In 2023, the mean waiting time for cataract surgery in the UK was below 108 days. Forecasts for 2024 to 2028 indicate a steady increase in waiting times: by approximately 3% annually. Starting from 108 days in 2024, it is expected to rise to 122 days by 2028. Over five years, the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in waiting time is indicative of persistent upward pressure.
Future trends to watch:
- Potential policy interventions to reduce waiting times
- Advancements in medical technology aiming to manage backlog efficiently
- The impact of demographic changes on healthcare demand
