Eye surgeons in the UK are warning that the practice of rationing of cataract operations by several NHS units is putting thousands of patients at risk.

They said that the half of NHS trusts are involved in rationing of cataract operations and as a result several elderly patients are unable to read, write or drive as they have to wait longer for their operations.

Associations presenting eye surgeons have described rationing of cataract operations as unfair restrictions and `clinically unsound' and dangerous for patients. Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the College of Optometrists and the Optical Confederation have issued a joint statement calling for the abandonment of the restriction on the total number of operations.

Royal college president Professor Harminder Dua has expressed concerns over rationing by over half of the primary care trusts in the UK. "Patients should be offered treatment if a cataract is adversely affecting their daily living, they fully understand the risks and benefits of surgery and they want to have, and are fit enough, for surgery," he said.

Elizabeth Wade, of the PCT Network said that the NHS is under huge financial stress and that commissioners are required to stay within budgets while offering high quality health care. She agreed that any access to treatment must be determined clinically.