Eye health web pages data tables

Table of contents

Prevalence of eye conditions

Table 1.1: Prevalence of self-reported long-term eye conditions by sex, 2017–18
Table 1.2: Prevalence of self-reported chronic eye conditions, by age group, from 2007–08 to 2017–18
Table 1.3: Prevalence of refractive error from 2007–08 to 2017–18
Table 1.4: Prevalence of self-reported cataract in adults 65 years and above, from 2007–08 to 2017–18
Table 1.5: Prevalence of self-reported macula degeneration in adults 65 years and above, from 2007–08 to 2017
Table 1.6: Prevalence of self-reported glaucoma in adults 65 years and above, from 2007–08 to 2017–18
Table 1.7: Prevalence of self-reported blindness, from 2007–08 to 2017–18
Table 1.8: Prevalence of self-reported chronic eye conditions in children age 0–14 years, from 2007–08 to 2017
Table 1.9: Prevalence of refractive error, in children age 0–14 years, from 2007–08 to 2017–18
Table 1.10: Prevalence of self-reported eye or sight problems, by Indigenous status, 2017–18 and 2018–19

Access to care
Table 2.1: Full-time equivalent (FTE) number and rate of eye-care providers, by remoteness area, 2019
Table 2.2: Eyecare telehealth consultations in areas outside a major city, 2015–16 to 2018–19

Treatment and management

Table 2.3: Selected eye health consultations and procedures, 2014–15 to 2018–19

Hospitalisations
Table 2.4: Rate of eye related hospitalisations by primary diagnosis and hospital sector, 2017–18
Table 2.5: Rate of hospitalisations with eye related primary cause per 100,000 persons by age, remoteness and
Table 2.6: Eye and ocular adnexa related hospitalisations by type of diagnosis, 2017–18

Data Sources
Abbreviations
7–08 to 2017–18

07–08 to 2017–18
ove, from 2007–08 to 2017–18
007–08 to 2017–18

ars, from 2007–08 to 2017–18

2017–18 and 2018–19

teness area, 2019

s by age, remoteness and socioeconomic group, 2017–18

Table 1.1: Prevalence of self-reported long-term eye conditions by sex, 2017–
18
Males Females Persons
Age group Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent
0–14 12.2 10.7–13.7 12.3 10.3–14.3 12.1
15–24 30.5 26.0–35.0 40.4 36.8–44.0 35.2
25–34 33.1 29.9–36.3 47.2 43.6–50.8 40.2
35–44 39.3 36.1–42.5 54.1 51.7–56.5 46.5
45–54 79.2 76.1–82.3 86.6 84.6–88.6 83.1
55–64 91.4 89.8–93.0 93.6 91.9–95.3 92.3
65–74 93.4 91.6–95.2 93.6 91.8–95.4 93.2
75–84 92.0 88.4–95.6 91.4 91.4–91.4 92.0
85+ 89.1 82.8–95.4 92.5 87.8–97.2 90.2
All ages 50.5 49.4–51.6 58.7 57.7–59.7 54.6
All ages ASR** 40.8 39.9–41.6 46.3 45.6–47.1 43.5

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be
'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.

**Age-standardised to the 2001 Australian standard population. Age groups: 0–14, 15-24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54,
55–64, 65–74, 75–84, 85+.

Note:

1. Includes hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, other disorders of ocular muscles, cataract, macular
degeneration, other disorders of the choroid and retina, glaucoma, partial and complete blindness in one or both
eyes, other visual disturbances or loss of vision, other diseases of eye and ocular adnexa, where condition status
is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known or not ever told, but condition current and
long-term).

Source: ABS 2019.

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ons by sex, 2017–

Persons
95%CI*
11.0–13.2
32.2–38.2
37.6–42.8
44.5–48.5
81.1–85.1
91.2–93.4
91.6–94.8
92.0–92.0
87.5–92.9
53.9–55.3
43–44.1

n which we can be
oing so.

24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54,

uscles, cataract, macular

e blindness in one or both
exa, where condition status
d, but condition current and
Table 1.2: Prevalence of self-reported chronic eye conditions, by age group, 2007–08 to
2017–18
2007–08 2011–12 2014–15
Age group Per cent 95% CI* Per cent 95% CI* Per cent 95% CI*
0–30 20.4 19.2–21.6 23.2 22.0–24.4 24.7 23.4–26.0
31–60 64.1 63.0–65.2 65.0 63.8–66.1 66.4 65.2–67.6
61+ 94.7 93.6–95.8 95.5 94.6–96.4 93.6 92.5–94.7
All ages ASR 49.5 48.8–50.2 51.0 50.3–51.7 51.9 51.2–52.6
* CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be 'confident' that the t
value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.
** Age-standardised to the 2001 Australian population. Age groups: 0–14, 15-24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84
85+.

Note:

1. Includes hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, other disorders of ocular muscles, cataract, macular degeneration,
disorders of the choroid and retina, glaucoma, partial and complete blindness in one or both eyes, other visual disturbances o
of vision, other diseases of eye and ocular adnexa, where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-t
or 4 (not known or not ever told, but condition current and long-term).

Source: ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

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y age group, 2007–08 to

2017–18
Per cent 95% CI*
24.3 23.1–25.5
64.7 63.6–65.8
92.6 91.8–93.4
51.2 50.5–52.0
ich we can be 'confident' that the true

5–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84,

s, cataract, macular degeneration, other

h eyes, other visual disturbances or loss
as condition, still current and long-term)
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Table 1.3: Prevalence of refractive error from 2007–08 to 2017–18

Long-sightedness Short-sightedness Refractive Error

Year Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95% CI*
2007–08 24.5 23.7–25.3 22.2 21.5–22.9 46.3 45.6–47.1
2011–12 26.4 25.7–27.1 22.9 22.1–23.7 48.2 47.5–48.9
2014–15 27.1 26.4–27.8 24.7 23.8–25.6 49.3 48.5–50.0
2017–18 27.7 27.0–28.3 25.0 24.3–25.8 48.8 48.1–49.6

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be
'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.

Notes:
1. Refractive error includes hyperopia (long-sightedness), myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism and
presbyopia, where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known
or not ever told, but condition current and long-term).

2. Age-standardised to the 2001 Australian standard population. Age groups: 0–14, 15-24, 25–34, 35–44,
45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, 85+.

Source:ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

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Table 1.4: Prevalence of self-reported cataract in adults 65 years and above, 2007–
08 to 2017–18

Male Female Persons

Year Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI*
2007–08 9.0 7.0–11.0 10.2 8.3–12.0 9.6 8.3–10.9
2011–12 8.7 6.9–10.6 10.7 8.9–12.4 9.8 8.6–10.9
2014–15 8.4 6.5–10.3 10.2 8.5–11.9 9.3 8.1–10.6
2017–18 7.4 5.9–8.9 10.6 9.0–12.3 9.1 8.0–10.2

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be
'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.

Notes:
1. Where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known or not
ever told, but condition current and long-term).

Source: ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

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Table 1.5: Prevalence of self-reported macula degeneration in adults 65 years and

above, 2007–08 to 2017–18

Male Female Persons

Year Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI*
2007–08 4.2 2.6–5.9 6.8 4.4–6.7 5.6 4.4–6.7
2011–12 3.6 2.4–4.8 5.9 4.4–7.5 4.8 3.9–5.8
2014–15 5.1 3.9–6.4 5.3 4.2–6.4 5.2 4.4–6.1
2017–18 4.1 3.0–5.2 4.9 3.7–6.1 4.5 3.7–5.4

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be
'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.

Notes:
1. Where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known or not ever
told, but condition current and long-term).

Source: ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

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Table 1.6: Prevalence of self-reported glaucoma in adults 65 years and above,

2007–08 to 2017–18

Male Female Persons

Year Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI*
2007–08 5.2 3.6–6.9 5.0 3.4–6.5 5.1 4.0–6.1
2011–12 3.0 1.9–4.0 3.8 2.7–5.0 3.4 2.7–4.2
2014–15 3.7 2.1–5.2 4.5 3.4–5.7 4.1 3.2–5.1
2017–18 3.5 2.5–4.4 3.8 2.9–4.7 3.6 3.0–4.3

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be
'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.

Notes:
1. Where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known or not ever
told, but condition current and long-term).

Source: ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

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Table 1.7: Prevalence of self-reported blindness, 2007–08 to 2017–18

Male Female Persons

Year Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI*
2007–08 0.6 0.4–0.8 0.5 0.4–0.7 0.6 0.5–0.7
2011–12 0.7 0.5–0.9 0.6 0.4–0.7 0.6 0.5–0.8
2014–15 0.6 0.3–0.8 0.6 0.4–0.8 0.6 0.4–0.7
2017–18 0.7 0.5–0.9 0.4 0.3–0.6 0.6 0.5–0.7

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be
'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.

Notes:
1. Total or partial blindness in one or both eyes
2. Non-age-standardized crude rates reported may be subject to a higher degree of error as the condition is
rare. Care advised in interpretation of results.
3. Where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known or not ever
told, but condition current and long-term).

Source: ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

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Table 1.8: Prevalence of chronic eye

conditions in children age 0–14 years, 2007–
08 to 2017–18

Year Per cent 95%CI*

2007–08 9.2 8.1–10.4
2011–12 10.6 9.2–11.9
2014–15 11.2 9.9–12.6
2017–18 11.6 10.4–12.7

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range

(interval) of values within which we can be 'confident' that the
true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of
doing so.

Notes:

1. Includes hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, other

disorders of ocular muscles, cataract, other disorders of the
choroid and retina, glaucoma, partial and complete blindness in
one or both eyes, other visual disturbances or loss of vision,
other diseases of eye and ocular adnexa, where condition status
is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not
known or not ever told, but condition current and long-term).

Source: ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

Table 1.9: Prevalence of refractive error in children aged 0–14 years, 2007–
08 to 2017–18
Long-sightedness Short-sightedness Refractive Error
Year Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95% CI*
2007–08 3.5 2.7–4.3 4.0 3.2–4.8 7.7 6.7–8.7
2011–12 4.5 3.6–5.5 4.2 3.4–5.0 8.8 7.6–9.9
2014–15 4.9 3.9–5.9 4.6 3.8–5.4 9.6 8.3–11.0
2017–18 4.4 3.6–5.2 4.5 3.7–5.4 9.6 8.6–10.6

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be
'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.

Notes:
1. Refractive error includes hyperopia (long-sightedness), myopia (short-sightedness), and astigmatism
where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known or not ever
told, but condition current and long-term).

Source: ABS 2009, 2013, 2016, 2019.

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Table 1.10: Prevalence of self-reported eye or sight problems, by Indigenous
status, 2017–18 and 2018–19
Males Females Persons
Prevalence Per cent 95%CI* Per cent 95%CI* Per cent
Indigenous 32.1 29.8–34.4 43.1 41.0–45.2 37.8
Age standardised**
Indigenous ASR** 44.6 42.3–46.9 53.8 51.7–55.9 49.4
Non-Indigenous ASR** 48.7 47.6–49.8 55.6 54.4–56.8 52.2
Rate Ratio(a) 0.9 1.0 0.9

*CI = confidence interval, a statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be 'confident' that
the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.
**Age-standardised to the 2001 Australian population. Age groups: 0–14, 15–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55+.
(a) Ratio of the age-standardised Indigenous rate to the age-standardised non-Indigenous Australians rate.

Notes:
1. Includes cataract; glaucoma; disorders of the choroid and retina; disorders of the ocular muscles, binocular
movement, accommodation and refraction; visual disturbances and blindness; and other diseases of the eye and
adnexa, where condition status is 1 (ever told has condition, still current and long-term) or 4 (not known or not ever told,
but condition current and long-term). .

2. Non-Indigenous data is from the 2017-18 National Health Survey (NHS).

3. Data has been randomly adjusted to avoid the release of confidential data.

Source: ABS National Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2018–19
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y Indigenous

Persons
95%CI*
36.2–39.4

47.8–51.0
51.4–53.0

h we can be 'confident' that

44, 45–54, 55+.

ustralians rate.

uscles, binocular
eases of the eye and
(not known or not ever told,
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Table 2.1: Full-time equivalent (FTE) number and rate of eye-care providers,
by remoteness area, 2019

Major cities Inner regional Outer regional Remote Very remote

Optometrists

Number 4,221 811 252 23 17

FTE 3796.5 765.3 242.5 24.0 16.9
FTE per 100,000 20.7 17.0 11.8 8.3 8.4

Ophthalmologists

Number 818 121 23 n.p n.p

FTE 850.7 127.1 27.0 n.p n.p
FTE per 100,000 4.6 2.8 1.3 n.p n.p
Notes:

1. There were insufficient numbers of ophthalmologists to calculate rates in remote and very remote areas.

2. Data are based on optometrists and ophthalmologists employed in Australia and working in their registered profession.

3. FTE per 100,000 population is based on a 38-hour work week for optometrists and 40-hour work week for
ophthalmologists. Population by remoteness area is derived from the total Estimated Resident Population for 2019 from the
ABS, catalogue number 3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia, Table 1 Estimated Residential Population,
Remoteness Areas, Australia, released March 2020.

Source: AIHW analysis of National Health Workforce Dataset (DOH 2020b)

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Total

5324
4845.2
19.1

964
1007.1
4.0

ote areas.

ir registered profession.

rk week for
pulation for 2019 from the
ntial Population,
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Table 2.2: Eyecare telehealth consultations in areas

outside a major city, 2015–16 to 2018–19

Year Western Australia Total All Other States

Number of services

2015–16 400 24
2016–17 604 13
2017–18 591 18
2018–19 530 19

Rate per 100,000 persons

2015–16 70.9 0.4

2016–17 107.0 0.2
2017–18 104.8 0.3
2018–19 93.9 0.3

Notes:
1. Medicare Benefits Schedule (Category 1).
10945 or 10946 A professional attendance by an attending optometrist
that requires the provision of clinical support to a patient who:
(a) is participating in a video conferencing consultation with a specialist
practising in his or her speciality of ophthalmology; and
(b) is not an admitted patient; and (c) either:
(i) is located within a telehealth eligible area and, at the time of the
attendance, is at least 15 kilometres by road from the specialist mentioned
in paragraph (a); or
(ii) is a patient of an Aboriginal Medical Service, or an Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health Service, for which a direction under subsection 19(2) of
the Act applies.
This item number was introduced in September 2015.

2. Financial Year ended June 30, based on date of service (date when
service is provided). Analysis includes all claims processed up to 31 August
2020. Records with age at service recorded as 115 years or over were
excluded from analysis.

3. Areas outside of major cities as per ABS ASGS-2016 remoteness

classification. Remoteness is determined using recipient postcode at the
time of service. The postcode is mapped using state at the time of service
and postcode-to-remoteness correspondence (2017 Postcode to 2016
Remoteness Area). The quality of concordance varies; please refer to ABS
1270.0.55.005 for more information.
4. Number of services per 100,000 persons by remoteness area and state is
derived calculated by dividing number of services by the number of from the
total Estimated Resident Population for financial years based on ABS
catalogue 3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia, Table 1 Estimated
Residential Population, Remoteness Areas, Australia, released March each
year. ERP used are based on June quarter population. However, there are
people in the population ERP who are not eligible for Medicare therefore
this number is an estimate.

5. MBS claims data do not include services that were provided free of
charge to public patients in hospitals, or were subsidised by the Department
of Veterans’ Affairs, compensation arrangements or through other publicly
funded programs including jurisdictional salaried GP services provided in
remote outreach clinics. As a result, MBS claims data may underestimate
the rate of use of health services in some areas and by some members of
the community.

Source: Department of Health Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Claims

Data 2014–15 to 2018–19
nts
Table 2.3: Selected eye health consultations and procedures, 2014–15 to 2018–19

Medicare Service

Dilated fundus Low vision Children's vision

examination assessment assessment
(MBS item 10915) (MBS item 10942) (MBS item 10943)

All ages All ages 3–14 years

Year Number of services

2014–15 212,026 5,281 79,319

2015–16 220,950 6,233 89,002
2016–17 230,896 7,186 102,877
2017–18 244,622 7,232 117,029
2018–19 265,856 6,882 123,100

Year Rate per 100,000 persons

2014–15 890 22 2,222

2015–16 913 26 2,452
2016–17 939 29 2,784
2017–18 979 29 3,115
2018–19 1,048 27 3,220

Notes:

1. Medicare Benefits Schedule (Category 1).

10915 Professional attendance of more than 15 minutes duration, being the first in a course of attention involving the exam
a mydriatic, of a patient with diabetes mellitus requiring comprehensive reassessment.
10942 Testing of residual vision to provide optimum visual performance involving one or more of spectacle correction, dete
determination of glare sensitivity and prescription of magnification aids in a patient who has best corrected visual acuity of 6/1
horizontal visual field of less than 120 degrees within 10 degrees above and below the horizontal midline.
10943 Additional testing to confirm diagnosis of, or establish a treatment regime for, a significant binocular or accommodat
one or more of accommodation, ocular motility, vergences, or fusional reserves and/or cycloplegic refraction, in a patient age
assessment of learning difficulties or learning disabilities.
42698 Lens extraction (where insertion of intraocular lens is contraindicated in the same operation) excluding surgery perfo
except for anisometropia greater than 3 dioptres following the removal of cataract in the first eye (Anaes.)
42702 Lens extraction and insertion of intraocular lens, excluding surgery performed for the correction of refractive error ex
dioptres following the removal of cataract in the first eye (Anaes.)
42705 Lens extraction and insertion of intraocular lens, excluding surgery performed for the correction of refractive error ex
dioptres following the removal of cataract in the first eye, performed in association with insertion of a trans-trabecular drainag
diagnosed with open angle glaucoma who is not adequately responsive to topical anti-glaucoma medications or who is intole
(Anaes.)
42738 Paracentesis of anterior chamber or vitreous cavity or both, for the injection of therapeutic substances, or the remov
diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, 1 or more of, as an independent procedure. This item number was introduced in 2017, he
and 2015–16 financial years.
42739 As per 42738, for a patient requiring anaesthetic services
2. Financial Year ended June 30, based on date of service (date when service is provided). Analysis includes all claims proce
with age at service recorded as 115 years or over were excluded from analysis.

3. Number of services per 100,000 persons by remoteness area and state is derived calculated by dividing number of service
Estimated Resident Population for financial years based on ABS catalogue 3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia, Ta
Remoteness Areas, Australia, released March each year. ERP used are based on June quarter population. However, there a
not eligible for Medicare therefore this number is an estimate.

4. MBS claims data do not include services that were provided free of charge to public patients in hospitals, or were subsidis
Affairs, compensation arrangements or through other publicly funded programs including jurisdictional salaried GP services p
result, MBS claims data may underestimate the rate of use of health services in some areas and by some members of the co

Source: Department of Health Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Claims Data 2014–15 to 2018–19
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ocedures, 2014–15 to 2018–19

Medicare Service

Cataract operations Glaucoma-cataract Intraocular injections

(MBS items 42698, combined surgery (MBS items
42702, 42705S) (MBS item 42705) 42738, 42739)

≥ 65 years ≥ 65 years ≥ 65 years

Number of services

134,001 - 276,580
138,907 - 318,233
140,775 358 359,249
148,593 3,776 397,552
152,724 5,484 434,405

Rate per 100,000 persons

3,770 - 7,782
3,783 - 8,666
3,714 9 9,477
3,797 96 10,160
3,781 136 10,754

the first in a course of attention involving the examination of the eyes, with the instillation of
assessment.
nvolving one or more of spectacle correction, determination of contrast sensitivity,
patient who has best corrected visual acuity of 6/15 or N.12 or worse in the better eye, or
nd below the horizontal midline.
regime for, a significant binocular or accommodative dysfunction, including assessment of
erves and/or cycloplegic refraction, in a patient aged 3 to 14 years, not to be used for the

ted in the same operation) excluding surgery performed for the correction of refractive error
ataract in the first eye (Anaes.)
y performed for the correction of refractive error except for anisometropia greater than 3

y performed for the correction of refractive error except for anisometropia greater than 3
ociation with insertion of a trans-trabecular drainage device or devices, in a patient
topical anti-glaucoma medications or who is intolerant of anti-glaucoma medication.

e injection of therapeutic substances, or the removal of aqueous or vitreous humours for

dure. This item number was introduced in 2017, hence no data is available for the 2014–15
vice is provided). Analysis includes all claims processed up to 31 August 2020. Records
lysis.

is derived calculated by dividing number of services by the number of from the total
e 3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia, Table 1 Estimated Residential Population,
ased on June quarter population. However, there are people in the population ERP who are

ge to public patients in hospitals, or were subsidised by the Department of Veterans’

rams including jurisdictional salaried GP services provided in remote outreach clinics. As a
es in some areas and by some members of the community.

Data 2014–15 to 2018–19

Table 2.4: Eye and ocular adnexa related hospitalisations by sex and primary diagnosis

Males Females

Primary diagnosis Number Per cent Number

Trauma to eye and adnexa
Injury of eye and surrounding tissue 5,442 1.2 4,010

Foreign body on external eye 220 0.0 87

Burn of eye and adnexa 119 0.0 55
Total trauma to eye and adnexa 5,781 1.3 4,152
Cancers
Skin cancer of eyelid 4,609 1.0 3,909
Cancer of eye and adnexa (incl optic nerve) 471 0.1 463
Total cancers 5,080 1.1 4,372
Diabetic eye disease

Diabetes with ophthalmic complications 1,537 0.3 1,167

Total diabetic eye disease 1,537 0.3 1,167
Disorders of eye and adnexa
Cataract 115,789 25.7 144,130
Macular degeneration and other retinal 34,242 7.6 44,793
disorders
Disorders of eyelid 9,584 2.1 13,748
Disorders of conjunctiva 5,997 1.3 3,921
Glaucoma 4,573 1.0 4,624
Retinal detachment and breaks 4,596 1.0 2,544
Disorders of choroid 2,646 0.6 3,472
Strabismus and disorders of ocular 2,494 0.6 2,386
muscles and binocular movement,
including nystagmus
Retinal vascular occlusions 2,209 0.5 2,338
Disorders of lacrimal system 1,337 0.3 2,604
Disorders of vitreous body and globe 2,062 0.5 1,809
Disorders of accommodation and refraction 1,443 0.3 1,782
Keratitis and disorders of the cornea 2,365 0.5 2,224
Visual disturbances and blindness 1,156 0.3 1,294
Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways 458 0.1 904
Disorders of lens except cataract 626 0.1 469
Intraoperative and postprocedural disorders 554 0.1 510
Disorders of orbit 475 0.1 416
Other disorders of eye and adnexa 388 0.1 468
Disorders of eye and adnexa in diseases 279 0.1 461
classified elsewhere
 Iridocyclitis 215 0.1 247
Disorders of iris and ciliary body except 102 0.0 74
iridocyclitis
Disorders of sclera 49 0.0 109
Total disorders of eye and adnexa 193,639 42.9 235,327
Total Eye and ocular adnexa related hospitalisations 206,037 45.7 245,018

Notes:

1. Hospitalisations for which care type was reported as Newborn (without qualified days), and records for Hospital boarders
excluded.

2. Refers to hospital admissions where injuries, cancers or disorders of the eye or adnexa was the principal diagnosis. Injuri
edition [1].
3. Total persons may not always equate to the sum of male and female cases.

Source: AIHW National Hospital Morbidity Database 2017–18

Reference:
1. ACCD (Australian Consortium for Classification Development) 2016. The International Statistical Classification of Diseas
Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) – Tenth Edition - Tabular list of diseases and Alphabetic index of diseases. Adelaide: Ind
Publishing.
and primary diagnosis type, 2017–18

Females Persons

Per cent
Total
Per cent Number Per cent Hospitalisations

0.9 9,453 2.1

0.0 307 0.1

0.0 174 0.0
0.9 9,934 2.2 0.1

0.9 8,518 1.9

0.1 934 0.2
1.0 9,452 2.1 0.1

0.3 2,704 0.6

0.3 2,704 0.6 0.0

32.0 259,920 57.6

9.9 79,039 17.5

3.1 23,340 5.2

0.9 9,918 2.2
1.0 9,197 2.0
0.6 7,140 1.6
0.8 6,118 1.4
0.5 4,880 1.1

0.5 4,547 1.0

0.6 3,941 0.9
0.4 3,871 0.9
0.4 3,225 0.7
0.5 4,589 1.0
0.3 2,450 0.5
0.2 1,362 0.3
0.1 1,095 0.2
0.1 1,064 0.2
0.1 891 0.2
0.1 856 0.2
0.1 740 0.2
 0.1 462 0.1
0.0 176 0.0

0.0 158 0.0

52.2 428,979 95.1 3.8
54.3 451,069 100.0 4.0

d records for Hospital boarders and Posthumous organ procurement have been

as the principal diagnosis. Injuries were classified according to ICD–10–AM, 10th

atistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision,

index of diseases. Adelaide: Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, Lane
Return to contents

ICD-10 Codes

S001, S002, S011, S05, S023, S040, S041, S042, S043, S044, T90.4

T15
T26

C431, C441
C69, C723

E103, E113

H25, H26
H35

H00, H01, H02, H03

H10, H11, H12, H13
H40, H41
H33
H30, H31
H49, H50, H51, H55

H34
H04
H43, H44
H52
H16, H17, H18
H53, H54
H46, H47
H27
H59
H05
H57
H06, H19, H22, H28, H32, H42, H45, H48, H58
H20
H21

H15
Table 2.5: Rate of eye related hospitalisations by primary diagnosis and hospital sector

Private Hospitals Public Hospitals

Primary diagnosis Number Per cent Number Per cent
Cataract 182,671 40.5 77,249 17.1
Macular degeneration and other retinal disorders 71,444 15.8 7,595 1.7
Disorders of eyelid 18,470 4.1 4,870 1.1
Ocular injury, foreign body or burn 735 0.2 9,199 2.0
Disorders of conjunctiva 6,511 1.4 3,407 0.8
Glaucoma 6,518 1.4 2,679 0.6
Skin cancer of eyelid 6,048 1.3 2,470 0.5
Retinal detachment and breaks 3,097 0.7 4,043 0.9
Disorders of choroid 3,893 0.9 2,225 0.5
Strabismus and disorders of ocular muscles and 2,222 0.5 2,658 0.6
binocular movement, including nystagmus
Retinal vascular occlusions 3,396 0.8 1,151 0.3
Disorders of lacrimal system 2,530 0.6 1,411 0.3
Disorders of vitreous body and globe 2,054 0.5 1,817 0.4
Disorders of accommodation and refraction 3,118 0.7 107 0.0
Keratitis and disorders of the cornea 2,236 0.5 2,353 0.5
Diabetes with ophthalmic complications 1,628 0.4 1,076 0.2
Visual disturbances and blindness 518 0.1 1,932 0.4
Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways 132 0.0 1,230 0.3
Disorders of lens except cataract 815 0.2 280 0.1
Intraoperative and postprocedural disorders 410 0.1 654 0.1
Cancer of eye and adnexa (including optic nerve) 146 0.0 788 0.2
Disorders of orbit 165 0.0 726 0.2
Other disorders of eye and adnexa 311 0.1 545 0.1
Disorders of eye and adnexa in diseases classified 78 0.0 662 0.1
elsewhere
Iridocyclitis 72 0.0 390 0.1
Disorders of iris and ciliary body except iridocyclitis 75 0.0 101 0.0
Disorders of sclera 27 0.0 131 0.0
Total 319,320 70.8 131,749 29.2

Notes:

1. Hospitalisations for which care type was reported as Newborn (without qualified days), and records for Hospital boarders
organ procurement have been excluded.
2. Refers to hospital admissions where injuries, cancers or disorders of the eye or adnexa was the principal diagnosis. Injur
according to ICD–10–AM, 10th edition [1].
3. Private Hospitals includes private hospitals and private day hospital facilities.

Source: AIHW National Hospital Morbidity Database 2017–18

Reference:

1. ACCD (Australian Consortium for Classification Development) 2016. The International Statistical Classification of Diseas
Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) – Tenth Edition - Tabular list of diseases and Alphabe
diseases. Adelaide: Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, Lane Publishing.
 Return to contents

and hospital sector, 2017–18

Total
Number Per cent ICD-10 Codes
259,920 57.6 H25, H26
79,039 17.5 H35
23,340 5.2 H00, H01, H02, H03
9,934 2.2 S001, S002, S011, S05, S023, S040, S041, S042, S043, S044, T90.4, T15, T26
9,918 2.2 H10, H11, H12, H13
9,197 2.0 H40, H41
8,518 1.9 C431, C441
7,140 1.6 H33
6,118 1.4 H30, H31
4,880 1.1 H49, H50, H51, H55
4,547 1.0 H34
3,941 0.9 H04
3,871 0.9 H43, H44
3,225 0.7 H52
4,589 1.0 H16, H17, H18
2,704 0.6 E103, E113
2,450 0.5 H53, H54
1,362 0.3 H46, H47
1,095 0.2 H27
1,064 0.2 H59
934 0.2 C69, C723
891 0.2 H05
856 0.2 H57
740 0.2 H06, H19, H22, H28, H32, H42, H45, H48, H58
462 0.1 H20
176 0.0 H21
158 0.0 H15
451,069 100

ords for Hospital boarders and Posthumous

e principal diagnosis. Injuries were classified

cal Classification of Diseases and Related
st of diseases and Alphabetic index of
Table 2.6: Rate of hospitalisations with eye related primary cause per 100,000 persons b
and socioeconomic area, 2017–18

Remoteness Socioeconomic Area

Age Group Major City Regional/Remote Group 1 (Lowest) Group 2

0–44 193 124 202 173
45–49 552 392 563 515
50–54 1,003 665 922 890
55–59 1,766 1,193 1,637 1,572
60–64 3,128 2,214 2,858 2,872
65–69 5,557 4,263 4,968 5,041
70–74 8,918 7,101 8,029 8,238
75–79 12,225 10,226 10,886 11,402
80–84 13,333 11,390 11,307 12,623
85+ 11,903 8,876 8,959 10,280
Total 1,826 1,763 1,843 2,004
Total ASR *
1,659 1,279 1,484 1,520

*Age-standardised to the 2001 Australian standard population. Age groups: 0–4, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 3
55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85+

Notes:
1. Hospitalisations for which care type was reported as Newborn (without qualified days), and records for Hospital boarders
procurement have been excluded.

2. Refers to hospital admissions where injuries, cancers or disorders of the eye or adnexa was the principal diagnosis. Injur
to ICD–10–AM, 10th edition [1], using codes S05, S023, S011, S001, S002 and T90.4 for injuries of eye, eyelid or orbit exclu
external foreign body; code T26 for burn of eye or adnexa; codes S040, S041, S042, S043, S044 for optic or oculomotor ner
classified according to ICD–10–AM, 10th edition [1], using codes C69 and C72.3 for cancers of eye and optic nerve, and cod
cancers of eyelid. Disorders were classified according to ICD–10–AM, 10th edition [1], using codes H00-H06 for disorders o
and orbit; H10-H13 for disorders of the conjunctiva; H15-H22 for disorders of the sclera, cornea, iris and ciliary body; H25-H2
including cataract; H30-H36 for disorders of the choroid and retina; H40-H42 for glaucoma; H43-H45 for disorders of the vitre
H48 for disorders of the optic nerve and visual pathway (excluding glaucoma); H49-H52 or disorders of the ocular muscles, b
accommodation and refraction; H53-H54 for visual disturbances and blindness; H55-H59 for other disorders of the eye and a
classified.

3. Remoteness is classified according to the ABS derived ASGS-RA(Australian Statistical Geography Standard-Remotenes
classification. 'Major cities' consists of hospitals with a derived ASGS-RA classification of 0, while 'Regional/Remote' consists
ASGS-RA classification of 1–4.

4. Socioeconomic areas are classified according to using the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) base

Source: AIHW National Hospital Morbidity Database 2017–18

Reference:
1. ACCD (Australian Consortium for Classification Development) 2016. The International Statistical Classification of Diseas
Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) – Tenth Edition - Tabular list of diseases and Alphabetic inde
Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, Lane Publishing.
 Return to contents

ry cause per 100,000 persons by age, remoteness

Socioeconomic Area

Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 (Highest)

174 159 164
509 478 474
895 850 941
1,543 1,515 1,615
2,731 2,768 2,833
5,202 5,071 5,167
8,453 8,164 8,373
11,658 11,398 12,246
12,858 12,727 13,974
11,141 11,177 13,197
1,782 1,597 1,805
1,547 1,510 1,609

5–9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54,

ed days), and records for Hospital boarders and Posthumous organ

or adnexa was the principal diagnosis. Injuries were classified according

T90.4 for injuries of eye, eyelid or orbit excluding burns; code T15 for
042, S043, S044 for optic or oculomotor nerve damage. Cancers were
for cancers of eye and optic nerve, and code C43.1 and C44.1 for
on [1], using codes H00-H06 for disorders of the eyelid, lacrimal system
sclera, cornea, iris and ciliary body; H25-H28 for disorders of the lens
glaucoma; H43-H45 for disorders of the vitreous body and globe; H46-
49-H52 or disorders of the ocular muscles, binocular movement ,
H55-H59 for other disorders of the eye and adnexa not elsewhere

Statistical Geography Standard-Remoteness Areas) hospitals

ation of 0, while 'Regional/Remote' consists of hospitals with a derived

Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) based on area of residence.

ernational Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health
Tabular list of diseases and Alphabetic index of diseases. Adelaide:
Data Sources
National Health Survey (NHS), 2017–18
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2017–18 National Health Survey (NHS) was conducted by the Australia
NHS collected self-reported data on whether a respondent had 1 or more long-term health conditions; that is, co
When interpreting data from the 2017–18 NHS, some limitations need to be considered:
i) Much of the data is self-reported and therefore relies heavily on respondents knowing and providi
ii) The survey is community-based and does not include information from people living in nursing hom
iii) Residents of Very remote areas and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities wer

The cross-sectional nature of the survey and exclusions should also be taken into account.
Also, some questions were asked of people aged 15 and over, others of adults aged 18 years and over. For exam
1. self-assessed health status was obtained for persons aged 15 and over
2. psychological distress and bodily pain were obtained for persons aged 18 and over.
Further information can be found in National Health Survey: First results, 2017–18 (ABS cat. no. 4364.0.55.001).

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS), 2018–19
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2018–19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey
actions taken, and lifestyle factors which may influence health. The survey also collected data on language, cultu
people in both non-remote and remote areas.
When interpreting data from the 2018–19 NATSIHS, some limitations need to be considered:
i) Much of the data is self-reported and therefore relies heavily on respondents knowing and providing accurate
ii) The scope of the survey was limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in private dwellings w
Further information can be found in Explanatory Notes: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey, 20

Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)

The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is a listing of Medicare services that are subsidised by the Australian Gov
permanent residents and certain categories of visitors to Australia are entitled to benefits for medical and hospi
claimed. When interpreting MBS data, some limitations need to be considered:

i) MBS data reflect MBS claims and not necessarily all the services that are received. A person may b
provided by jurisdiction-funded primary health care or by public hospitals.
ii) The data are based on the date of processing of claims, not necessarily the date of service.
iii) While the data have been used to measure the level of specific activities, changes in the use of an
iv) Data presented by state and territory and by remoteness area are based on the address informati
Remoteness Area) classification .
v) Equivalent or similar care may also be billed as a different MBS item (such as a standard consultati
Further information about the MBS can be found at MBS online.

National Hospital Morbidity Database

The AIHW National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) is a compilation of episode-level records from admitte
is based on the clinical documentation for that hospitalisation. The NHMD is based on the Admitted Patient Care
administrative and length-of-stay data, as well as data on the diagnoses of the patients, the procedures they und
The hospital separations data do not include episodes of non-admitted patient care given in outpatient clinics or
care types were excluded when undertaking the analysis: 7.3 (newborn—unqualified days only), 9 (organ procur

Further information about the NHMD can be found in the Data quality statement: National Hospital Morbidity D
 National Health Survey (NHS) was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to obtain national information on the health
pondent had 1 or more long-term health conditions; that is, conditions that lasted, or were expected to last, 6 months or more. These
me limitations need to be considered:
d therefore relies heavily on respondents knowing and providing accurate information.
does not include information from people living in nursing homes or otherwise institutionalised.
discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were excluded from the survey. This is unlikely to affect national estimates,

ions should also be taken into account.

5 and over, others of adults aged 18 years and over. For example, information on:
ned for persons aged 15 and over
were obtained for persons aged 18 and over.
h Survey: First results, 2017–18 (ABS cat. no. 4364.0.55.001).

ander Health Survey (NATSIHS), 2018–19

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) was conducted by the ABS to obtain national information abo
ence health. The survey also collected data on language, cultural identification, education, labour force status, income and discriminati

S, some limitations need to be considered:

elies heavily on respondents knowing and providing accurate information.
l and Torres Strait Islander people living in private dwellings where at least one member of the household was aged 18 years and over
otes: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey, 2018–19 (ABS cat.no. 4715.0)

of Medicare services that are subsidised by the Australian Government. It is part of the Medicare program, managed by the Departmen
ors to Australia are entitled to benefits for medical and hospital services, based on fees determined for each service provided. These s
tions need to be considered:

t necessarily all the services that are received. A person may be provided with equivalent care from a health-care provider who is not
mary health care or by public hospitals.
rocessing of claims, not necessarily the date of service.
measure the level of specific activities, changes in the use of an MBS item over time can reflect changes in billing and claiming practices
y and by remoteness area are based on the address information recorded in the patient’s Medicare record. Data presented by remote

be billed as a different MBS item (such as a standard consultation).

t MBS online.
 NHMD) is a compilation of episode-level records from admitted patient morbidity data collection systems in Australian hospitals. Repo
pitalisation. The NHMD is based on the Admitted Patient Care National Minimum Data Set (APC NMDS). It records information on adm
ata on the diagnoses of the patients, the procedures they underwent in hospital and external causes of injury and poisoning.
des of non-admitted patient care given in outpatient clinics or emergency departments. Patients in these settings may be admitted sub
nalysis: 7.3 (newborn—unqualified days only), 9 (organ procurement—posthumous) and 10 (hospital boarder).

d in the Data quality statement: National Hospital Morbidity Database 2017–18.

 Return to contents

al information on the health status of Australians, their use of health services and facilities, and health-related aspects of their lifestyle
st, 6 months or more. These data are used in this report to estimate the prevalence of eye problems.

o affect national estimates, but will impact prevalence estimates by remoteness.

ain national information about the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Topics included measures of health status, h
atus, income and discrimination. The survey included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all states and territories and inc

was aged 18 years and over.

, managed by the Department of Health and administered by the Services Australia. Through the Medicare program, all Australian citiz
ch service provided. These services are itemised, forming the schedule of fees. Statistics on each item are collected when benefits are

lth-care provider who is not eligible to bill Medicare. Additionally, MBS data do not generally capture equivalent services

billing and claiming practices or the introduction of new items, and not necessarily changes in the health care provided.
d. Data presented by remoteness area was classified according to the ASGS-RA (Australian Standard Geographical Standard-
 in Australian hospitals. Reporting to the NHMD occurs at the end of a person’s admitted episode of care (separation or hospitalisation
records information on admitted patient care (hospitalisations) in essentially all hospitals in Australia, and includes demographic,
jury and poisoning.
settings may be admitted subsequently, with the care provided to them as admitted patients being included in the NHMD. The followin
der).
ed aspects of their lifestyle. The

easures of health status, health

ates and territories and included

program, all Australian citizens,

ollected when benefits are

lent services

e provided.
phical Standard-
paration or hospitalisation) and
ncludes demographic,

in the NHMD. The following

 Return to contents

Abbreviations
ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics
AIHW Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
NHMD National Hospital Morbidity Database
NHS National Health Survey