A new report, Minimum waiting times for cataract surgery: A false economy for the NHS, commissioned by SpaMedica with contributions from Age UK, RNIB, Fight for Sight and Thomas Pocklington Trust, shows making patients wait longer for cataract surgery could result in more than £400m in lost health, care and economic value each year.

Robert Cooper, director of strategic engagement and implementation at RNIB), says: ‘Any wait for care and treatment for an eye condition can cause anxiety and uncertainty for patients and their families. Any delay can have a significant impact on someone's quality of life. Successful cataract surgery will ensure a person is able to go about their daily life; driving, staying in work and continuing to live independently. It's critical all patients affected by changes in their sight can get the right support at the right time.' 

Around half of ICBs across England have introduced mandatory minimum waits of up to 16 weeks for cataract surgery, compared with previous waits of around four weeks to help manage elective activity and spending, but the research suggests the measures risk shifting costs into other parts of the NHS.

Research among 520 people waiting for NHS cataract surgery found 85% had experienced further deterioration in their vision, while 75% had become more socially withdrawn and 69% said their mental health had worsened. Almost a third of working-age patients had reduced their working hours because of worsening vision, while 21% had stopped working altogether.

Almost one in five patients reported attending A&E or receiving treatment following a trip or fall while waiting for surgery, with the report estimating the cost of these A&E attendances alone at £21.67m a year. A third of patients reported needing additional GP appointments, representing an estimated minimum cost pressure of £7.6m annually.