We are grateful for your valued ongoing input during this current Covid pandemic. Thank you.
Our Ophthalmology website has been updated with a COVID-19 Response for Cataract referrals.
Cataract surgery is the most common elective surgery in the NHS, the largest proportion of which is routine elective surgery. As a result of this, we are aware that there are many patients who are currently on our waiting list who will experience a delay as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are all aware of the current stresses and strains that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our health care services and especially on services that have a very high patient turnover such as Ophthalmology. A number of these patients will be presenting to you requesting that you write in to us in order to expedite their appointments.
We are currently re-establishing our services, but can only do this in line with the current guidelines for re-establishing ophthalmic clinical services. We will not be back to full capacity for some time.
As a result of our limitations we would recommend using the following points to guide you on who should have an expedite referral letter. For GP’s, we believe it is best to direct patients presenting to your GP practice to their local optometrist, because they are best equipped to carry out a detailed eye examination, unless off course it is a clear sight threatening emergency. Any patient falling outside this group of patients listed below, should not be referred again to expedite their appointment. Please refer them to our patient information for Patients on a waiting list for routine cataract surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This will give them the information they require.
Thanks
The Ophthalmic Consultants
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board