Inadequate hospital eye services in England are contributing to dozens of patients losing their sight because of treatment delays, according to an official investigation.
One patient with glaucoma waited 11 months for treatment and saw seven different ophthalmologists while attempting to get care according to the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch inquiry.
The case prompted the inquiry, leading the HSIB to conclude that hospital eye services have inadequate capacity.
The investigators suggest "better, smarter" ways of working to tackle these shortages, proposing virtual clinics and tackling risk averse behaviour by some clinicians, leading to repeat appointments for low risk patients.
Investigator Keith Conradi said: "We know that the delay to appointments once patients are diagnosed exacerbates the risk of sight loss in patients across England. Our case highlighted the devastating impact; our patient has suffered immeasurably, living with the effects each day, including not being able to see the faces of her young children or read books to them.
“Despite some national recommendations being made ten years ago, this continues to happen and will only worsen as the population ages – a 44% increase in the number of people with glaucoma is predicted by the year 2035."
He added: "By highlighting the pertinent issues, our safety recommendations direct organisations to make changes to help reduce the burden on hospital eye services, and lessen the personal loss and distress suffered by patients and their families.”
The findings were welcomed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
President Mike Burdon said: "With demand for ophthalmic services predicted to rise by more than 40% over the next 20 years, urgent action is needed, and we look forward to working with NHS England and other key stakeholders to the transformation of ophthalmic services to safeguard the sight of patients.”
Dr Lydia Chang, clinical adviser to the Getting It Right First Time programme, added: “Whilst the report narrates the tragic story of one individual who has suffered harm due to delayed follow up, others continue to be at risk. The report’s recommendations are designed to support ophthalmology services focus on the risk and protect patients as much as possible from unnecessary harm."
https://www.hsib.org.uk/investigations-cases/lack-timely-monitoring-patients-glaucoma/final-report/
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