The waiting time for cataract surgery in the UK is projected to increase steadily from 2024 through 2028. In 2023, the percentage of patients waiting three months or more for surgery was approximately 37.6%. The forecast indicates a year-on-year increase, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just over 2% across this period.
Key points:
- 2024: 38.7% of patients expected to wait three months or longer.
- 2025: Anticipated increase to 39.8%.
- 2026: Further growth to 40.9% projected.
- 2027: Expected rise to 42.1%.
- 2028: Forecast to reach 43.2%.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of healthcare policy changes, advancements in medical technology reducing surgery duration, and potential effects of demographic shifts such as an aging population on healthcare demand. Monitoring these factors could influence waiting times moving forward.
