Expert calls for urgent publication of blueprint on eye care services

Publication of a blueprint to overhaul the delivery of eye care services is almost a year behind schedule at a time when ophthalmology inpatient/day case waiting lists have outstripped all other specialties leading to avoidable sight loss in some patients.

David Keegan, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Mater Hospital, said more than half (54%) of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who are not treated in a timely manner suffer “significant vision loss”. The figure drops to 10% where treatment is timely, he said.

Patients with AMD require, on average, seven eye injections per annum, but it must be administered within 4-6 weeks of diagnosis to halt progression of the disease.