To ask the Minister of Health to detail any assessment his Department has made of the impact that delayed cataract assessment can have on patient confidence, mobility and quality of life, particularly for older people.

My Department recognises that delays in cataract assessment and treatment can have a significant impact on all patients, but particularly older people.

Cataract surgery is one of the highest volume surgeries carried out across the UK, including in Northern Ireland. It is almost always daycase, not usually requiring general anaesthesia, and the intervention enjoys excellent Quality of Life outcomes. Although sight-limiting, it is reversible, and not generally a time-critical procedure.

I acknowledge that delays longer than clinically-indicated to accessing care, including for cataract assessment, are unacceptable and can have negative implications for patient confidence, mobility and quality of life. This can be particularly true for older people and those living in rural communities.

In the event that vision deteriorates whilst on a waiting list, support for patients suffering with impaired vision is available from voluntary sector organisations such as the RNIB, where a range of resources to help patients and service users can be accessed.

“Waiting Well” is an important element of a patient’s care journey, and strategies are in place to support patients on outpatient waiting lists.

Delays to accessing appropriate care are due to demand, much of it demographically-driven, outstripping capacity to deliver against need. In recognition of the sustained demand-capacity gap which impacts on treatments, including those for cataract, my officials are currently working with providers around business cases to build capacity within clinical teams with additional recruitment. I acknowledge that capacity-building is a key strategic pillar to address waiting lists sustainably, and prioritisation of ECF new and re-purposed funding, including investments to support in-reach Independent Sector activity, is ongoing. This additional capacity will have a positive impact on waiting times reducing any potential negative impact on patients confidence, mobility and quality of life.

My Department will continue to monitor waiting times for cataract assessment and treatment and work with providers to improve timely access. Due to the impact these delays have on patients, addressing these care pathways remains an important step in efforts to reduce avoidable sight loss and support healthy aging.