1500 people waiting for cataract surgery on the IoM

Business case for external support being drafted

Almost 1500 people on the Isle of Man need cataract surgery.

And 816 of those have been waiting for more than a year.

The figures were released in the House of Keys after Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher queried what was being done to reduce the waiting lists.

As of 1 November 2026, there were 1469 cataract patients, who have had an initial consultation or assessment, on a surgical list.

Manx Care only carries out around 1,000 procedures a year - around 10 - 12 on each day an ophthalmologist is operating.

Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian told MHKs ‘considerable work’ was being carried out to address the waiting lists.

Previously the health body has used external contractors to provide extra capacity.

You can find out more HERE.

However Minister Christian said the focus is now on increasing ‘in-house capacity’.

This includes a plan to recruit a second consultant ophthalmologist to undertake ‘high volume’ surgery.

If the ‘active’ recruitment process is successful the individual could take up a post at Noble’s Hospital in April next year.

Manx Care is also reviewing its referral criteria, checking and updating waiting lists and reviewing how operating lists are organised.

To further reduce the backlog consideration is also being given to recruiting external providers to carry out more work during 2027 and 2028.

A business case is being submitted to Treasury for the additional investment required for this.

But Minister Christian warned it would require politicians to make a decision about priorities when it comes to spending money: