§ 122. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increase in the number of registered blind people, and since the various diseases of old age now account for nearly 60 per cent. of all causes of blindness, he will improve the present organisation of eye hospitals, in view of the fact that 80 per cent. of elderly people who have become blind from cataract had no treatment before they went blind.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI assume the hon. Member is referring to Professor Sorsby's Report on the Causes of Blindness in England, 1948–50, recently published by my Department. This showed that of blind cases due to cataract registered over the three years 80 per cent. had had no treatment; but also that in as many as 69 per cent. of registered cases the prospects82W of successful surgical operation were doubtful. I am however drawing the attention of hospital boards to the report and inviting them to review the hospital facilities for eye treatment.