RNIB demands action to tackle cataract restrictions

Vision charity the RNIB has called on health secretary Jeremy Hunt to ensure cataract patients receive surgery without delay amid evidence of a postcode lottery on routine operations.

RNIB representatives want a meeting to share latest research and data, saying although Hunt has vowed any patient who needs cataract surgery should get it without delay, this was not happening.

Its letter said: ‘RNIB research continues to show that cataract operations are being restricted due to financial pressures on the NHS. RNIB has campaigned for a number of years to overturn restrictive policies and helped to develop recent NICE accredited cataract commissioning guidance which CCGs should follow.’