One in four elderly people will develop cataracts

Under the plan, all patients in need of treatment will be seen within three months by December 2004.

However, ministers hope many parts of England will achieve this target by next summer.

At present, at least 50,000 elderly patients have been waiting at least three months for an operation.

Blindness risk

Cataracts affect one in four people over the age of 75.

The condition causes impaired vision and, if left untreated, can result in blindness

It can also have a significant impact on other aspects of people's lives, with many unable to read or drive.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens. Vision becomes blurred or dim because light cannot pass through it to the back of the eye.

It can often be treated with a simple operation with patients able to go home within an hour of surgery.

There is a continuing need to cut the waiting list for the treatment of this condition Anita Lightstone, RNIB

Health Secretary Alan Milburn said the drive to cut waits for cataract operations would begin in operation.

He hopes the extra money will reduce average waiting times to six weeks within 18 months.

The funds will be allocated to primary care trusts, which have responsibility for commissioning or buying extra operations for patients.

The government's new diagnostic and treatment centres - stand-alone day surgery clinics - are expected to carry out most of the additional operations.

Mr Milburn said: "Too many older people are still waiting too long for treatment.

"This new drive will improve the quality of life for thousands of NHS patients."

The new president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Nick Astbury, welcomed the initiative.

"I am very pleased that significant additional resources are being targeted at improving ophthalmic services.

"I particularly welcome the government's commitment that local clinicians will be fully engaged in developing plans to implement this, and their recognition of the need to improve further all eye care services, not just those for cataracts.

"This will provide us with a real opportunity to work together to make a major difference to the quality of life of many patients."

Tessa Harding, head of policy at Help the Aged, said: "We warmly welcome the increase in funds for cataract operations and other eye conditions.

"Good vision is one of the elements that enable older people to lead full and active lives.

"Investment in helping older people stay healthy makes thoroughly good sense."

Anita Lightstone, head of eye health at The Royal National Institute of the Blind, said: "RNIB are pleased this money has been made available as there is a continuing need to cut the waiting list for the treatment of this condition. As a result, we welcome the Department of Health's decision.

"We are also pleased that the government has decided to support and improve service provision for people with sight problems and low vision."

The Liberal Democrats expressed doubts about the policy.

Its health spokesman Dr Evan Harris said: "The concern is that this money will be coming from other areas at the expense of more clinically urgent cases, and will have strings attached by interfering ministers.