OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the demographic profile of patients assisted on Cataract Campaign and correlate the characteristics of the reference system incoming patients with surgery results. METHODS: Prospective study, observational, performed with outpatients assisted on the Ophthalmology Ambulatory of Santa Clara's Hospital (Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre) in Cataract Campaign between february and april 2008. It was utilized a questionnaire to evaluate assisted patients and performed the ophthalmological exam by biomicroscopy and fundoscopy. RESULTS: From 234 patients with complete questionnaire, the average waiting time for the consult in the tertiary system was 2,5 months, varying from 1 to 24 months. From the total of patients included in the study, 152 (65%) were operated. CONCLUSION: Through the analyses of the attending patients who were referred we can realize by the time of waiting for the consult in the tertiary system and by the percentage of patients operated the efficiency and agility provided by this public health campaign.
Cataract; Lens, crystalline, Vision, low; Blindness; Demography; Health promotion; Public health
