Following the Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections last month, we have written to the respective Health Ministers urging them to prioritise addressing the challenges ophthalmology services face in both nations.
Our letters to Mabon ap Gwynfor and Alison Thewliss outline the actions the new administrations must take to tackle long waits, workforce shortages, ageing estates and inadequate digital infrastructure.
In Wales, we have pledged to work with the government to implement the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology, alongside supporting their commitment to strengthen national pathways for ophthalmology and deliver 10 new surgical hubs that include ophthalmology. For Scotland, our commitment is to support the Government’s plans to better focus on follow-up backlogs – including wet AMD – accelerate the rollout of the national electronic patient record system, and expand ophthalmology capacity in rural areas.
Commenting on the election results, College President Mohamed Elalfy said:
“Ophthalmology services in Scotland and Wales are under severe strain, with workforce gaps, poor IT infrastructure and dilapidated estates hampering our ability to deliver the efficient care that patients need.
“The new governments have recognised the challenges facing ophthalmology services and now have an important opportunity to drive real, long-term change. We look forward to working with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to co-design pathways and services that transform ophthalmology care and help more people avoid irreversible sight loss.”