The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) will conduct a study to determine the true cost of saving sight in Australia.
The ASO Practice Overhead Costs Study 3.0, which follows earlier studies in 2009 and 2018, will examines the everyday costs of delivering specialist eye care, including staff, premises, equipment, and technology.
Responses will be confidential, de-identified, and reported only in aggregate.
ASO President Dr Peter Sumich said the study was about replacing speculation with evidence.
“Ophthalmologists are sometimes criticised over fees, but that conversation rarely includes the real cost of keeping a modern practice running,” Dr Sumich said.
This is our opportunity to ensure decisions affecting patients and practices are grounded in the facts
“This study gives us a clear, credible picture of those costs. It helps us explain, in plain terms, what goes into delivering the high standard of eye care Australians expect.”
Findings to Inform Senate Inquiry
Dr Sumich said the timing was significant, with the findings set to inform the Senate Inquiry into Access and Affordability of Specialist Medical Care.
“Good policy depends on good evidence. This is our opportunity to ensure decisions affecting patients and practices are grounded in the facts,” he said.
The ASO has engaged independent firm Pioneering Economics to conduct the study. The survey is open to members now and closes on 10 September. Access the ASO Practice Overhead Costs Study 3.0 to have your say.
