Most PCTs restricting access to cataract surgery

Over half of Primary Care Trusts (57 per cent) in England are restricting access to cataract surgery with visual acuity thresholds, forcing thousands of people to live with unnecessary sight loss, according to new research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Following a previous Freedom of Information request to PCTs in 2001, the RNIB has found that no improvements have been made, results that also point towards regional variations, with patients in the North East gaining better access to surgery than those in the South East.

The findings were presented at a Parliamentary reception to launch RNIB's Save our Sight (SOS) campaign that aims to challenge unnecessary sight loss, encourage regular eye checks and promote the importance of timely access to vital treatment.