A cost-utility analysis of therapy for amblyopia.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of the incremental cost-effectiveness of therapy for amblyopia.


METHODS
Cost-utility reference-case analysis.


METHODS
A cost-utility analysis was performed from a third-party insurer perspective by using decision analysis, evidence-based data from the literature, and patient preference-based time trade-off utility values.


METHODS
Patient-derived time trade-off ocular utility values and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Pattern guidelines for the treatment of amblyopia.


METHODS
Treatment of childhood amblyopia using medical and surgical therapies per the American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Pattern.


METHODS
Dollars (year 2001 nominal U.S. dollars) expended per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY) gained.


RESULTS
Treatment for amblyopia resulted in a $/QALY gained of $2281 with a discount rate of 3% for costs and outcomes. Sensitivity analysis, varying costs and utility values by 10%, resulted in a $/QALY gained range from $2053 to $2509.


CONCLUSIONS
When compared with other interventions in health care, therapy for amblyopia seems to be highly cost-effective. This information is increasingly important for health care policy makers.
Membreno
Jaime H
JH
Center for Evidence-Based Health Care Economics, Flourtown, Pennsylvania 19031, USA.
Brown
Melissa M
MM
Brown
Gary C
GC
Sharma
Sanjay
S
Beauchamp
George R
GR
D000550:Amblyopia / Q000191:economics*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018803:Models, Economic; D011788:Quality of Life; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D018570:Risk Assessment