The Association of Optometrists has warned that the UK is facing a 'health emergency' over the sheer number of people waiting for eye treatment. The delays could see many people lose vision unnecessarily, it said.
The Association of Optometrists has warned that the UK is facing a"health emergency" over the sheer number of people waiting for eye treatment. The delays could see many people lose vision unnecessarily, it said.Hundreds of people have lost their sight due to treatment delays caused by NHS backlogs, it has been revealed.
Of those, 99 incidents involved"severe harm" and 120"moderate harm" - including one patient who went blind in their left eye after going three months without what should have been a monthly injection. The backlog for ophthalmology appointments in England is the second-largest in the NHS, standing at 628,502 - with 27,260 waiting a year or more.
Nearly half of the 498 people surveyed have experienced a loss or decline in vision during this time.Cathy Yelf, chief executive of eye charity Macular Society, said people are"terrified" at the prospect of going blind.The AOP is calling on the government to adopt a"national strategy for eye care" to tackle the issue, including allowing more community optometrists to provide care and follow-up services to reduce pressure on the NHS.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NHS Glasgow reports worrying rise in gonorrhoea and offers free condomsNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has urged people to take advantage of the free condoms and tests offered by the health board amid a 'concerning' rise in gonorrhoea cases across the area.
Read more »
Gary Glitter gets '£15,000 knee operation on the NHS which patients wait months for'Pop-star paedophile Gary Glitter got a £15,000 operation on his knee paid for by the taxpayer while patients wait four months for the same treatment.
Read more »
Appliance to avoid to save hundreds on energy bill, according to expertAn expert has shared some simple changes which could help you reduce energy bills as well as issuing some advice on an item you should pick up to help keep costs down.
Read more »
State funeral held in Ghana for Christian AtsuHUNDREDS OF people including Ghana’s president have paid their last respects to Christian Atsu, who...
Read more »
Certain personality traits and satisfaction linked throughout adult lifespanCertain personality traits are associated with satisfaction in life, and despite the changes people may experience in social roles and responsibilities over the course of their adult lives, that association is stable regardless of age, according to research published by the American Psychological Association in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Read more »
UnitedHealth's buyout of UK's EMIS could reduce competitionNHS could also be hit with higher prices as a result of the merger, CMA argues in initial investigation
Read more »