Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

Comparative effectiveness of treatments for cataract

Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)

If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:

Comparison of different methods of cataracts surgeries, including laser surgery (such as using the LensAR Laser System which was cleared by the FDA in May of 2010).

Comparison of different types of intraocular lenses, including presbyopic IOLs and IOLs with aspheric optical profiles

What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)

Patients needing cataract surgery

Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)

Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)

Improvements in vision and quality of life

Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

worse vision

Appropriateness for EHC Program

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

• Functional limitations and disability

AHRQ Priority Populations

• Low income groups
• Minority groups
• Women
• Elderly

Federal Health Care Program

• Medicare

Importance

Describe why this topic is important.

1.5 million surgeries in the US per year

What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)

Items in the media

Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)

yes

If yes, please explain:

many different options, new technology IOLs get additional Medicare payment

Potential Impact

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.

Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Nominator Information

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program