PURPOSE: To analyse the economic viability of a mobile eye clinic of a tertiary referral Ophthalmology Service. METHODS: The amount of money spent with the purchase and construction of the unit in 2000, and the expenses with its maintenance and operation in 2001 were considered, comparing these expenses with the income obtained from appointments, supplementary tests and eye surgeries through the "Sistema Único de Saúde" (a health care service provided by the government), in 2001. In order to make an economic analysis, an interest rate of 10% per year and a period of depreciation of 10 years were stipulated. RESULTS: The total amount spent to buy and set up a mobile unit of "Hospital Oftamológico de Sorocaba" was R$ 184,140,00. The amount spent with its maintenance and operation during 2001 was R$ 28,000.00. The unit was used on average during 2 days each week in 2001 and 6492 appointments were made in this period, generating an income of R$ 32,460.00. The appointments generated complementary tests and eye surgeries making up R$ 51,540.00. Therefore, the total amount received directly with the appointments, complementary tests and eye surgeries during 2001 was R$ 84,000.00 paid by the "Sistema Único de Saúde", according to values established beforehand. Using these values it is possible to make an economic analysis of this enterprise and this was done with and without money savings for depreciation, taking into account the income and the expenses. CONCLUSION: Besides attending poor communities that are located in distant neighborhoods, a mobile eye clinic can be a source of income for ophthalmologic services.
Mobile health Units; Referral and consultation; Vision disorders; Vision disorders; Cost-benefit analysis; Costs and cost analysis; Health services; Delivery of health care
