Current challenges in accessibility to ophthalmological care in Ukraine.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The purpose of the study is to identify challenges in the organization and access to ophthalmic services through the analysis of expert opinion of practitioners and government officials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Materials developed during expert interviews with practitioners and government officials were used in the study. We also used materials worked out within the project ID 22120107 supported by Visegrad Fund. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Despite all the challenges in access to high-quality ophthalmology services, practitioners and government officials have common opinions on how to improve the organization of eye services, how to make care more inclusive and effective, so that the development of blindness and visual impairment does not cause a burden on the state and society.

ORGANIZATION OF OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CARE IN UKRAINE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To consider the organization of ophthalmological care in Ukraine for cataract and glaucoma and find out whether it is appropriate to implement advanced good practices of reference countries for Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The method of desk review was used, supported by secondary analysis of data, in particular legislative acts. The research included conducting expert interviews with ophthalmologist of the public and private sectors, heads of public healthcare institutions, and management of the National Health Service of Ukraine. We also used materials on good practices from partners within the project ID 22120107 supported by Visegrád Fund. RESULTS: Results: Since the burden of ophthalmological pathologies is increasing and processes of reforming the health care system are taking place, changes in the organization and financing of ophthalmological services are taking place. Within the framework of the partner project, "Access to healthcare services in the context of financing mechanisms. The case of ophthalmology" identified good practices in the organization of ophthalmological care in the context of improving access to services and improving quality. The results of interviews with key stakeholders led to the fact that the respondents generally support all the good practices proposed by the partner countries and indicate their arguments why the proposed practices are (not)appropriate to implement in Ukraine. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The organization and financing of healthcare in Ukraine still require the study and implementation of good practices so that patients can have access to quality services and treatment.