Glaucoma treatment in Slovakia

After +18 months of international collaboration between Warsaw School of Economics, Prague University of Economics and Business, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) and University of Debrecen, we have published report on the topic of financing mechanisms in ophthalmology in the countries of the Vysehrad Four and in Ukraine.

Within ophthalmology, we investigated several diseases, including glaucoma. This disease leads to irreversible decay and gradual death of optic nerve tissue. Since this nerve transmits visual stimuli to our brain, damage to it can lead to partial or even complete loss of vision. From the available statistical data we know that in 2020 there were around 194,000 people with glaucoma in Slovakia, of which 105,000 had primary glaucoma and 89,000 were suspected of having glaucoma. For its treatment, (1) medicinal treatment is used - e.g. eye drops (around 40,000 patients per year) followed by (2) laser surgery (several hundred patients per year) or (3) surgery (around 2,000 patients before the COVID-19 pandemic).

Medical treatment is usually carried out by a local ophthalmologist as monotherapy or fixed combinations, which are usually fully covered by health insurance. Laser iridotomy (trabeculoplasty) is the second line of glaucoma treatment. The pre-operative examination is usually covered by the insurance company, the laser procedure is also reimbursed (reimbursement was EUR 271 in 2020). However, the patient usually has to pay for at least one post-operative check-up - this is usually a surcharge of EUR 50. The third line of treatment is surgery where the implant is operated. Pre-operative examinations and procedures are usually paid for by insurance (approx. EUR 370 are covered by insurance companies), but the implant is paid for with a co-payment for the patient (approx. EUR 120). Glaucoma waiting times are usually low and health insurance companies have no limits.

The entire report in English is attached.