HC Deb 17 January 1996 vol 269 cc594-5W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the number of operations for cataracts undertaken in each of the last five years by the NHS; [9193]

(2) what is the estimated annual cost to the NHS of cataract eye disease; [9191]

(3) what is the incidence of cataract eye disease in England, Wales and Scotland. [9192]

Mr. Horam

The number of eye lens operations, which are mainly for cataracts, undertaken in England in the last five years is shown in the table.

Year Thousands
1989–90 92.2
1990–91 97.9
1991–92 111.7
1992–93 118.6
1993–94 130.5

Source:

Hospital Episode Statistics.

Information on the incidence and the estimated annual cost to the national health service in England of cataract eye disease is not available centrally.

Information concerning Wales and Scotland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland.

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