asked the Minister for Health if people requiring cataract operations are experiencing indefinite delays; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these people are living alone; if he has any plans to resolve this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cataract Operations.
38.
Indefinite delays are not experienced by patients requiring cataract operations. The waiting time for this operation varies from health board to health board. Priority is given to urgent cases. Information regarding the proportion of people awaiting cataract operations who live alone is not readily available but the majority of such patients are elderly. The working party report on services for the elderly —"The years ahead — a policy for the elderly" has recommended that present arrangements for cataract surgery in the elderly be reviewed to ensure that those requiring treatment receive it in reasonable time and that the service is expanded to deal with increasing numbers of elderly people. I am currently examining the recommendations of the report.