Life-changing NHS cataract surgery denied to thousands

Elderly patients are being denied life-changing cataract surgery by three quarters of hospitals until their sight becomes so poor that it is all but completely lost.

Cataracts grow worse over time and affect some patients to such an extent that they are unable to watch TV, recognise faces, drive or read. However, some trusts refuse to offer surgery unless a patient has fallen over twice in the last year and also care for a loved one, live alone or have hearing problems, or unless the patient’s sight is so poor that they are unable to read large letters displayed on a wall, whilst wearing glasses.

When denied treatment, patients are at risk of social isolation, depression, and an increased risk of hip fractures caused by falls. There are currently no guidelines on cataract surgery referrals, meaning that managers set their own rules, and cataract surgery is often deemed to be a ‘low priority’.

The cataract removal procedure bears a cost of under £1,000 for each eye and involves a 30 minute operation to remove the affected lens and replace it with a plastic implant.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt responded to the findings by saying “Any patient who needs cataract treatment should get it without delay. Decisions about who gets treatment should always be clinically-led, and patients can pursue their right to ask for an alternative provider if they haven’t started treatment within 18 weeks of referral.”

The Royal National Institute of the Blind’s Holly Heath said “We have shown again and again that cataract operations are being restricted, forcing patients to live with unnecessary sight loss and a reduced quality of life. NHS efficiency savings achieved by cutting cataract operations are a false economy.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 028 2969