More than 1,500 cataract operations are carried out every day across the UK, making it one of the most common types of elective surgery undertaken by the NHS. But there are significant challenges facing cataract service delivery, with many patients — especially those with co-morbidities — struggling to access timely care. Could innovations help?

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty asks Dr David Lockington, a consultant ophthalmologist and the President of the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, about how cataract surgery has evolved in recent years. They discuss how appropriate referral and effective management by community optometrists can help to mitigate risks in patients. David also explains how the use of advanced lenses, bilateral surgery and dropless surgery can benefit both patients and healthcare practitioners.

Finally, Michelle is joined by Dr Magdalena Edington, a high-volume cataract surgeon who predominantly carries out dropless surgery at an Independent Service Provider in England. Magdalena provides tips for optometrists who carry out postoperative care for these
patients in the community.

GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Clinical Practice and Professionalism. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.