Public service and private profit: a mixed methods study of cataract surgery in England

This paper explores changes in the commissioning, contracting and provision of NHS-funded cataract surgery in England over the last decade, focusing on the growing role of independent sector providers (ISPs). In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in NHS-funded cataract surgery (from almost 417,000 cases in 2018/19 to about 650,000 in 2023/24) with the ISP share increasing from 22 to 57 per cent. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of over 4.6 million NHS-funded hospital admissions for cataract surgery (2013-2024) and qualitative interviews with senior NHS and ISP stakeholders. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The shift to ISPs was largely unplanned, driven by long NHS waiting lists, favourable payment tariffs, and low barriers to entry for new providers. ISPs' involvement has contributed to reduced waiting times and improved productivity, potentially due to specialised infrastructure and incentive structures. However, concerns exist about contract management, service quality, and value for money. The study highlights the need for improved service commissioning, tariff reform, stronger contractual oversight, and effective monitoring to ensure quality and value. These findings have broader implications for healthcare systems balancing competition, patient choice, and public-private delivery models in elective care.