EAST Lancashire patient watchdogs are right to express concern that appointments for more than 1,400 people with eye problems were cancelled in three months. It is also worried that patients sometimes wait as long as 13 months for appointments with ophthalmology consultants.

Failing eyesight is an awful condition and it is right that the Community Health Council should turn the spotlight on the problem.

It is something which is symptomatic of an ageing population.

But it is not a situation which has developed overnight like some sudden epidemic.

Lifespans in the western world have steadily increased since the end of the Second World War as we reaped the benefits of better living conditions, advances in medical research and food technology.

So, the increase in demand for eye treatment should have been anticipated years ago.

Burnley NHS Trust says it is considering applying for another £100,000 from the government to help cut waiting times.

It should be doing more than considering, it should be insisting on the extra cash.

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