The College is expressing concerns that the Welsh Government’s response to the report following its inquiry into ophthalmology services does not reflect the urgency of the challenges facing ophthalmology services in Wales.
We welcomed the Health and Social Care Committee’s report and its 17 practical recommendations. They provide a clear route map for improving ophthalmology services in Wales. However the Government’s response defers or avoids making key commitments that would deliver these recommendations.
We are particularly disappointed that it has decided not to ‘commit to a programme of investment specifically for ophthalmology services which mirrors the scale and sustainability of investment made in primary care optometry’. Instead it defers this to the next government following the May 2026 election, pending a ‘baseline assessment of current investment’.
The evidence-based case for this investment to tackle dilapidated estates and chronic workforce shortages has already been set out in the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology (NCSOphth). Action is needed urgently so we can improve services for patients.
It is also frustrating that improved oversight arrangements for delivering NCSOphth are rejected.
It is more positive that the Welsh Government is pushing ahead with the long-awaited rollout of the electronic health record system OpenEyes, with the onus now on health boards for delivery.
We are also pleased that the Government has accepted the recommendation that sub-specialty waiting list data should be collected and reported. This should help better target resources to support those at risk of avoidable irreversible sight loss.
College Llywydd Rhianon Reynolds said, “The Welsh Government needs to show more ambition to tackle the huge challenges facing ophthalmology services.
“To meet the needs of patients now and in the future, we must invest to improve our dilapidated estates and provide the workforce and digital infrastructure necessary to deliver the best care.
“The College looks forward to working with the Welsh Government to drive change and fully implement the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology.”
We will continue to engage with the Welsh Government and policymakers in Wales to ensure we deliver sustainable ophthalmology services that meet patient need.