programme?
    The total charge comprises two parts: a fixed amount subsidy of HK$8,000 and the co-payment agreed between the patient and the private ophthalmologist. The amount of co-payment agreed between the patient and the private ophthalmologist cannot exceed HK$8,000.
  4. What will be the service arrangement for Waiver Eligible Patients who choose the Private Sector Model?
    HA shall compile a list of private ophthalmologists and set out on the list for the private ophthalmologists who are willing to undertake cataract surgery at the amount of subsidy (without co-payment) for Waiver Eligible Patients so that these patients can approach these private ophthalmologists. As places are limited and offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, Waiver Eligible Patients may approach HA Project Team during the 6-month validity period to have of the cataract surgery performed at a HA cluster hospital outside normal clinical hours under the Public Sector Model.
  5. What is the service package from the private ophthalmologist?
    The Package includes one pre-operative assessment, the Cataract Surgery (including one appropriate basic monofocal intraocular lens and all medical consumables) and 2 post-operative checks. The package should be the same for any patients who choose the Private Sector Model, irrespective of the co-payment amount.
  6. Can a private ophthalmologist change the “designated” eye for the Cataract Surgery under this Programme?
    Under this Programme, the private ophthalmologist whom a patient has selected for Cataract Surgery may notify HA of the change, subject to clinical assessment on the condition of the patient’s eyes. 
  7. Do all private ophthalmologists who join the Cataract Surgeries Programme have to register in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS)?
    All private ophthalmologists who enroll to this Programme are required to register in the eHRSS. The eHRSS allows the private ophthalmologists to access the patient’s clinical information in HA. It also allows a 2-way public-private patient information exchange by sharing diagnosis or treatment records to enhance continuity of care for the patient.
  8. How should the private ophthalmologists equip themselves for accessing the eHRSS?
    Basically, an eHR-compatible computer system connected to internet is sufficient for accessing eHRSS. Private ophthalmologists can refer to the Guide for Healthcare Provider Registration eHRSS for details. (Softcopy of Guide for Healthcare Provider Registration eHRSS can be downloaded from eHRSS after login)
  9. How do I report to HA if a patient experienced complications after operation?
    The private ophthalmologist should report to HA by faxing a Reporting Form as soon as possible and in any event within 48 hours for 3 types of conditions where reporting is mandatory. In addition, all complications should be reported under the eHRSS which will generate regular reports to HA.