Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ10: Laser vision correction surgeries

Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Sophie Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr E K Yeoh, in the Legislative Council today (July 3):


Question :

It has been reported that 70 per cent of the persons in Hong Kong aged between 19 and 39 suffer from myopia and 60 to 70 per cent of these will consider undergoing laser vision correction surgeries in order to improve their eyesight. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) it knows the number of persons who underwent laser vision correction surgeries in Hong Kong in each of the past three years and, among them, the number of cases in which the surgeries resulted in deterioration of eyesight;

(b) it knows if the relevant authorities have received complaints about such surgeries; if they have, of the subject matters and outcome of the complaints; and

(c) it plans to tighten the regulation of such surgeries so as to protect the interests of consumers?



Answer :

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) or laser vision correction is a surgical procedure that can reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses by using an ultraviolet laser to remove corneal tissue to correct the shape of the cornea for better focusing. This laser vision correction surgery is available at five private hospitals and at an academic department in one teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

(a) The required statistics are set out below -

 
Note: The term "deterioration of eyesight" means that the visual acuity measured with correction by lenses or eyeglasses after surgery is lower than the lens-corrected visual acuity before the surgery.


(b) The Department of Health has not received any complaints about laser vision correction surgeries. The Medical Council of Hong Kong received one complaint relating to laser vision correction surgery in 2001. The complainant was not satisfied that he was still required to wear glasses after the operation. After consideration of the facts, the complaint was dismissed by the Preliminary Investigation Committee Chairman, Deputy Chairman and the lay member as without grounds.

(c) Laser vision correction surgeries are carried out by registered medical practitioners. Procedures carried out by medical practitioners are regulated by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. In accordance with the Professional Code and Conduct promulgated by the Medical Council of Hong Kong, a medical practitioner should inform the patient about the general nature, effect and risk of medical procedures and a consent to treatment should be given by the patient. Medical practitioners who violate provisions of the Professional Code and Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. The Medical Council of Hong Kong will regularly review the Professional Code and Conduct in the light of developments. For his own safety, it is important for a patient to understand the potential risks and discuss with the doctor which procedure is best for his situation before undergoing a surgery.

End/Wednesday, July 3, 2002
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