Scheme launched to refer cataract patients to UK for surgery

Non-urgent cataract operations were suspended in July, with eye services facing major recruitment problems and a waiting list that has grown to more than 12 months. As of November 8, 92 island residents had been waiting over a year for an outpatient appointment.

The new arrangement, with British supplier Newmedica, part of the Specsavers group, will offer a similar arrangement for cataract surgery which has been available in Jersey since March.

Guernsey patients will have the option to travel to Southampton for treatment and be home within 36 hours.

Health & Social Care will pay for NHS costs, flights and accommodation for the patient.

HSC President Al Brouard said this is the most cost-effective method to provide patient-centered care in a timely manner.

“The aim of this initiative is for those who have waited the longest to be treated as soon as possible. This is about improving the ophthalmology waiting list to a level that better supports patients by using on-island and off-island providers,” he said.

Cataracts, which often develop in old age, occur due to changes in the proteins in the lens of the eye, which can become cloudy, affecting vision.

From December, up to 10 patients a week are expected to travel to the UK for the operation. Patients will then have any follow-up care they need back on the island with the support of local opticians’ offices.

Treatment on the island by MSG will be offered to those who opt out or for whom treatment in the UK may not be suitable.

A 78-year-old Guernsey patient, who has been awaiting cataract surgery on both eyes since being diagnosed in September 2023, told the Guernsey Press that he had already been contacted by the Southampton team.

“Now I’m just waiting for a date,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll be seen in December. I currently have balance problems due to cataracts and am more than happy to go to Southampton for surgery. It can’t come fast enough.