House of Commons · Westminster Hall
30 April 2024 · 6 other contributors · 7,860 words
Opened by Margaret Greenwood Lab Wirral West
Responding minister: Andrew Stephenson
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Margaret Greenwood raised concerns about preventable sight loss in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Minister should set out discussions with NHS England on addressing unplanned commissioning issues highlighted by Professor Ben Burton, the president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The Government must urgently address regional variations in eye care provision and support a comprehensive national eye health strategy to prevent irreversible sight loss.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Hundreds of constituents are experiencing preventable sight loss. Over 600,000 patients are on NHS waiting lists for ophthalmology treatment, with only 25% of departments feeling able to meet patient needs. In 551 confirmed instances, patients lost their sight due to delayed appointments since 2019. Independent sector providers deliver almost 60% of cataract procedures, negatively impacting training opportunities and workforce availability for NHS ophthalmology departments.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the use of the independent sector creates a postcode lottery, with more affluent areas getting quicker access to treatment? Regional variations in the strength of the independent sector exacerbate this issue.
Discussed the importance of maintaining quality standards for cataract surgery in independent sector providers.
I commend the hon. Lady for bringing forward this debate and highlight that 22 people weekly lose their sight to preventable loss. The annual eye test should be pushed as forcibly as a dental check-up, starting from schools through the community.
The MP highlighted the issue of people whose eyesight has been damaged by refractive eye surgery, a profit-making industry with many victims annually. He mentioned the My Beautiful Eyes campaign led by Sasha Rodoy and called for comprehensive regulation including marketing standards, professional advice supervision, surgical practice oversight, and financial accountability from private companies. Suggested a meeting with families who have experienced issues in this area to discuss further regulation and monitoring as recommended by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh.
Highlighted the importance of regular eye examinations and free NHS eye checks in Scotland, emphasizing early detection and treatment for conditions such as glaucoma. Mentioned initiatives like the national ophthalmology workstream and the See Hear strategy to improve services for sensory-impaired people. Recommended pre-school children's eyesight testing under the See4School system. Asked if the Minister has looked at initiatives in Scotland, such as electronic assessments and triaging electronically, that were proven to work seven years ago.
The RNIB estimates that over 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss, half of which might be avoidable. There are currently 619,000 on a waiting list for hospital eye appointments and 250 people start to lose their sight daily. The economic cost is £25.2 billion annually.
Government Response
Andrew StephensonEmphasised government's commitment to reducing preventable sight loss through preventive measures and early detection, highlighting £500 million annual NHS investment on free eye tests for vulnerable groups. Mentioned over 12 million tests conducted between 2022 and 2023. Discussed efforts in preventing causes of sight loss such as smoking and obesity with landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill and measures to reduce sugar content in soft drinks. Highlighted screening for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, noting a reduction by almost a fifth in adults between 16 and 64 who became visually impaired from diabetic retinopathy since 2010. Addressed concerns about access to timely diagnosis and treatment, mentioning £8 billion funding through elective recovery plan and expansion of surgical hubs. Noted ongoing initiatives for future-proofing eye care services including virtual triaging projects showing promising results in reducing triage time and waiting times. Emphasised long-term workforce plan for NHS with increased training places for ophthalmologists and improved staff training. Discussed research efforts, highlighting £20 million awarded to Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre and almost £6.5 million to support cutting-edge treatments. Concluded by reiterating commitment to using independent sector providers to enhance capacity and reduce waiting lists without privatising NHS.