Eye Health and Macular Disease

Acknowledging the contributions made during the debate, Andrew Gwynne highlighted that there are currently over 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK. He pointed out that without support, ophthalmology services will be stretched to capacity due to a rapidly rising demand for these services. Referrals from primary care increased by 12% between December 2019 and 2013-14, and approximately 600,000 people are living with age-related macular degeneration in the UK, which can have severe long-term impacts on mental health and quality of life. Gwynne also mentioned that nationally, almost 35% of patients wait longer than 18 weeks to start ophthalmology treatment.

Congratulated Jim Shannon for securing the debate and stressed the importance of patients not overlooking their ophthalmology appointments to identify issues early on.

John Martin McDonnell expressed concern over the lack of a national strategy for eye health, particularly regarding refractive surgery. He highlighted the risks associated with laser surgery and lens replacement, noting that many hundreds out of thousands who undergo such procedures suffer serious problems due to inadequate assessments by salespeople rather than clinically qualified staff. Mr McDonnell shared a humorous anecdote about his experience trying to get an optician appointment and referenced an incident involving the Prime Minister disrupting eye tests, illustrating broader issues around accessibility.

Ms Nici, who has macular disease herself, discussed the challenges and life impacts of the condition. She highlighted the importance of early detection through regular optician visits, the role of technology in aiding those with eye conditions, and the need for employer support to enable continued professional involvement.

Ms Lyn Brown expressed concern about the damaging effects of refractive eye surgeries, particularly citing her constituent Darren Clixby's experience. She highlighted his poor vision and mental health deterioration following multiple corrective operations, leading to a loss of employment and ongoing psychological distress. Ms Brown questioned the adequacy of patient information before surgery and the regulatory oversight, noting that private companies should be held accountable for their shortcomings and that the NHS often bears the burden when such procedures fail.

Inquired about the Royal College of Ophthalmologists' recommendation for additional staff and emphasised the need to streamline data sharing across healthcare providers.

Mr Offord discussed his personal experience with eye health issues and highlighted the concerns about excessive numbers of people per session during check-ups for glaucoma. He criticised the government's lack of a national strategy for eye health, citing rationing by clinical commissioning groups and difficulties in accessing second-eye surgery. Mr Offord also raised the issue of funding for Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) and called for more transparency on where the additional NHS funding will be allocated.

Highlighted innovation in NHS during the pandemic, particularly mentioning PolyPhotonix's development in macular deterioration treatment and encouraged ministerial support.

Pays tribute to the debate's leader, highlights that over 2 million people in the UK suffer from sight loss which impacts their daily life negatively. Welcomes steps taken by the government such as committing £8 billion between 2022 and 2025 for elective services transformation and increasing activity. Supports initiatives like the national eye care recovery transformation programme and the forthcoming appointment of a national clinical director for eye services in England. Urges the Minister to support local campaigns, such as installing tactile paving at Darlington's Bank Top station during its refurbishment.

Emphasises the importance of public awareness campaigns to help early detection of macular degeneration across all UK nations.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with up to 40,000 people developing wet age-related neovascular macular degeneration every year. AMD affects middle vision and can make reading, watching TV, driving difficult. The Scottish Parliament provides free, universal NHS-funded eye care examinations since 2006 for adults biannually and children under 16 annually, which helps detect early signs of sight-threatening conditions and other medical issues like diabetes. Asked whether there are plans within the national strategy to remove financial barriers so that individuals can access free eye tests across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.