Concerns over fall in cataract surgery

Photo credit: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features

Fears have been expressed that cataract surgery remains subject to rationing by some health authorities.

It follows the release of new research by the Patients Association, which found a 7.5 per cent decline in the number of cataract operations in 2011, compared to the prior year.

Anita Lightstone, UK Vision Strategy programme director, said: 'Anecdotal evidence has shown that due to lack of funding, some PCTs are restricting cataract surgery operations by imposing a visual acuity limit.

'This is likely to be the key reason for the decline which is not in the best interests of patients or the NHS.'