More than 80,000 patients at greatest risk of permanent sight loss are waiting too long for sight-saving treatment, according to a new report from the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee.
Ophthalmology is the busiest outpatient specialty in Wales, accounting for one in eight patients on the NHS waiting list, and demand is projected to rise by 40% over the next 20 years.
There are only 1.97 consultant ophthalmologists per 100,000 population in Wales, falling far below the recommended 3 per 100,000. Wales still lacks a fully functioning electronic patient record and referral system, and many eye care facilities are outdated and unsafe, with reports of leaking roofs and broken equipment causing treatment delays.
The Committee warns that without urgent action and sustainable investment, more patients are at risk of losing their sight unnecessarily. Its inquiry heard powerful testimony from patients about the devastating impact of delays – from losing jobs and independence to spiralling mental health crises.
Emotional and practical toll
Long waiting times for treatment have emotional and practical consequences. They can lead to the loss of independence, including the ability to drive, read, or recognise faces which, in turn, can lead to social isolation and mental health challenges.
One patient, who has macular degeneration, described the constant anxiety caused by delayed treatments: “The constant fear I have, which I live with daily, is of going blind. I'm likely to be condemned to lose my sight by inaction. I feel that time is indeed of the essence for my sight and retaining it.”
Other evidence heard by the Committee included a patient who lost her job because she couldn’t give her employers a timeline for treatment and a young mother who, after being told she would go blind, left hospital without any support and spiralled into crisis. Patients described travelling up to 150 miles for treatment, often without transport assistance. Others spoke of losing independence, being unable to drive, and facing social isolation.
Blueprint for better service
The Committee calls on Welsh Government to act now to implement the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology – described as the blueprint for reform. Published in 2024, the strategy sets out how services should be transformed to tackle long waits and improve the experience for patients. It includes reform to maximise workforce resource; clinical networks to ensure everyone has equal access to care; and a model to deliver services across health board boundaries.
But progress has been slow, and the Committee warns that without action more people are at risk of losing their sight unnecessarily.
Chair of the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee, Peter Fox MS, said:
“Half of all sight loss is avoidable with early detection and timely treatment. Yet thousands of people are living with the fear of losing their sight because they are not being seen on time. We are so grateful to patients who shared their stories with us – their experiences must be the catalyst for urgent change.
“The blueprint exists – now it must be put to work. This means clear accountability, proper investment, and a relentless focus on patient safety and experience. Without this, the transformation of eye care services will remain incomplete.
“This is about protecting people’s sight – and their quality of life. The Welsh Government must act now.”
Read about the Committee's work on Ophthalmology Services in Wales
