How is the Minister using the Welsh eye care measures to assess if and how health boards are prioritising patients based on their clinical need?
The Welsh Government works with health boards to analyse the eye care measures to ensure ophthalmic services continue to be delivered, in a timely manner, across all patient pathways. The most recent statistics were published on 10 August 2021.
All parts of the eye care service from primary to secondary care are working together to maximise the use of appropriate resources. This ensures people are seen and treated by the right person, in the right place, for their clinical need.
Health boards have established helplines if people feel their condition has changed; however, anyone who is worried about their eye health should contact their primary care optometrist who will provide appropriate advice and examine those who require urgent or essential eye care.
It is important that people with, or at risk of, sight loss continue to receive expert clinical advice and care.
In May 2021, I provided an additional £100m to NHS Wales to support their local planned care recovery plans. Local plans include a variety of actions related to eye-care such as identifying additional resources from external providers either to provide services within the health boards or in other facilities to increase treatment capacity.