The Live Wire

Parliamentary Reception

Delays and cancellation of NHS cataract treatments: what is the situation in your PCT?

Over the last six months RNIB has become aware of increasing numbers of (PCTs) restricting access to cataract treatment. In many cases this has meant patients have been denied surgery, even though it was urgently needed to restore their vision and independence.

We have sent Freedom of Information requests to every PCT to find out what their policy is on funding cataract treatment, and have surveyed ophthalmologists working in Hospital Eye Clinics to establish what the reality is for patients who need treatment. The results are deeply worrying. Even amongst PCTs who have policies that should allow access to treatment to all patients who need it, we have evidence that patients are in fact being turned away from hospitals and are facing long waiting times, particularly for second eye surgery.

On 10 May Nicky Morgan MP will be hosting a reception in the Members Dining Room from 4.30-5.45pm. We will be informing parliamentarians about the research we have undertaken, and outline how we can work together to address barriers to treatment your constituents may be facing.

We will be able to inform you about what is happening with your local PCT(s), provide you with information to make further enquiries with Commissioners, as well as pictures and a press release for work with your constituency and parliamentary media.

RSVP to Helen Dearman, helen.dearman@rnib.org.uk

Royal National Institute of Blind People

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