Selby man fears losing his sight because of NHS delays
Backlogs are forcing many patients to go private, according to a new report
NHS backlogs are forcing many patients to go private or risk permanent sight loss, according to a new report.
The figures come from the Association of Optometrists (AOP), whose new research examines the experiences of more than 1,000 High Street optometrists across the UK.
It shows that 81% have had patients in the past six months who’ve had to pay for private treatment due to NHS waiting times, or risk permanent loss of sight.
Adam Sampson – AOP’s Chief Executive – calls the situation an ‘emergency’ and is urging Government to use eye care services on the High Street to slash the backlog and end the postcode lottery faced by the public.
“We all recognise that the NHS is under greater pressure than ever before and the latest figures paint a very stark picture. More people than ever are waiting longer than ever for sight-saving treatment.
“We’re now in a desperate situation. Patients are being forced to spend their savings on private treatment to avoid losing their sight – not to mention the many where paying for private care is simply not an option."
"It's very stressful and frustrating"
Andrew Battye, York, is an artist who relies on his sight to work. He was diagnosed with Wet age-related macular degeneration and the eye condition has got significantly worse since his initial diagnosis.
He has struggled to get appointments every four weeks usually every happening at six or eight week intervals. When gaps are as long as two months he notices his sight declines rapidly. "If it deteriorates the thing is you don't get it back, any sight loss that you get, you don't get back so every little bit that you lose is gone, which is very scary."
"It's very stressful and frustrating when you know you need these appointments and you can't get them, you are told by the optometrist that we'll book you in for four weeks time and then you go to reception and they say we can't fit you in, it's seven weeks."