OBJECTIVES: Cataract surgery is commonly performed in developed countries. Artificial lens implantation is considered to be one of the most cost-effective medical interventions. The aim of this analysis was to describe the organization of cataract surgery in Poland and compare access and quality of care with other countries. METHODS: Access to cataract surgeries was assessed on the base of statistical reports issued by National Health Fund (NHF) regarding number and structure of cataract surgeries and waiting times. Epidemiological data was used to estimate number of patients qualifying for treatment. Data on reimbursement was obtained from Ministry of Health and NHF. To supplement publicly available data, a number of clinical experts were consulted. RESULTS: Each year 170k cataract surgeries are reimbursed in Poland. 300k patients are currently in a queue for surgery. The mean waiting time is geographically dependent and varies from 8 up to 22 months (stable cases). There is a high disproportion among voivodeships in funding of cataract surgeries. The Cataract Surgery Rate (CSR) in 2011 was 4.4k surgeries per 1m of population in Poland, while the mean CSR in the European Union in 2008 was 7.6k. The number of ophthalmologists in Poland is 10 times higher than in India, while the CSR is lower by 25%. The average percentage of day-case cataract surgeries in OECD countries is 85%, and in Poland this number is as low as 15%. CONCLUSIONS: Poland is a country with poor, ineffective organization of cataract surgeries and has one of the worst access to these procedures in Europe. Actions aimed at improvement of access must be undertaken, otherwise the situation will rapidly deteriorate due to aging of population.