One in four people will be affected by cataracts by the time they are 75

The government money was given as part of a national scheme to cut down on waiting times for operations.

It will mean no-one should have to wait more than three months for the eye operation with the aim of cutting waiting times to six weeks.

The independent sector along with NHS centres will be used to carry out the extra operations.

'Significant reduction'

Candy Morris, Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority chief executive, said: "This is really good news for patients in Kent and Medway.

"It is mainly older people that have to undergo cataract surgery.

"And this funding boost, alongside the introduction of specialist cataract diagnosis and treatment centres means we can make a significant reduction to the length of time people wait."

Cataracts lead to impaired vision and if left untreated can cause blindness.

About a quarter of the population will be affected by the condition by the time they are 75 years old.

In Kent the South West Primary Care Trust will be arranging treatment which usually involves patients being allowed home within an hour of the operation.