Prioritization of cataract surgery: Visual analogue scale versus scoring system

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the variability of using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and to assess the feasibility of a priority‐setting scoring system for prioritizing elective cataract surgery. Methods: Consecutive cases listed for cataract surgery were prospectively recruited. Ophthalmologists listed patients to undergo early or normal surgery and were asked to rate the urgency of surgery using a VAS. Patients were then reassessed and a cataract surgery prioritization (CSP) score was calculated based on the New Zealand priority criteria for cataract surgery. Correlation coefficients between VAS and CSP scores were calculated to determine the variability among ophthalmologists in using the VAS in prioritizing surgery. Further analyses were performed to assess the potential impact of implementing the CSP system. Results: A total of 326 patients were recruited. There was a positive correlation between VAS and CSP scores (Spearman ρ= 0.407, P