Dr David Allen, consultant at the Sunderland Eye Infirmary, has argued for years that cataract patients should be allowed to contribute towards their treatment, so that they can have a better standard of lens fitted than is available on the NHS.

Now he has taken his case to Parliament and gained the backing of MPs and celebrities.

Speaking at a House of Commons function attended by health chiefs, MPs and members of the Lords, he said: "Technical advances mean that there are now implants available that allow some patients to be able to dispense with glasses altogether.

"And NHS cataract patients should be allowed to opt for one of the new refractive implants and pay a fee just for the refractive element of their care, not the whole operation."

He added: "This is not about topping up the NHS. What we are about is trying to extend the availability of this new technology to more patients."

MP Kevin Barron, chairman of the all-party parliamentary Health Select Committee, said Dr Allen's proposal deserved a "proof-of-concept" pilot study to be set up – possibly in the north of England.

Singer and TV's Loose Women presenter Jane McDonald has given Dr Allen's campaign her backing, after the pioneering cataract treatment changed her life.

Jane was able to opt for a new-style multi-focal lens implant privately, which has allowed her to ditch her spectacles and contact lenses.

But the hi-tech implants are not currently available to NHS patients.
This is because not wanting to wear glasses is regarded as a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity.

Jane said: "This is a wonderful operation and I am absolutely delighted with my new eyes.

"I think it would be wonderful if this technology was available through the NHS because our sight is priceless."

The surgical procedure involved in cataract surgery, whether it is carried out on the NHS or privately, is exactly the same and only the type of lens inserted is different.

The surgery cannot be split into two procedures, which means a patient cannot have the first part of the surgery done on the NHS and at a later date have the multi-focal lens implanted privately.

Patients also gave their backing to Dr Allen at the Westminster reception.

Legal expert Dr Lincoln Tsang, a partner at international law firm Arnold & Porter, told guests that Mr Allen's proposal could be implemented under the existing NHS Act.