A Leading Cause of Blindness – Cataract Awareness Month 2026

8 June 2026

This June, we’re joining patients, eye care providers, health officials and the public in raising awareness of cataracts – a leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Cataracts develop when the lens in a person’s eye becomes cloudy. An early cataract often has no noticeable impact on sight; over time cataract worsens, leading to blurry vision and difficulties in everyday tasks.

According to Sight Research UK, 65% of those diagnosed with cataracts did not know they had the condition, as symptoms can be near imperceptible.

The only treatment for cataract is surgery, with over half a million people in the UK treated with cataract surgery every year.

Zoe Richmond, Clinical Director at LOCSU, said: “Cataract is a common condition and most cataract develop slowly.

“Primary care optometry teams are well placed to advise on managing symptoms relating to cataract and when surgical intervention may be warranted.  There’s no need to wait for a cataract to ‘ripen’ but surgery is usually only beneficial when the cataract is impacting sight.

“People who have noticed a reduction in their sight should book a sight test. Even if a cataract is diagnosed, sight can often be improved through a change in spectacle prescription.”

LOCSU have produced a suite of cataract resources for LOCs, including case studies, our Integrated Cataract Pathway (pre- and post-operative) and supporting case (LOCs only).

For more information or queries, LOCs can visit our members’ area, or contact info@locsu.co.uk.