Australian Independent Retirees Whyalla branch president Ross Bray has slammed the move and said the Government should not touch a system that has been working very well.

He said the existing services were good, convenient and affordable and should not be 'fiddled' around with.

Mr Bray said if the rebates are cut the patients most of who are retirees will have to fork out more money or travel to Adelaide.

He said instead of making medical facilities easier for the retirees things were being made tougher.

Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he has serious fears for cataract services in Whyalla and the region.

He said the refusal of the Federal Government to recognise the impact of the cut to the Medicare Rebate on the delivery of cataract services in Whyalla and other regional areas means despite the Coalition's best efforts, the service is likely to cease.

Last week the Liberals, Nationals, Independents and Greens combined in the Senate to disallow the Government's move to cut the Medicare operating fee for cataract surgery in half.

"Minister Roxon has responded by announcing a 45 per cent cut to the rebate instead of the proposed 50 per cent," Mr Ramsay said.

"This is clearly not a serious response.

"Every other party is united in its opposition to the government's action.

The Minister is disregarding the will of the Parliament.

"Lack of consultation from the start has marked this move, the ministers should now sit down and talk the issues through with practitioners."

"Visiting eye specialists to Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Port Pirie have previously advised me they will not be continuing cataract surgery if the government insists on the cuts.

"I have raised the matter in Parliament and other regional colleagues tell me they are facing the same scenario."

He said the elderly will face up to $300 extra out-of-pocket expenses if the rebate is set at 45 per cent.

Whyalla resident Lyonel Elston who had a cataract operation recently said the rebate would affect the surgeons who may stop coming to country towns.

He said the Government will have to assist patients in travelling to Adelaide which will lead to increased transport cost, accommodation and other travelling expenses.