Validity and Cost-Effectiveness of Methods for Screening of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (2007)

HTA Report

The aim of this HTA-report is to investigate the diagnostic validity and cost effectiveness of diagnostic techniques or combinations of these methods with respect to the use in a screening setting in Germany. 

A systematic literature research was performed in 35 international databases and yielded 2602 articles. Overall 57 publications were included for assessment, according to predefined selection criteria. 

In order to find the optimal combination of methods for glaucoma-screening, population-based studies have to be performed. Therefore also no final conclusions can be drawn with respect to cost-effectiveness of glaucoma-screening methods. The economic evaluation of a clinical effective screening-method should consider the effects of blindness avoided, as well as effects on the prevention of visual impairment.

The report may be obtained for free at http://www.dimdi.de (abstract and summary in English).

ISSN: 1861-8863