What assessment has the Government made of the numbers of eye patients who will have suffered damage to their sight due to delays in care or treatment as a result of COVID-19?
Throughout the pandemic people who need essential and urgent eye care have continued to be seen. Health boards have a duty of care to ensure people are reviewed at clinically appropriate times. Whilst people are waiting for treatment, it is imperative that their condition is monitored by an appropriate clinician and treatment and follow up care is provided in a safe and timely manner. The Welsh Government has provided additional funding to health boards to ensure more people can be reviewed in a timely manner.
In the unfortunate event someone suffers sight loss or irreversible harm, health boards are required to report these serious incidents (SI) to the NHS Delivery Unit and Welsh Government. Each incident is carefully investigated and any appropriate action is taken. Preventing sight loss and providing clinically appropriate care and treatment remain a priority.