There was heated debate at the House of Commons meeting on the impact of Independent Sector Treatment Centres on eye care.
Professor David Wong relayed concerns that NHS units were under threat from ISTCs, highlighting quality of service and the possibility of only treating simple, elective and cost-effective cases, leaving the NHS with the young, old and those with chronic diseases.
Responding, Doug Naysmith MP said that waiting lists in his constituency had been reduced because ISTCs were being utilised effectively, with waiting lists cut from a year to six months, although Professor Wong said this was due to extra hours being worked by NHS staff in the HES.
MP David Heath then agreed with Professor Wong that contracts to ISTCs could potentially lengthen the bridge between primary and secondary care and that follow-up treatment may suffer as a result.
Head of campaigns at the RNIB Steve Winyard stressed the importance of maintaining emergency eye care services within hospitals.