Patients harmed by appointment delays

Up to 22 patients per month are harmed due to delays in treatment and follow-up appointments, according to new research by the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU).

These patients were from vulnerable social groups with conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Of the 169 patients reported with preventable loss of vision, 132 experienced permanent deterioration of vision along with 15 unplanned surgical procedures and six emergency hospital admissions over a 12-month period.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has called for NHS England to collect and report on the intended follow-up appointment date in hospital eye services, which will alert the ophthalmic teams of when a patient is not being seen within their clinically recommended time.