Cataract operations ‘delayed until patients nearly blind’

PATIENTS are being left in pain and misery amid widespread rationing of cataract operations and hip and knee surgery, research suggests.

The study shows that more than half of NHS authorities are restricting access to cataract surgery, with many refusing operations until patients are almost blind. Charities said the findings were “shocking”.

The research, which covers all 195 clinical commissioning groups (CCGS) in England, found that 53 per cent had classified the eye operations as of “limited clinical value”, limiting NHS funding for them.

The research by the Medical Technology Group, a not-for-profit coalition of patient groups, charities and medical device manufacturers, also found that 45 per cent of CCGS are limiting access to hernia operations.

Experts said the approach could mean an increase in emergency cases and worse patient outcomes. The study also found four in 10 CCGS are rationing hip and knee operations, despite clear evidence of their effectiveness.

Helen Lee, from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, said: “Restrictions or delays to cataract surgery can severely impact people’s ability to lead independent lives, making them twice as likely to experience falls and significantly reducing quality of life. It’s shocking that this life-changing surgery is being unnecessarily restricted.”

Prof Derek Alderson, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: “It is wrong to label hip and knee replacements, and hernia surgery, as of limited value – thereby delaying or denying surgery to patients in pain.”

NHS Clinical Commissioners said: “The NHS does not have unlimited resources and ensuring patients get the best possible care against spiralling demands, competing priorities and increasing financial pressures is one of the biggest issues CCGS face.”