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Mass Eye and Ear Sets Standards of Transparency and Accountability in Ophthalmology

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In This Article

  • Massachusetts Eye and Ear is one of the few academic hospitals in the country that publicly reports its ophthalmology quality measures and clinical outcomes across all subspecialty areas
  • Published annually in the Quality and Outcomes Report, these data provide benchmarks within the field so that ophthalmologists at Mass Eye and Ear—and nationwide—can achieve the best patient care possible

Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Massachusetts General Hospital leads the nation in developing and implementing ophthalmology outcomes measures to set standards of transparency and accountability in the field. This commitment is part of our overarching goal to improve the care and experience of each and every patient. Mass Eye and Ear recently published the 15th annual Ophthalmology Quality and Outcomes Report, detailing patient outcomes data through 2023.

Unlike other healthcare specialties, there is a lack of quality and outcomes reporting in the field of ophthalmology.

“By publishing these reports, we have defined important measures for ophthalmology. And by sharing our data, we hope to set standards of transparency in ophthalmology and inspire other centers around the country to engage in similar public reporting, so that in the future, “Best Hospital” lists are not based solely on reputation,” Laurel Tainsh, MD, MHS, Director of Quality for Ophthalmology, Mass Eye and Ear

Highlights from the Outcomes Report

Exceptional Trauma and Urgent Care

Mass Eye and Ear is the only 24/7 Emergency Department (ED) in New England that is dedicated to treating urgent and emergent eye conditions. In 2023, 18,754 patients visited the ED for a range of eye problems, including open globe injuries, retinal detachment and corneal ulcers.

  • During the 2023 calendar year, 85 patients underwent open globe repair and 0 developed endophthalmitis postoperatively
  • Clinicians repaired 95.3% of presenting open globe injuries within 24 hours after presentation to Mass Eye and Ear. Multiple studies indicate that repairing open globe injuries within 12 to 24 hours after injury can prevent endophthalmitis

Consistent Success with Cataract Surgery

Mass Eye and Ear/Mass General is consistently recognized as one of the nation's top hospitals for eye care, ranging from routine to highly specialized care. Notably, our clinicians have consistently met or exceeded international benchmarks for successful cataract surgery.

  • Cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation is the most common surgery performed at Mass Eye and Ear
  • Of the 3,430 cataract surgeries performed in 2023, only 1.6% had intraoperative complications, which is better than international benchmarks
  • There were no cases of endophthalmitis, or severe intraocular infection, after cataract surgery in 2023

View the latest Ophthalmology Quality and Outcomes Report

Learn more about Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear/Mass General

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