Optometrist claims HES at breaking point

Brendan McCreesh told optician of the reasoning behind his move: 'There are more and more people here who are becoming frustrated and all I can do is refer them. Someone will go blind here [in Enniskillen], but this problem is all over Co Fermanagh. The system is at breaking point.'
The optometrist said patients were being forced to wait 18 months to see a consultant as part of a routine referral.
Some of his patients have experienced increased vision loss during that time, but none as yet has completely lost their sight. Waiting lists in nearby areas are shorter.
McCreesh blamed the situation on a lack of resources at Erne hospital. 'There is only one consultant ophthalmologist, who visits just one day per week. She receives 70 new referrals each month (on top of return patients), but can only see a maximum of 15 per day,' he said.
McCreesh added that the public was being let down by the system, and residents were beginning to say they had no choice but to go private.
'A two-tier NHS is developing. It's those who can't afford to pay who are losing out.'