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Waiting times causing blindness

Doctors are claiming that patients with chronic eye problems are losing their sight due to new patient waiting time targets. *

The Welsh Assembly Government wants all new patients in Wales to be seen within 26 weeks of referral, but this means that existing patients may have their appointments moved in order for new ones to be seen.

Patients with chronic eye conditions, such as glaucoma, should have regular hospital appointments to monitor the problem and prevent deterioration.

But doctors say evidence is showing that some patients are going blind because their appointments are being postponed to accommodate new patients.

Consultant and council member for Wales for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Nick Hawksworth, said: “Within Wales we have some very clear anecdotal evidence of patients who have already suffered irreversible sight loss as a result of delayed appointments.

“What is in effect clinical judgement is being over-ridden by the political imperative to meet targets for the new patients coming in.”

This week (June 8 – June 14) is National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2009. Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages and many people lose up to 40 per cent of their field of vision before they notice a problem. **

It is therefore important to have regular sight tests in order to detect signs of the disease early. But in the current economic climate, people may be delaying having their eyes tested.

A Westfield Health cash plan could help to ease financial pressures by providing cash back towards the cost of everyday healthcare such as dental and optical treatment and diagnostic consultations.

All of Westfield’s plans include an optical benefit, which enables policyholders to claim back the cost of eye examinations, glasses and contact lenses, up to set limits.

Westfield’s Advantage and Good4you Plans include a consultation benefit, which enables policyholders to claim back some of the cost of diagnostic consultations, giving them more choice and control over where and when they have their appointment. Those who have level three, four or five cover can also claim money back towards the cost of treatment.

For more information about the Advantage Plan, please visit http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/advantage/index.asp

For more information about the Good4you Plan, please visit http://www.westfieldhealth.com/individual-health-plans/health-cash-plan.asp

For more information on National Glaucoma Week, visit:
http://www.glaucoma-association.com/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1875&lang=en&tt=article

* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8075989.stm
** http://www.glaucoma-association.com/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1875&lang=en&tt=article

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