Cataract patients in Keighley are to be offered a choice of where and when they are treated.

By 2004 all patients needing cataract surgery will be able to book the time and location of their treatment.

Health chiefs say the move will cut down on months of waiting for patients.

They also say it means 4,030 extra cataract operations over and above the number expected will be performed by May 2005, achieving the 2008 waiting list targets three years in advance.

The new pilot scheme for West Yorkshire, announced by the Department of Health, is to be run by Bradford South & West Primary Care Trust, which is responsible for GP services in an area that includes Cullingworth and Denholme.

Dr Barbara Hakin, chief executive of the PCT, said: "This is excellent news and will make a big difference to patients with cataract problems in West Yorkshire.

"We will be working closely with GPs, opticians and consultant eye surgeons across the country to design a fast, modern service which is convenient to the patients."

From April 2004 patients will have the option of choosing where they are referred to by their GP or optician for surgery.

They could choose to be treated at their local hospital or at Westwood Park Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Bradford. Patients waiting more than six months for treatment will be offered treatment at Westwood Park from June this year.