Why reducing cataract surgery wait times matters

Cataracts are a leading cause of reversible vision loss, particularly among older adults.

Delays in surgical treatment can have wide-ranging effects on a person’s daily life, including:

• Reduced mobility and independence
• Decline in overall quality of life
• Increased risk of falls
• Greater likelihood of depression and social isolation

Facilitating timely access to cataract surgery not only restores vision but also improves patients’ overall well-being. Shorter wait times can reduce pressure on the public healthcare system by allowing resources to be used more efficiently and improving outcomes for all patients.

Transferring routine, simple surgeries, like cataracts, outside of general hospitals, allows those hospitals to perform a higher volume of more invasive procedures like hip, knee and heart surgeries.

Recent studies have also shown that cataract surgery may help reduce the risk of developing dementia, further highlighting the importance of timely care.

Wait times by province

At ACCESS, we are committed to supporting the public healthcare system by delivering timely, high‑quality cataract procedures in accredited surgical facilities. Our goal is to reduce the burden on provincial waitlists and improve access to essential vision care.

In most Canadian provinces, the majority of cataract surgeries are now performed in physician owned, publicly funded community surgical facilities (CSFs).

Across Canada, there are over 100 accredited community surgical facilities (CSFs) performing intraocular lens (IOL) surgery. These sites are distributed by region as follows:

• Atlantic Canada: 12 CSFs
• Quebec: 23 CSFs
• Ontario: 40 CSFs
• Western Canada: 28 CSFs

These accredited centres are helping to provide patients with access to safe, high-quality eye surgery nationwide.

This model is successfully operating not only in major centres, but also in smaller communities such as:

This demonstrates the model’s effectiveness and accessibility across Canada.

Ontario

Cataract surgery wait times in Ontario have been a growing concern, affecting the quality of life for many residents. According to Ontario Health, only 69% of patients in 2024 received cataract surgery within the recommended 16‑week (112 days) benchmark.

However, it is important to note that recent wait times in Ontario may appear more favorable because approximately 15–20% of patients pay privately for the facility, while the physician’s services are billed to the government. This arrangement stems from a lack of public funding for surgical facilities and creates inequity in timely access to care, as patients who can afford to pay privately are often treated sooner than those relying solely on the public system.

Quebec

Publicly funded cataract surgery in Quebec is typically performed within the national benchmark of 16 weeks (112 days), with about 7 in 10 patients receiving surgery on time.

However, wait times vary considerably by region. Some areas – such as Capitale-Nationale and Côte-Nord – report shorter delays, while others, like Lanaudière, experience significantly longer waits.

Alberta

While Alberta has made progress in reducing cataract surgery wait times, challenges remain. As of June 2025, 90% of patients receive publicly funded cataract surgery within 34.9 weeks (approximately 244 days), a moderate delay compared to national benchmarks.

British Columbia

Cataract surgery wait times in British Columbia are generally considered moderate and often fall within national benchmarks, though regional disparities persist. As of June 2025, 90% of patients receive surgery within 21.6 weeks (151 days), according to the B.C. Surgical Wait Times Portal, which provides up-to-date data by hospital and surgeon.