New statistics out today on eye care show that the number of people newly certified with impaired vision in Wales has decreased over the last three years.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Cabinet Secretary for Health Vaughan Gething said:
“It’s reassuring to see that the number of people with a new sight impairment in Wales has decreased by 15 per cent. An ageing population with complex health needs means that figure was predicted to rise.
“We are detecting eye conditions earlier and coupled with newer, more effective treatments, this is helping to ensure fewer people develop sight loss in Wales.”
Dr Barbara Ryan, Chief Optometric Advisor, said:
“There were over 1 million eye care consultations last year in NHS Wales, and this success is thanks to our dedicated staff, in primary and secondary care, who can be proud of their efforts.
“However, we know that there is a lot more to do. We know that more people than ever before are being referred to ophthalmologists and that there is work to do to ensure more people are treated in a timely fashion.
“We are working with health boards, professionals and user groups to change the way we deliver ophthalmic care so we can continue to reduce preventable sight impairment in Wales.”