NHS lacks vision for elderly

THE Mail reported this week that more than half of NHS health authorities are restricting access to cataract operations to save cash. This makes me so angry, because this isn’t an ophthalmic issue — it’s a mental health issue.

Cataracts occur when the eye lens clouds over, usually with age. Removal of cataracts and replacement with an artificial lens — a quick, routine procedure with almost instantaneous results and which costs just £1,000 per eye — has a tremendous impact on the lives of older people.

They go from feeling isolated and struggling with everyday activities to suddenly being able to cope again. Their independence is restored.

The NHS is stretched, but why is this procedure being targeted when the cost-tobenefit ratio is so clear? I believe ageism is an issue here. I doubt authorities would ration paediatric care in the same way.