Eye health measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2025: interactive data

The proportion of patients who completed their wait who had cataract surgery within 90 days and within 365 days: Measure 3.6.2

The waiting times measures provide an indicator of access to cataract surgery for those on waiting lists managed by public hospitals (Figure 41 and Figure 42)

Latest data and time trend

In 2023–24 the proportion of First Nations people treated within 90 days for cataract surgery was lower than that for non-Indigenous Australians (39% and 43%, respectively). The proportion of First Nations people treated within 365 days was also lower than that for non-Indigenous Australians, however the gap was smaller  (92% and 94%, respectively).

Between 2012–13 and 2023–24, the gap in waiting times for First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians has narrowed. This is true for both the proportions of people treated within 90 days and 365 days.

By remoteness

In 2022–24, the proportion of First Nations people treated within 90 days for elective cataract surgery was highest in Major cities (46%) and highest for non‑Indigenous Australians in Remote areas (53%). Proportions were lowest for First Nations people in Remote areas (32%) and for non-Indigenous Australians in Inner regional areas (36%) (Figure 41– remoteness). 

By jurisdiction

In 2022–24, the proportion of First Nations people treated within 90 days for elective cataract surgery was highest in Tasmania (60%); for non-Indigenous Australians, the proportion was highest in Queensland (56%).

Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania treated 94% or more of First Nations people within 365 days (Figure 41 – jurisdiction).