[Ophthalmology 2019-where do we stand? : An analysis of the treatment situation in Germany]

Abstract

The needs-based provision of medical services to the population represents a challenge for ophthalmology, not least as eye diseases become more frequent with age. Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataract occur particularly often. So far only few current population-based data have been available in Germany; however, this is currently changing with several ongoing population-based cohort studies, such as the Gutenberg Health Study, the National Cohort and the Rhineland Study. Preliminary data from the Gutenberg Health Study show that the expected increase in the prevalence of eye diseases with ageing has occurred and the development is comparable with international data from industrial countries. Over the last 15 years age-related eye diseases have increased by 15-34% due to demographic changes. The number of ophthalmologists increased during this period by 19%; however, as an ever increasing proportion do not work full time, the treatment time in ophthalmology only increased by 1%. Particularly in the working relationship of private practice employees, more ophthalmologists are now working than 15 years ago, the majority in part-time employment, whereas the number of self-employed ophthalmologists has declined. For ophthalmological care planning it is important to consider not only the age-related increase in patients but also the changes in treatment capacity, which cannot be solely derived from the absolute number of actively involved ophthalmologists.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Health services research; Needs-based treatment; Prevalence; Utilization.