CATARACTS IN ADULTS

That this House notes that the draft NICE cataracts in adults (management) guideline recommends that blue-light filtering intraocular lenses should no longer be used in cataract surgery on the NHS; further notes that this type of lens is currently utilised by 100,000 people in England and Wales and demonstrates significant benefits, such as protection of the retina from potential damage caused by short wavelength light; is concerned at the suggestion that NICE has failed to act in a transparent manner when arriving at its recommendations; is mindful that NICE's decision will add an unnecessary and unjustified burden on NHS eye services that are already struggling to cope with demand; and calls on NICE urgently to review this recommendation as there is no justification to stop making a safe, high-quality product available to NHS cataract patients who are already facing increased rationing and postponement of surgery.