Cataract surgery a postcode lottery

OVER two-thirds of Oldham’s cataract sufferers are not getting the vital second eye surgery they need, according to new figures.

A report reveals huge regional inconsistencies in the rates of cataract operations around the country.

In 2011, only 29.8 per cent of patients had the second eye operation: 40 per cent of people who have first-eye surgery are likely to develop a second cataract — a figure considered low by the Royal National Institute for blind People, which compiled the figures.

The borough also comes under fire for its strict cataract referral policy. The Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group’s policy contains a “visual acuity” restriction – how far you can read down the eye chart; but allows for exemptions such as glare or a need to be able to drive.

The report also uncovered massive discrepancies in neighbouring CCGs. Some operate tough qualifying tests while others only require evidence of an affect on everyday life.

Locally Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale CCG tops the list for the longest average wait for an operation, seven and a half months. They also had one of the lowest second-eye rates.

Tameside and Glossop had one of the shortest average waiting times from outpatient appointment to surgery.

Clara Eaglen, RNIB eye health campaigns manager, said: “Regional variation has created a postcode lottery which is simply unacceptable.

“NHS efficiency savings, achieved by cutting operations, are a false economy. Denying treatment leaves patients at risk of depression, social isolation and falls, which are more costly to treat.”