Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 20 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. It was answered by Andrea Leadsom (Conservative) on Friday, 24 May 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Ophthalmic Services

Question: 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 steps she plans to take to increase the deployment of combined cataract and glaucoma procedures.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 27042
Session: 2023-24
Related items: Health and Wellbeing Services: Essex
Tuesday, 12 March 2024
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Ophthalmic services Cataracts Glaucoma
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk