Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution of the hon. Member for Strangford on 30 April 2024, Official Report, columns 49WH and 50WH, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of an increase in the deployment of combined cataract and glaucoma procedures in independent sector treatment centres on (a) public spending and (b) patient wellbeing.

Combined treatment for glaucoma and cataracts can already be considered when clinically appropriate, taking into account the patient’s wishes and the best available evidence. However, glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires long-term management and monitoring. For patient safety, all glaucoma or ocular hypertension surgery should be performed within units that are providing the full range of services, including diagnosing, treating, and monitoring patients. This also includes offering a full range of medical and surgical treatments that can include drops, laser treatments, and a full range of surgical procedures. This ensures that patients receive the right care, appropriate for the stage and type of glaucoma, and that inappropriate surgical interventions are not undertaken that compromise the long-term management of the patient’s condition.