Up to four NHS patients lose their sight every week because of delays in follow-up care, a leading eye surgeon has said.
Professor Carrie MacEwen, who is president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, has warned that some eye appointments are being delayed by months or even years.
She said an ageing population was partly to blame, with the rise in demand putting pressure upon eye services.
She also cited NHS targets as being a potential cause. Currently a hospital is fined if there is more than an 18-week wait for a consultation or treatment after a GP referral.
But no such targets exist for follow-up appointments, meaning patients with chronic conditions are not receiving the continual treatment they need.
Professor MacEwen said: “We can no longer ignore the pressure mounting on hospital eye services.”
“In reality, the increasing demand for eye clinic appointments comes from existing patients with chronic eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.”
“These ‘follow-up’ patients are the most vulnerable and at the greatest risk of irreversible sight loss. These conditions require long-term repeat appointments for close monitoring and care.”
One study found that between 2011 and 2013, 500 patients in England and Wales suffered a loss or deterioration in vision because of delays in follow-up care.
Early results from a national study being conducted by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists suggest a similar trend, with around 20 patients every month experiencing severe sight loss due to delays.
Sight loss claims
If you or your loved one has suffered sight loss because of substandard medical care, please get in touch with us to discuss a compensation claim.
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